Every one of us has heroes. Maxie Dunnam has long been one of mine.
I'm often asked why the United Methodist Church is in decline in America today. So many have inquired that I'm working on a book about it. The complexities of institutional decline are both obvious and veiled. I don't know how to tackle the nuanced, intricate circumstances of loss with a single blog post, so I'm not attempting to intercept the entropy of American Methodism's decline with this post. But I am hoping to assist Maxie in prompting the voting constituency of the UMC toward righteousness. (You may want to send this post to United Methodist pastors, and voting delegates in your Conference, to encourage and inform them. They can't act if they don't know.)
The survival of the United Methodist Church in America may well depend on it.
Maxie said it well when he affirmed the church is open to all persons, but not to all practices. I've often said it this way: "God loves you right where you are, but He loves you too much to leave you there."
Whatever others decide, at GCC everyone is invited. We'll seek God's face, help each other take our next steps, turn from wickedness and follow Jesus...together.
Are you in?
2 Chronicles 7:14 - If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.
Hi Mark,
I just wrote a short article on how Methodism can remain relevent to my generation (20s-30s) that I'd love for you take a quick look at:
http://www.examiner.com/examiner/x-8276-Charlotte-Methodist-Examiner~y2009m4d21-Methodism-irrelevant-to-my-generation
Thanks for all you do up there at GCC. Our church has learned a great deal from you guys and I particularly have learned a lot from Kathy Guy. Blessings in all you do!
James-Michael Smith
Pastor of Discipleship,
Good Shepherd UMC,
Charlotte, NC
Posted by: James-Michael Smith | April 28, 2009 at 02:43 PM