Yesterday, I participated in a “Global Leadership Summit.” There were about 40 of us gathered at the Conference office, and we were connected via the internet to over 1000 other groups such as our around the world. Our task was to discuss the “Call to Action,” a massive proposed restructuring of the UMC. While many of these ideas have been tossed around for years, the global economic crisis has brought a new urgency to this conversation. One might think, cynically, “Restructuring . . . blah blah blah . . . forget that, let’s pay attention to the important stuff.” I think that how we structure our lives does affect how we do the important stuff of our lives.
During the question/answer portion, the moderator announced, “We have a question from the Congo: What is the mission of the UMC?” Behind me, one of my colleagues said by rote, “Making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.” Thankfully, Bishop Wenner from Germany, one of the other moderators, recited the same words. Bishop Palmer expanded on that definition for a few moments, speaking about ways that the world can be transformed, such as ending hunger and poverty. In that exchange, there was no mention of UM structures or polity. There was a strong affirmation that they will know we are Christians by our love, not our form of church government.
But- our governance creates the mechanisms by which we show our love, transform the world, and proclaim the gospel. How we organize ourselves affects how we serve. It is like that the old adage says, “Your checkbook shows what is most important to you.” How we choose to focus our attention and resources reflects what we value, and it will drive the how we live out our stated mission.
As I looked around the room, though, I had to wonder. Those of us gathered there are the ones who have been part of the existing system. We have lived within its boundaries. Can those of us who are invested in the system as it exists currently be successful in turning it on its head? Or, as this proposal continues to work its way through the church, will stakeholders begin to protect their respective turfs? Will the final proposal be watered-down and incremental? The biggest challenge is that those persons who will vote on this proposal- General Conference delegates- are, by definition, those who have been most successful within the current system. Can the General Conference bring itself to change itself?
Making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. It is a worthy and high mission, one that I strive to fulfill. What happens at General Conference doesn’t stay at General Conference, it works its way into our churches and our lives.
