A note from our WCA President, Rev. Dr. Scott N. Field...

Most of us are likely familiar with some of the considerable, but secondary “principles” we may have been contending for in our local churches: 

1. We want to keep the impact of the last UM General Conference decisions away from our local church. We like things the way they are. 

2. We want to select our own pastor; we do not trust the “system” of the UMC to provide genuinely converted, biblically literate, pastorally sensitive, evangelistically committed, Great Commission-minded leaders for us. 

3. We want to control the property of our church. 

4. We don’t know how to engage the chaotic culture around us; we want our church to be an island of calm in a sea of change. 

5. We’ve been part of the same congregation for decades; we just want to grow old together. Maintaining our church community is most important to us and there aren’t many of us left. 

These principles certainly may motivate us. We might just keep fighting with the UMC over principles like these.  Let me suggest that you prayerfully consider exchanging those principles for a more foundational commitment. If we are fighting to maintain control, fighting to keep things the same, fighting to shield ourselves from the challenges of the times in which we live, feverish to find the perfect pastor, youth worker, marketing plan, or church website to secure our congregation’s missional future, we are likely on the road to continual disappointment. 

Are You Ready for a Change? 

There really is a revival building. New wine is being poured out and old wineskins simply cannot hold it.  The Holy Spirit is stirring things up…maybe you are experiencing it, too.      So don’t hold back. 

We are being sent together, under the influence of the Holy Spirit, for the healing of the world in Jesus’ name. Don’t settle for anything less. 

We may oppose the principles of the UMC’s denominational leaders, but honestly, we will not change them. So perhaps we should stop trying. Besides, we have our own principles. Let’s move on, friends. One way or another. Let’s move on. 

Need some help? Start by checking out our expanding resource collective here.

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