Global Wesleyan Alliance and Free Methodism
In the news in my circles is the forming of a new alliance known as the Global Wesleyan Alliance.
This is a group of denominations that have a shared heritage deriving
from John Wesley and the revolution that spawned from his ministry.
Wesleyans are an interesting bunch, namely in diversity. We can be as diverse as possible in Christianity with a range from heretical hyper liberal theologies all way down to the strictest, legalistic of heretical conservative theology. I am talking a range of literally "anything goes" down to "everything is sinful."
The merger seems to be of Wesley-inspired denominations that are middle of the road or more conservative. "The 11 denominations include the Free Methodist Church USA, Church of the Nazarene, The Wesleyan Church, Church of God (Anderson), The Evangelical Church, Evangelical Methodist Church, Churches of Christ in Christian Union, The Missionary Church, Congregational Methodist Church, Church of Christ Holiness USA, and Pilgrim Holiness Church." The stated goals of this merger are as follow:
For the reasons above, I think maybe we didn't go far enough in our alliance. There was talk of merging some denominations but "...it was concluded that an alliance would better serve the aims of each group and eliminate the cumbersome cost, complexity and administrative hardship required by merger." Without getting on my soapbox, to me, if the only thing holding some groups back from merging is cost and "administrative hardship" then there should have been a merger a long time ago. Division in the body of Christ should be by necessity only and I am not so sure the reasons listed are good enough. Something to reconsider for another time.
Another thing that I am excited about is the promotion of holiness in conjunction with Wesleyanism. Holiness, though fallen out of favor due to the legalism that came about in the early to mid 1900's, is a vital distinctive of our tradition and something that I think the world is desperate for. The holiness that I hope comes back into favor is a one that stresses that transformation we have been given through Christ and sanctification through the Holy Spirit to do the good work of reconciling all creation to God as we become more and more like Christ through the love of the Father.
I am a little concerned about alliances with denominations that don't allow women in ministry. Not that I think that this issue needs be divisive, but I do think it is a fundamental distinctive of our denomination and most of the holiness tradition. I have to assume the Church of Christ Holiness USA (COCHUSA) must be ok in teaming up with us in that they seem to be one of the only groups listed that doesn't ordain women.
I don't want to sound like I am criticizing this merger because I do think it will be for the best. I think ultimately I am little nervous about over-identifying with our theologically conservative roots. I admit that we have these roots and I am in agreement with many of the convictions that this side holds, I just feel that this side has had too much attention for too long. The church and world are in the midst of massive change. Christendom is coming to an end. No longer are the church and state so tied together in the US. The center of the church is shifting from North America to South America and Africa. These types of changes often create fear in people and many times the consequences are for people to clamp down, close off, polarize and police orthodoxy. It becomes very important about who is in and who is out.
I already feel like my Free Methodist (FM) family consists of two different groups. There is one that seems a little afraid of the future, maybe a little dispensational, over identifies with strong, theologically reformed personalities, and is far too interested in patriotism/politics/legislation in an attempt to hold on to Christendom. The other seems a bit more progressive, highlights missional theology, more social-justice minded, and ready to embrace the next epoch of church history in a culturally relevant way. I feel like the first group represents the majority of FM churches but is further away from traditional FM theology and praxis than the second group. The second groups seems closer to the roots of FM but this groups seems to want to disassociate itself from the brand of FM. I am hoping for the second group to reclaim more holiness teaching and embrace its identity, helping to shape the church and world as we move forward.
I bring these two groups up because, in my humble opinion, I identify and am rooting for the second group. I love the FM church and desire to see her reclaim her radical roots so that she may be a voice in the current discussions. I am not divisive about my denominationalism, but I do think that if there are going to be denominations, our traditions should have something to say, a reason to exist. I believe that the FM church has a voice that the world needs to hear. A voice that calls out injustice. One that reclaims our identification with the poor. One that frees the slaves. One the promotes the equality of women and non-white ethnic groups. One that proclaims a gospel of transformation and sanctification that our lives may be lived in holy simplicity in promotion of our neighbors and our brothers and sisters around the world with less resources to the glory of the Christ through the Father's love. My only fear about the alliance recently formed is that this FM voice will be quieted. I fear that there will be an over-identification with our theologically conservative side and our radical voice will not be heard.
For now I will NOT wait and see who is going to influence who. I will NOT think of strategic ways to get the others to be more like us. For now I think we should enjoy a new found fellowship with old sisters and brothers.We should take a posture of submission and listening. We should hold fast to our distinctives all the while promoting an atmosphere of unity in essentials and understanding everywhere else.
May God be blessed in our unity!
Wesleyans are an interesting bunch, namely in diversity. We can be as diverse as possible in Christianity with a range from heretical hyper liberal theologies all way down to the strictest, legalistic of heretical conservative theology. I am talking a range of literally "anything goes" down to "everything is sinful."
The merger seems to be of Wesley-inspired denominations that are middle of the road or more conservative. "The 11 denominations include the Free Methodist Church USA, Church of the Nazarene, The Wesleyan Church, Church of God (Anderson), The Evangelical Church, Evangelical Methodist Church, Churches of Christ in Christian Union, The Missionary Church, Congregational Methodist Church, Church of Christ Holiness USA, and Pilgrim Holiness Church." The stated goals of this merger are as follow:
- "Cooperative ministry ventures.
- Sharing pastors and making transfer and appointment of clergy across denominational lines more easily attainable.
- Sharing and promoting materials and events aimed at advancing shared Kingdom concerns.
- Increasing community among leaders at all levels.
- Collaborating together in compassion and justice ministries.
- Leveraging voice and contributions on matters commonly important to all groups.
- Convening events to promote the holiness message and experience, discipleship, church health, compassion and justice ministries, leadership development and networking."
For the reasons above, I think maybe we didn't go far enough in our alliance. There was talk of merging some denominations but "...it was concluded that an alliance would better serve the aims of each group and eliminate the cumbersome cost, complexity and administrative hardship required by merger." Without getting on my soapbox, to me, if the only thing holding some groups back from merging is cost and "administrative hardship" then there should have been a merger a long time ago. Division in the body of Christ should be by necessity only and I am not so sure the reasons listed are good enough. Something to reconsider for another time.
Another thing that I am excited about is the promotion of holiness in conjunction with Wesleyanism. Holiness, though fallen out of favor due to the legalism that came about in the early to mid 1900's, is a vital distinctive of our tradition and something that I think the world is desperate for. The holiness that I hope comes back into favor is a one that stresses that transformation we have been given through Christ and sanctification through the Holy Spirit to do the good work of reconciling all creation to God as we become more and more like Christ through the love of the Father.
I am a little concerned about alliances with denominations that don't allow women in ministry. Not that I think that this issue needs be divisive, but I do think it is a fundamental distinctive of our denomination and most of the holiness tradition. I have to assume the Church of Christ Holiness USA (COCHUSA) must be ok in teaming up with us in that they seem to be one of the only groups listed that doesn't ordain women.
I don't want to sound like I am criticizing this merger because I do think it will be for the best. I think ultimately I am little nervous about over-identifying with our theologically conservative roots. I admit that we have these roots and I am in agreement with many of the convictions that this side holds, I just feel that this side has had too much attention for too long. The church and world are in the midst of massive change. Christendom is coming to an end. No longer are the church and state so tied together in the US. The center of the church is shifting from North America to South America and Africa. These types of changes often create fear in people and many times the consequences are for people to clamp down, close off, polarize and police orthodoxy. It becomes very important about who is in and who is out.
I already feel like my Free Methodist (FM) family consists of two different groups. There is one that seems a little afraid of the future, maybe a little dispensational, over identifies with strong, theologically reformed personalities, and is far too interested in patriotism/politics/legislation in an attempt to hold on to Christendom. The other seems a bit more progressive, highlights missional theology, more social-justice minded, and ready to embrace the next epoch of church history in a culturally relevant way. I feel like the first group represents the majority of FM churches but is further away from traditional FM theology and praxis than the second group. The second groups seems closer to the roots of FM but this groups seems to want to disassociate itself from the brand of FM. I am hoping for the second group to reclaim more holiness teaching and embrace its identity, helping to shape the church and world as we move forward.
I bring these two groups up because, in my humble opinion, I identify and am rooting for the second group. I love the FM church and desire to see her reclaim her radical roots so that she may be a voice in the current discussions. I am not divisive about my denominationalism, but I do think that if there are going to be denominations, our traditions should have something to say, a reason to exist. I believe that the FM church has a voice that the world needs to hear. A voice that calls out injustice. One that reclaims our identification with the poor. One that frees the slaves. One the promotes the equality of women and non-white ethnic groups. One that proclaims a gospel of transformation and sanctification that our lives may be lived in holy simplicity in promotion of our neighbors and our brothers and sisters around the world with less resources to the glory of the Christ through the Father's love. My only fear about the alliance recently formed is that this FM voice will be quieted. I fear that there will be an over-identification with our theologically conservative side and our radical voice will not be heard.
For now I will NOT wait and see who is going to influence who. I will NOT think of strategic ways to get the others to be more like us. For now I think we should enjoy a new found fellowship with old sisters and brothers.We should take a posture of submission and listening. We should hold fast to our distinctives all the while promoting an atmosphere of unity in essentials and understanding everywhere else.
May God be blessed in our unity!
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