Easter: Time to Join the Movement of God's Mission

Some staff members were sitting around a table last week discussing program matters. The meeting reached a point in which the business they were there to take care of had been attended to, but they continued to talk. Organically, the talk shifted and they began to pour out their hearts about the desire they have for a renewal of vitality within The United Methodist Church and this Conference.

One of them said, rather wistfully, that she wished there were a formula we could call upon, similar to what a fast-food chain famously advertised a few years ago. You remember: "two all-beef patties, special sauce, lettuce, cheese …" I'm sure you can complete the chant for yourselves.
 
They all laughed, and agreed that while it would be nice if vitality could be measured so simply, the fact is that it exhibits itself in different ways for different churches and communities. It isn't as simple as church size, style of worship, or even whether a congregation leans to the right or to the left. Small, medium, or large churches can be vital, though not all are. Churches with traditional services can flourish, if that style reflects the community around them. And there are examples of both liberal and conservative churches which are thriving.
 
On the heels of that staff discussion, one of our superintendents, Kristie Olah, made a thoughtful observation in the most recent edition of the El Camino Real District newsletter: "Movements do not read like recipes: take two portions of Bible study and add in one reorganized church council and a teaspoon of young adult ministry," she wrote. "But," she added, "movements can be noticed in the things to which we pay attention, the efforts we make toward our goal, in the flow of things."
 
Noting that the word "movement" is defined as "a tendency or trend; an organized effort by supporters of a common goal," Rev. Olah went on to say:
 
For the last few years, we United Methodists have been exploring ideas as we have tried to faithfully share an old, old story: the Gospel of Jesus Christ. We have read books together, started small groups, and invited ourselves deeper into discipleship and leadership. We have learned the vocabulary of equipping ministry, leadership development, and permission giving. We have lifted up transformational ministry and covenant groups. We have created vision statements, mission plans, and welcoming centers.
 
While some might see a disjointed mash-up of events and programs and ideas, I see a movement: a flowing stream of effort by Jesus-freed followers. A movement of the Holy Spirit working in and through us to build up the kingdom of God, the kingdom of God's beloved people in community with one another and the world … 
 
Here in the California-Nevada Annual Conference, we approach Easter with the intention of joining that movement, collectively. We are asking that all United Methodists throughout the Conference make a commitment to Catch Fire in 50 Days and Join the Movement of God's Mission in the World. 
 
Catch Fire in 50 Days is a resource prepared by the Rev. Blake Busick and other members of the Conference's Task Force on Congregational Vitality. Consisting of a meditation for each day from Easter to Pentecost, with Bible passage, reflections, and prayer, the study is available for use by individuals, small groups, and entire congregations, and can be accessed in a variety of ways. Since individuals and churches differ, there is no recommended "way" to participate: We're leaving it up to you. But we pray that you will choose to journey with us and engage in this shared season of preparation for the work we will do at Annual Conference Session.
 
We are an Easter people. We can be a part of a movement of people rethinking church, and what it means to be a follower of Christ. We are capable of Catching Fire!
 
As we look to Easter and beyond, then, let us plunge headlong into a journey of discovery of God's vision for us. Let us call on the Holy Spirit to move in us and through us to renew ourselves and renew the Church, for the glory of the One we serve. Let us Catch Fire – and let Easter be alive in us each day!
 
You may download the study from the Conference website, purchase it in book form, or subscribe to "E-Fire" to receive it in the form of daily emails. In addition, various Conference leaders will share their reflections on the CatchFirein50Days blog and the CatchFirein50 Facebook page – and we hope that you will share your own thoughts, in the place most comfortable for you: on Facebook, at the blog site, by tweeting #catchfire50, or by commenting on the Catch Fire page on the Conference website.

By: Warner H. Brown, Jr. On 4/18/2011
Topics: Article