A Reason Not to be Methodist?

"Pelosi just thanked the United Methodist Church for their support of healthcare reform #anotherreasonnottobemethodist"

Tweeted by @timastevens on Sunday, March 21st, 10:28pm

On the hypothetical chance that this statement may have been misconstrued, let me clarify...

  • I am a Methodist. I have been a Methodist since 1993.
  • I love the roots of the Methodist movement.
  • I do everything I can to help thousands of Methodist pastors and leaders every year.
  • For 17 years, I have been a part of what I consider to be one of the most effective churches in America--and it has been, is now, and will continue to be a Methodist congregation.
  • I have given the past 15 years of my life to serve and support an appointed elder in the Methodist church. Every day it has been my goal to put feet to his vision.
  • However, I am a follower of Christ before I am a Methodist.
  • I would rather make disciples than make Methodists.
  • To whatever degree Methodism contributes to making disciples--I embrace it. To whatever degree Methodism detracts from making disciples--I go around it.
  • It saddens me that the United Methodist Church is often known primarily for its' political positions that have nothing to do with making disciples of Christ. Some of that is perception...some of it is reality.
  • I was frustrated by the UMC using its collective strength to influence the government to establish a hand-out system rather than calling on the church to be the church and meet those needs.
  • We (Methodists) have given the public many reasons not to be Methodist. In fact, every year more people decide to become former Methodists. In my opinion, speaker Pelosi's comments give Americans "another reason not to be Methodist."

So, I stand by my tweet. Your thoughts?

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