Creatio Ex Nihilo: Can You Convince This Guy to Become Methodist?
Without saying “We could use someone like him,” how would you convince an innovative creative and entrepreneurial person that United Methodism was a good match their personality type? Or is it more accurate to say that the UMC is a great denomination for those of a certain mindset, just not someone with those traits? Do hierarchies inevitably squelch creativity? Is the kind of innovation and creativity that works and is needed in our churches compatible with the UMC structure? For those of you in other denominations, is it compatible with your structure?
Creatio Ex Nihilo: Can You Convince This Guy to Become Methodist?.
What do you think MethoBloggers? How would you answer Don’s question?
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John, as far as the question
John, as far as the question of call goes, I don't believe it obviates the need to be able to explain why the UMC would be a good fit for someone. Although there are spiritual components of the discernment process for any decision, there are also intellectual ones. Weighing the pros and cons of a decision figure into it. Reason is a part of the Wesleyan Quadrilateral, is it not? If we don't have to do any "selling" of the UMC, then what is the purpose of the Rethink Church campaign or any church growth program? We wouldn't even need to put signs in front of our churches. People would just be "called" to show up. I don't mean to imply this is what any of you are saying, but I don't equate pondering the benefits of a denomination necessarily with being selfish or self seeking. If the UMC views seeking to fulfill one's creative potential as contradictory to the idea of calling, the I think both my friend and I have our answer. As far as selling the benefits of the institution instead of talking things spiritual, I'm sorry but for the most part, that's how it's been "sold" to me. Whenever I was asked to consider taking the next step in ministry, rarely was the conversation about calling and spiritual matters. Usually the discussion was about what rules needed to be followed. That was the whole point of my post. I don't think merely selling institutional benefits is a good thing.
Opportunity?
I see this as an opportunity not to "recruit" but to share our own call to the church. Especially those of us who have been through the UMC ordination process, know that you don't put yourself through a journey like that without having some strong feelings about the Church and what it stands for.
I would respond by saying, "Well, let me tell you why I am Methodist ..." There is no way to know what about the church would attract or "call"someone to be a part of it, but we each know what about our denomination draws us to it.
It's not a time to dictate the other's call; it's a time to share our own call and faith.
Pastors are not recruited, they are called
I think this is the wrong question.
If the pastor in question has no sense of call regarding the UMC, then we should not be out trying to recruit him. I often hear and read of boards of ordained ministry lamenting the fact that candidates for ordination cannot articulate a sense of call. Call applies to already ordained people, too.
God may be working to bring this pastor to our denomination. He may purpose that this pastor's energy and creative help revitalize our creaky institutions, but that is something that God is doing. We don't recruit.
If the pastor asked me why I thought he should be a United Methodist, I hope my answer would be something like: "I have no idea. What is God saying to you about it?"
Now, if he wanted to know specific things about the denomination, that is a different conversation.