Comments on: My Vision for the United Methodist Church http://andrewconard.com/2009/04/16/my-dream-for-the-united-methodist-church/ Thoughts on faith, life and ministry... Fri, 03 Feb 2012 15:56:36 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.com/ By: mbcoudal http://andrewconard.com/2009/04/16/my-dream-for-the-united-methodist-church/#comment-8627 Sat, 29 Aug 2009 22:01:12 +0000 http://andrewconard.com/?p=1503#comment-8627 I love the diversity, the intelligence, the kindness of the United Methodist faith.

]]> By: 40 Days of Prayer for the UMC « Thoughts of Resurrection http://andrewconard.com/2009/04/16/my-dream-for-the-united-methodist-church/#comment-8021 Tue, 05 May 2009 10:04:07 +0000 http://andrewconard.com/?p=1503#comment-8021 [...] I am looking forward to this time of prayer to shaping my vision for the United Methodist Church. [...]

]]> By: Andrew Conard http://andrewconard.com/2009/04/16/my-dream-for-the-united-methodist-church/#comment-7949 Thu, 23 Apr 2009 00:53:24 +0000 http://andrewconard.com/?p=1503#comment-7949 AEL – Good question. You are right that a particular set of circumstances could be viewed as either bureaucracy and standards, depending on perspective. To the extent that the particular programs, boards or agencies are not effective making disciples, I would be willing to advocate for a clear cut in funding.
I am not willing to say nor am I intending to suggest that the entire conference structure is ineffective. I believe that it is an excellent structure that positions the denomination well for renewal and effective ministry. However, I believe that on many levels this structure could become more efficient and focused on the mission of the church.

]]> By: AEL http://andrewconard.com/2009/04/16/my-dream-for-the-united-methodist-church/#comment-7947 Wed, 22 Apr 2009 21:05:25 +0000 http://andrewconard.com/?p=1503#comment-7947 You said above that
1. you did not want to keep the denomination alive for the sake of the denomination but that

2. you wanted to be part of renewal because the denomination is a faithful way of living out the faith.

So my questions is how do we decide when it is #1 and when it is #2 and if we decide a habit or stragegy or obligation or an appointment or whatever is more #1…what are you prepared to do about it?

I guess it’s the “to the extent” phrase in your original post that has me curious. “to the extent” that the denomination isn’t effective in making disciples, how do we proceed? Cause one MIGHT say the whole “conference” structure from charge–to general, could fall in that category.

I am mindful of Tony Jones’ charge that we are sufficating under bureaucracy. But one woman’s “bureaucracy” is another man’s “standards.” Somebody is heavily invested in all parts of the denomination.

]]> By: Andrew Conard http://andrewconard.com/2009/04/16/my-dream-for-the-united-methodist-church/#comment-7940 Wed, 22 Apr 2009 19:41:34 +0000 http://andrewconard.com/?p=1503#comment-7940 Here I am…. Can you clarify the questions here?

]]> By: Andrew Conard http://andrewconard.com/2009/04/16/my-dream-for-the-united-methodist-church/#comment-7939 Wed, 22 Apr 2009 19:40:57 +0000 http://andrewconard.com/?p=1503#comment-7939 1) It is opposition to not effectively making disciples of Jesus Christ. It is also a statement about loyalty to Christ over the denomination.
2) I believe that making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world is important. However, making disciples is not just for the transformation of the world.
3) I am committed to staying with the denomination and promoting change so that effective disciple-making might once again occur.

]]> By: Andrew Conard http://andrewconard.com/2009/04/16/my-dream-for-the-united-methodist-church/#comment-7938 Wed, 22 Apr 2009 19:37:32 +0000 http://andrewconard.com/?p=1503#comment-7938 Less this… But also important here…

]]> By: Andrew Conard http://andrewconard.com/2009/04/16/my-dream-for-the-united-methodist-church/#comment-7937 Wed, 22 Apr 2009 19:37:15 +0000 http://andrewconard.com/?p=1503#comment-7937 More this…

]]> By: Andrew Conard http://andrewconard.com/2009/04/16/my-dream-for-the-united-methodist-church/#comment-7936 Wed, 22 Apr 2009 19:31:33 +0000 http://andrewconard.com/?p=1503#comment-7936 Thanks for the question. I do not want to my commitment to the United Methodist Church to be greater than my commitment to making disciples of Jesus Christ. I do not want to be a part of keeping the denomination alive for the sake of the denomination. I want to be a part of renewal in the denomination because I believe that the denomination provides a faithful way of living out the faith that is relevant today.

]]> By: AEL http://andrewconard.com/2009/04/16/my-dream-for-the-united-methodist-church/#comment-7931 Wed, 22 Apr 2009 16:27:43 +0000 http://andrewconard.com/?p=1503#comment-7931 um…where is Andrew? It’s his vision statement. What did you mean, friend? Where do you see the rub? And if/when you do, what do you do about it?

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