I am United Methodist…even though
Every day is not sunny
Even though
I have heard some really lousy sermons…and I was preaching
Even though
I have been accused of singing hymns too loud
Even though
I think John Wesley was cool but not nearly as important as Jesus
Even though
Little children often skip up to children’s time and don’t follow script
Even though
Some church greeters seemed surprised when visitors don’t arrive to church on time
Even though
Some churches suggest it would be better if they didn’t receive a female pastor
Even though
When churches hesitate to accept diversity we block our own blessings
Even though
Some prefer to quote the Bible in part rather than read it in full
Even though
Other churches have cool names like Full Gospel, World Center, Bible, Christian, and Community
Even though
Some of our churches fail to update their websites
Even though
Our bishops wear purple shirts, but don’t have colorful skull caps (or miters)
Even though
Our offering trays are not deep enough and rarely do we dance when receiving offertory
Even though
We think the Gospel is not expanding and the church is not growing because our local church is struggling
Even though
All churches fail to remember to celebrate the six United Methodist Sundays with designated offerings
Even though
We are known for being methodical but see a need to embrace new ideas (Messy Church)
Even though
We have a long rich tradition but desire to embrace (Fresh Expressions)
Even though
We used to start one church every day and now some churches have no new professions of faith
Even though
We are not perfect and currently characterized as a church at a crossroads over human sexuality, covenant, and seeking a Way Forward
The truth is … even when cloudy, the sun is always shining somewhere on God’s earth
The truth is … when children are skipping God is smiling
The truth is….The Gospel is expanding, the Christian church is growing, and God is still calling
I am United Methodist because I was baptized in this Church, went to camp in this Church
I am United Methodist because I don’t need to be great to experience grace
I am United Methodist because I don’t need all people to agree on all things
I am United Methodist not because I have quarrels with other religions or churches. For me, and millions of others, The United Methodist Church represents, “the best of all Protestant possibilities.”
I am United Methodist because I fell in love with Jesus as Lord and Savior and discovered myself in The United Methodist Church.
Be encouraged,
