Below is a letter sent to my Conference, published here for those who may not have received it.
Hello Genesis Conference -
While I've responded to the white-supremacy marches in Charlottesville briefly on social media, I was asked if I would send an email to our churches.
This is my not-a-sound-byte, more thought out, response. It's long. I realize the temptation would be to see the length and skip reading… but I ask you not to do that. Some of what I write has been brewing awhile. Read, pray, think, do.
First, a confession: this past weekend I was paying little attention to the news. By the time I had begun to grasp what had happened, there was already much response to the event. Our Bishops had responded. Bishop Roller’s excellent blog can be found here: http://fmcusa.org/davidroller/
Beyond Bishop Roller’s blog, which I heartily agree with, let me add some thoughts of my own.
I am thankful that churches and individuals are making (and looking for) statements opposed to the hate. But if we stop at a statement, we haven't done much other than pat ourselves on the back. What can we do to bring change to a splintered, angry, hate-filled society?
Let me get personal. My family is a bi-racial family. Our daughter - a college graduate who loves the Lord, serves in the church, has leadership gifts, and is succeeding in her career - is a beautiful shade of dark chocolate brown. A question that sits in the back of my mind as I go to churches around Genesis is: “If I weren't the superintendent, would my family be welcome here?” I wish I could heartily say “yes!” to every church we’ve visited… but I know it's not the case.
The question remains; how can we make it the case? How can we make our churches places where ALL are welcomed, where the hard work of reconciliation is being done? Places where we demonstrate life transformation, so that even white supremacists can be radically transformed by the power of Christ so that they end up washing their black brother's feet? Places where people come and find a new identity in Christ (not identity in a political party, or an alt-right group, or sexual identity, or even family or job, but identity in Christ)?
HOW can we be those places? Here's a few starting suggestions:
1. Teach, model, and practice corporate repentance. If we do not identify the places where we have sinned both as individuals and communities, we will never see the fullness of the power of God at work. In this particular situation, teach people to repent of any attitudes that allow them to set themselves up as “better” than another. (Philippians 2:3-8)
2. Teach, model, and practice friendships with those unlike you. Our world has forgotten how to both love and like another who is very different from us. Who in your community is most unlike you? How can you reach out in friendship? (Think of those who travelled with Jesus! Matthew - a tax collector. Simon - a zealot. Nathanael - a good Jew. Mary Magdalene - a woman who had been healed of demonic possession. Joanna [wife of Chuza] who would have been used to the luxuries of Herod’s house. These people didn't just have to get along an hour on Sunday, they travelled together!). In addition: how can you better reflect your community in your church? For some, this will mean beginning a long process of humbly reaching out to African Africans, Natives, Latinos, and asking them how to better build bridges. For others, it means carefully considering what “faces” represent your church on Sunday morning (do you have both men & women, as well as ethnic diversity reflecting your community…. on the platform? Preaching? In the nursery? Ushering?). Who someone sees when they walk through your door matters. It helps answer the question: “do I fit here?”
3. Teach, model, and practice how to have respectful disagreements. As a culture we have lost our ability to respectfully disagree. To be friends with those who are radically different. The church needs to show that in our churches this is not only possible but expected as people walk with Jesus. Please, please, please refrain for taking cheap shots on social media. If you wouldn't say it to someone in person, don't say it on social media. Teach and preach on what it means to radically love and forgive.
4. Lean in to our call as Free Methodists. While our first and primary identity is in Christ, our call is as Free Methodists. There are a number of reasons why I chose Free Methodism. One was that the commitments that launched our denomination centered around equally valuing EVERY person, rich or poor, black or white, male or female. Ever wonder why we are FREE Methodists? Part of the reason is that there was a practice of buying pews that had sprung up in churches, which meant that those with means and status had the best seats. Free Methodists opposed this, and chose to value everyone equally. Does your church demonstrate this? When someone comes in drunk or dirty are they loved (do an experiment: ask someone unknown to the congregation to come in on a Sunday morning in dirty smelly clothes and report back)? When someone’s skin is a different color, are they warmly welcomed? Are people who look different than the majority of the congregation welcomed into leadership? Are women’s leadership gifts encouraged and accepted as well as men's? (I know that when it comes to women pastors, the answer is unfortunately “no.” I’ve had many churches tell me they are not open to a woman being appointed). Friends, can I point out the obvious? We are Free Methodists, which means we say we believe in equality. Whether you grew up Free Methodist, chose Free Methodism, or fell into it by accident, it's where you have committed to be. If we, as Free Methodists, say one thing while practicing another, that's the definition of hypocrisy. Jesus did not commend nor bless hypocrisy. If we are to have the blessing of God, we need to live what say we believe. In Christ, we are equal, no matter our race, gender, or socio-economic status. (Galatians 3:28).
5. Disciple people, expecting transformation. When people say or live in a way that doesn't fit with the life of Jesus, don't just shrug your head and say “oh, that's just Joe.” Instead, ask how to disciple people in a way that sees their lives change. Expect that change. Plan and train for that change. When you see change, celebrate it. If you are not seeing change, figure out why. We are meant to bear fruit, and that includes the fruit of the Spirit, which is change. In addition to putting a stop to racism and sexism, put a stop to gossip and pride. Expect continuing transformation of every believer. (Galatians 5:22-23, 2 Peter 1:5-9).
6. Expect leaders to walk the talk. Pastors, staff members, board members, small group leaders, ministry leaders all need to be living transformed lives, in step with our values. Leaders must live lives “above reproach”… and this includes not being racist or sexist. Our nominating and hiring committees must understand our beliefs and values and look for people who are walking the talk.
7. Teach, model & practice the Jesus-way of giving away power. Jesus has the most power and authority of any human who has walked this planet. What did He do with that power? He gave it away, as He empowered others. He healed. He washed people’s feet. He served. And He taught His followers to do the same. (Philippians 2, Matthew 20:25-28). Teach people that the Lord gives them power (Mt 28:18, Luke 9:1 & 10:19-20, Acts 1:8), but the purpose of that power is to give it away. For those who have more power due to position or influence or wealth or color of skin? Learn to give it away.
I believe with all my heart that the deep values and beliefs that launched this denomination - biblical holiness and the empowering Spirit for any and all who follow and yield to Christ - are what is needed for our time. Will you join me in committing to live what we say we believe?
With Hope -
Superintendent Pam
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