Tuesday 21 January 2014

'Methodism doesn't need evolution - it needs revolution.'

'Methodism doesn't need evolution - it needs revolution.'




These words were said to me at the end of a conversation about itineracy and the circuit system in Methodism. A few of us had been chatting around the dinner table about some of the blockages to growth, and indeed about some of the possibilities too. I found myself defending our structures as being workable (I know, very unusual for me!) if we approach them in the right way. I mentioned how with some tweaking we could make our structures much more workable. One of the guys as he walked away, said, 'Methodism doesn't need evolution - it needs revolution.'

Almost immediately I realised that he was right and I was wrong. The more I thought about these words, the more I realised the weight of them. I feel unsettled in my spirit.  Perhaps his words were more prophetic than a throw away comment at the end of a conversation....at least that's what I'm thinking.

So I'm left wondering, 'how desperate are we for transformation?'  Desperate enough to do things very differently....and even to be different? Revolutions are never a walk in the park! People get hurt. Mistakes are made. And that might make us hesitant because we avoid pain and upset....that's only natural. But is it really our business to worry about others if it takes our focus away from Christ? Or are we supposed to fix our eyes on Jesus the pioneer and perfect or of faith?

Revolutions start with individuals. Please don't think for one minute that I'm advocating a violent power struggle with our denominational leaders....I'm really not. These are godly people whom I love and respect. But a revolution can equally be about a change in attitude and actions that brings about wide-reaching change.



I'm not sure how to finish this post as everything I try to write now just seems trite, as if I'm looking for an easy answer to neatly wrap up and conclude with. So instead I'll tell you that I expect to keep on feeling unsettled, and I'll pray, and think, and when I next see you, let's talk about revolution.

1 comment:

  1. Yup - suggested this 20 years ago - Elaine I am with you.

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