The Nature of The Church during tough times…

I believe that true character often reveals itself during tough times. We are confronting another monster syndrome in our contemporary world with the political discord that has hit our country, our world, and even close to home. Around the country and especially here in Tennessee, we find that people seem to be at odds politically and even personally about a variety of social issues. In the midst of these times, I know that many of you are working very diligently to help people see Christ in the middle of strife.

As United Methodists, we understand the church is both visible and invisible. Visibly, the church has three presenting qualities: preaching the pure Word of God, due administration of the sacraments, and the presence of people of faith (article XIII of the Articles of Religion). Without faith, there is no church. Without preaching, faith would fade away. Without the sacraments, we would be without God’s means of grace.

There are four dimensions (or notes) to the church: one, holy, catholic, and apostolic (article V, Confession of Faith).

The church is one (John 17:21). The unity of the church is Jesus Christ. The church is holy (1 Peter 2:5). The church is called to be set apart, different kind of people. The church is catholic (Eph.2: 14). The church is a universal community beyond human boundaries. (The word “catholic” means universal and does not refer to just one branch of the church.) The church is apostolic (Acts 2:42). The church teaches what the apostles taught and is in solidarity with the apostolic witness.

The church is the body of Christ (Eph. 4:1-16), in which there are many gifts for ministry (1 Cor. 12:4). The church is a varied community (1 Cor. 12:12-31). The church is one body throughout the world (Eph.4: 4). The church is the communion of saints, both living and dead (1 John 1:3; Eph. 2:19-20). Moreover, the church erupts in the world wherever the body of Christ erupts into the world. Baptism is the common mark on those who enter into the household of faith (Gal. 3:27).

In the midst of this political season, I believe that God is calling the churches of the Cumberland District to erupt in our community in a new way. I believe God is calling us to be THE CHURCH to Cumberland District and the world!

It is my privilege to be your District Superintendent.

Scott