Discernment

The dictionary definition of this term is very short and pointed.  Discernment is "the ability to judge well."  Over the past months we have been in a state of discernment.  That discernment has been related to an understanding of 1) who we are as a United Methodist congregation, 2) who we should be as a church and 3) what decisions we need to make so that we can do the work/ministry/worship God has planned for us.  While we should be in a constant state of discernment, this time seems stark, different and important.  We must enter this time in both prayer and in the word of God.

Paul, in speaking to Timothy, knows discernment is important.  God has called Timothy and Paul is sending his friend (that he loves as a son) out into a chaotic world.  Paul knows that this world will not be merciful or graceful to Timothy.  But Paul also knows that Timothy has been doth gifted and equipped for the task.  And Paul's advice is for Timothy to carry with his the tools of discernment.  In Chapter 3 of 2 Timothy, Paul sends Timothy with this advice, " ... you have known the Holy Scriptures that make you wise for salvation through faith in Jesus Christ.  All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work."  The advice is sound in a world that requires foundation and discernment.

So, back to the three questions.  Who are we as a United Methodist congregation?  We are good and faithful followers of Jesus with a rich heritage, solid theology and a missional mindset.  Our UM Discipline is, in the Articles of Religion and in statements about the complex issues facing our people and nation, orthodox (conforming to what is generally accepted as right and true).  We can say the creeds without reservation.  We can preach and profess the truth, foundation, sufficiency and necessity of Jesus Christ.  But, we are connected to many other UM clergy, conferences, bishops, agencies and even curricula that are inconsistent and even in opposition to the UM Discipline and the Scripture that supposedly support them.

Who should we be as a congregation?  Paul tells Timothy while the world is operating in opposition to Christ and God, the Church must be different.  Where the world sows hate, the Church sows love.  Where the world says "every man for himself," the Church becomes willing to give up its life for the salvation of others.  Where the world says, "find yourself" the Church says (as Paul shared with Timothy) find "salvation through the savior, Jesus Christ."  And when our denominational structure becomes the wing of a political party, the Church remains true to the foundation of Scripture and Discipline.

What decisions do we need to make so that we can conduct what Paul calls "the good works God has equipped us for?" We do some things that are very "Methodist."  Our Trustees develop/maintain facilities and long-term resources for ministry.  Our Staff Parrish Relations Team makes sure we have people to do this work.  Our Finance Team makes sure that we secure funds for the ministry of the church.  And, in the midst of all of these "good" problems, we must try to maintain/develop facilities, hire people and raise funds while the tenor of brothers and sisters all over our nation ignore, oppose and even mock the UM Discipline and the Scriptural basis upon which the Discipline is founded.  "Good works" are hampered because the leadership and the structural support of our denomination has chosen to live in opposition to our basic tenants.  And our friends, neighbors, potential employees and community sees the disconnect.  We must decide/discern who we are and where we are going.

We must judge well.  Randy