A Methodist Way of Life

Just to round off yesterday’s thinking on living working and worshiping with contradictory convictions, 5 years ago the Methodist Church reconciled to:-

- We continue to believe that God has been revealed in Jesus Christ, accept Jesus Christ as our Lord and Saviour, and live in communion with God and in the power of the Holy Spirit.

- We cherish our place within Christ's Church recognising that it is Christ alone who chooses, calls and confirms us as members of His church, the body of Christ.

Whilst we may not all agree about everything, we recognise the importance of the truths which bind us together as well as the issues which currently divide us.

Therefore, we resolve:

+ To engage with each other openly, honestly, prayerfully and graciously

+ To treat each other with respect and dignity, recognising the sincerity of the faith of those who may see things differently

+ To seek to learn from one another as we travel together as fellow pilgrims

+ To renounce all language and behaviours that attempt to coerce others to change their views or beliefs

+ To seek, as far as conscience allows, to preserve the fellowship of Christ's Church

To unite under the authority of scripture as we seek to live as authentic Christian disciples in our own generation.

The New Testament book of James has something to say to us.  ~ `’My dear friends, don’t let public opinion influence how you live out our glorious, Christ-originated faith. If a man enters your church wearing an expensive suit, and a street person wearing rags comes in right after him, and you say to the man in the suit, “Sit here, sir; this is the best seat in the house!” and either ignore the street person or say, “Better sit here in the back row,” haven’t you segregated God’s children and proved that you are judges who can’t be trusted? 

Listen, dear friends. Isn’t it clear by now that God operates quite differently? ……. You do well when you complete the Royal Rule of the Scriptures: “Love others as you love yourself.” (The Message)

Prayer God who delights in us, You search us and find us out.  You love us from the inside.  Every thought and feeling, uttered and held in silence is known to you and precious to you. Dwell within us. Help us discover that you mean us to grow into who we are and no other. To be real, not to pretend, and to blossom in its liberating power. Shelter us in your protective shadow from those who will not accept us, who know us only from the outside.  Give us the peace that passes all understanding, fear and rejection, knowing that you alone behold us, desire us, and declare us to be your own. Amen