Long Talk….

I have decided to make my comeback to my blog, Long Talk.  Yes, hold your applause.  Much has changed since my last post.  I have moved to Midland, Texas as the Lead Pastor of St. Luke’s UMC.  My oldest daughter is a mechanical engineering student in college and my youngest will soon be preparing for her senior year in high school.  My wife, Amy, and I are preparing for this new stage in life, empty nesters.  

Ministry in Midland has been interesting, to say the least.  I have loved getting to know the people of St. Luke’s and the mission field of the church.  As I reflect on my 5th year at St. Luke’s and look to a new year, I give thanks for God’s continued strength, grace, and assurance.  Together, we have been through a pandemic, oil bust, high inflation, and the continued struggles within the UM denomination.  I find strength in Isaiah’s words, “Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you.  I have called you by name; you are mine.  When you go through the deep waters, I will be with you.  When you go through the waters of difficulty, you will not drown.  When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you.” Isaiah 43: 1-2 NLT.

As there is much going on within the United Methodist Church, I recently read, “What’s Next??” By Kevin Slimp.  This is not simply a book, rather it is 21 well-thought-out conversations from a different perspective about the future of the United Methodist Church.  On the surface, it might appear to the reader that this is simply another book of persons trying to read the tea leaves of what will happen to one of the largest denominations.  It wasn’t until I read the back cover of the book that I realized the book has a much deeper meaning, not just for United Methodists but for the world.  

I’m sure we have all read John Wesley’s memorial sermon for his dear friend, George Whitfield?  I wholeheartedly believe that 252 years later, Wesley’s words offer hope and a gentle reminder for many today.   John Wesley and George Whitfield were  “rock stars” of the faith.  Both were passionate about reaching people for Christ.  Wesley and Whitfield were complete opposites in many respects.  Whitfield was very extroverted, known for a booming voice, preaching outdoor revivals.  On the other hand, Wesley, more introverted, is known for his methodical approach to faith.  Did I mention that Wesley was Armenian and Whitfield a Calvinist?  They were complete opposites!!  Whitfield and Wesley are great examples of how two men with differing opinions, agreed to disagree in love.  

I find it disheartening that our world is more divided than ever.  Families, friends, and even strangers have decided that unless they agree on every subject or topic, they cannot be friends.  Sadly, we are world too quick to define persons we disagree with as “enemies”.  How would it look if we strived to find commonality in Christ?  I love Paul’s words in Galatians 3:26, “So in Christ Jesus, you are all children of God through faith, for all of you were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.  There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ.”

May the prayer Wesley prayed at the end of his memorial sermon for his dear friend George be our prayer, “Let thy Spirit so rest upon us, that from this hour we may be “kind to each other, tendered-hearted, forgiving one another, even as God, for Christ’s sake hath forgiven us!”