A New Day

Back in February of 2010, I was discontinued as a probationary/provisional elder in the United Methodist Church by the Bishop of the Kansas West Conference. I was falsely accused by the Bishop and District Superintendent of being "ineffective" in the ministry, which is a "catch all" phrase used by United Methodist Bishops to remove pastors who are actually effective and faithful to Christ and who cannot be charged with any offense since they have not violated any rules (the Book of Discipline lists 10 chargeable offenses). United Methodist pastors are being used as "scapegoats" for the powerful, rich and racist members of our congregations who use their checkbooks to get their own way. It is truly sad and disheartening to see United Methodist Bishops cause immense damage to their brothers and sisters in Christ by placing money and assets ahead of the gospel message and the saving of souls in the name of Jesus our Lord. Idolatry is alive and well in the leadership of the UMC. Even the Judicial Council won't hold the Bishops accountable for their actions and for their negation of the gospel message when their love for the money and properties of the church have obviously become the real reason for their existence. I guess you could say that the campaign slogan of "Open Hearts, Open Doors, Open Minds" is officially dead and was never a true indicator of the spiritual condition of the UMC. The doors are open for those who can write big checks but it is closed to those who are preaching a gospel of repentance & a Christo-centric gospel message that is faithful to God's Holy Word.

Is it possible that real abiding faith in Christ has taken a backseat to pandering and favoritism? Don't the scriptures condemn showing favoritism? Since when is it Ok for Bishops and District Superintendents to not be accountable to anyone? Yes, it's true. They are not accountable to anyone!! Doesn't this create a recipe for spiritual death and corruption, to include abuse of power, in a church that was founded on the teachings of Jesus who taught us that love is to be the true mark of every faithful follower/disciple? I believe it was John Wesley who wrote that we are to "do no harm, do good and love God with all our hearts". Why then are some Bishops allowing themselves to be conformed to the world instead being led by Gods' word and abiding presence in Jesus? Since when is money and church property the "all in all"? When will Bishops and DS's realize that they are to be the faithful spiritual leaders of the church (aka...pastors, shepherd of the flock, etc.) and that following a secular/wordly corporate model of ministry is only hastening the demise of the UMC?

O Lord, giver of life, may this be a new day for your church. Please forgive us O Lord & especially forgive our leaders who are arrogant, self-serving and blind to their continued destructive ways. Cause the eyes of their hearts to open, to repent of their evil ways and to turn their eyes back to you Lord Jesus. You are the "all in all", the great "I Am" & the lover of our souls. May our love for you Lord Jesus grow more and more everyday and may the United Methodist Church be revived, renewed and refreshed by your Holy Spirit. She has lost her way O Lord and needs your strong love and transforming peace/presence to guide her. Have mercy upon us O Lord, great sinners that we are in thought, word and deed! Be with those who have been hurt by the leadership of the UMC and help them abide in your powerful peace once again. May this be a new day for all who call upon the name of Jesus. Amen & Amen.