I believe that both new and existing congregations should be held accountable for their life together. There should be disciplinary action of some kind for the congregation in response to this accountability. I believe that this process would be a catalyst for the United Methodist Church moving closer into alignment with God’s dream for the world.
A recent article from the United Methodist news service, United Methodist plan emphasizes new church starts, proposed a definition for a new congregation From the article:
The Path One team defines a new congregation as a faith community that:
- Is committed to making disciples of Jesus Christ;
- Includes regular community worship;
- Is Wesleyan in theology;
- Is willing to plant a new congregation in its first decade;
- Has an effective discipling system;
- Does community outreach; and
- Receives new members
Aside from being willing to plant a new congregation in its first decade, all of these parameters can be applied to existing congregations. Individual accountability is an important part of a Wesleyan way of faith. I believe that congregations could and perhaps should be held accountable for their life together.
I also think that these same guidelines should be used with existing congregations to take a serious look as to whether they are living a faithful life as a United Methodist community. Any type of congregational accountability would need to be undertaken with a spirit of humility and by speaking the truth in love. It would be important for other local congregations – both UM and others – be able to weigh in on the process and that it not be something that comes from a conference or denominational official far removed from that particular local congregation.
I believe that congregational accountability would be a catalyst for the United Methodist Church moving closer into alignment with God’s dream for the world. What do you think?
Rev. Andrew Conard 