Weekly Grind - Wesleyan Quadrilateral

I think it is very important for each of us to continue to try to deepen our understanding of our own faith. Not only does this move us closer to God, but we are also better able to help others move toward God. We all move forward in our faith together.

There is great way of looking at our faith, a methodology called the Wesleyan Quadrilateral. This was not a term John Wesley himself used, but rather an understanding of the way he went about his reflections of spiritual matters coined by Albert C. Outler. There are four components, but I would contend that it is not a true quadrilateral because scripture is held above the other three. Regardless, taken together, these four perspectives can give us a very deep understanding of virtually all areas of our faith. They are:

Scripture - the Word of God in the Old and New Testaments
Tradition - the history of Christian faith from Christ and his followers to our congregations today
Experience - the actual thoughts, actions, and events of our lives
Reason - rational and sensible interpretation

Think through all the various ways that these four valuable perspectives can affect each other.

Scripture is of course held above the other three. But think about what scripture you are actually reading. If you are not reading the original Hebrew or Greek, you are reading a translation. So which translation? Different denominations may have a tradition of a preference different of one version or another. Your particular experience may be with a translation that is easier for you to read and understand. Our reason can help us sort out which version may be useful for reading in a Sunday morning service to a congregation, or for personal reflection, or for an in-depth bible study.

Have you ever heard someone mis-quote scripture or use it to make a point that is very different from the context it was written for? Any group of people can develop a tradition of using various parts of the bible for one reason or another. Each of us have had experience that either supports or refutes someone else's point of view. Through reason we can come to understand how variations have come about and what can be gained or lost through the differences.

Each of us are responsible for our own point of view and for the impact it makes in our life. We are also called to look after each other and make sure that God's will is becoming a reality for all people. When we assume that our understanding is complete, we are probably wrong. When we assume that someone else is wrong, we probably lack understanding.

This business of faith is a complicated and never-ending journey throughout our life. We have a chance with our lives, with each decade, with each year, with each season, with each month, with each week, with each day, with each hour, with each minute, with each breath, to move toward God or away from Him. Our lives, our actions, our words, our thoughts have the power to change.

Let us spend what we are given wisely.

Be Blessed,
Michael

Weekly Grind - Methodist Small Groups From the Very Beginning

In the last few weeks, I've been writing about what is behind John Wesley's Three Simple Rules as phrased by Reuben Job, "Do No Harm, Do Good, Stay in Love With God." What John and his brother Charles had started was a growing group of people who were very actively and very personally working on their faith, individually and collectively. Here is some of the earliest components of how they organized themselves and what they did:


This was the rise of the United Society, first in Europe, and then in America. Such a society is no other than "a company of men having the form and seeking the power of godliness, united in order to pray together, to receive the word of exhortation, and to watch over one another in love, that they may help each other to work out their salvation."
That it may the more easily be discerned whether they are indeed working out their own salvation, each society is divided into smaller companies, called classes, according to their respective places of abode. There are about twelve persons in a class, one of whom is styled the leader. It is his duty:

1.. To see each person in his class once a week at least, in order: (1) to inquire how their souls prosper; (2) to advise, reprove, comfort or exhort, as occasion may require; (3) to receive what they are willing to give toward the relief of the preachers, church, and poor.
2.. To meet the ministers and the stewards of the society once a week, in order: (1) to inform the minister of any that are sick, or of any that walk disorderly and will not be reproved; (2) to pay the stewards what they have received of their several classes in the week preceding.


There is only one condition previously required of those who desire admission into these societies: "a desire to flee from the wrath to come, and to be saved from their sins." But wherever this is really fixed in the soul it will be shown by its fruits.


What they were defining were small groups. Small groups can be a place where some very serious steps of faith can take place. They can be a place of deeper relationships. They can be a place for care and concern. They may be a place where we can bring forth struggles and joys. It could be your Sunday School class, a bible study group, a Journey Group, a prayer group, an Emmaus 4th day group, any group that truly deepens your personal walk of faith. Here's my simple version of what they were talking about:

Because you desire to follow God's will for you life,
Find a group of people that are committed to each other,
Keep up with each other each week,
Share your faith with each other,
Pray for each other,
Share scripture with each other,
Hold each other accountable to a life of faith,
Keep your group's needs in touch with the rest of the church.

We have lots of ways to do this at Woodway FUMC, and we can start more for whatever your particular need made be. If you have a need to connect, or have a desire to connect with others; talk to someone about it. We have many leaders here who will help you find or create it.

Be Blessed!
Michael

Pub Church - Week 10 - Sabbath?

This week we talked about how we observe the Sabbath.

Years ago there were "blue laws" that prohibited most businesses from taking place. You could pretty much just sell food & gas. In grocery stores, they would close off the isles that had general stuff. Only buying beer & wine after 12 noon and no hard liqueur are about all that is left of these laws.

So Sundays have pretty much turned into a regular business day like any other. There are a handful, such as Chick Fil-A that choose not to do business on Sunday. Sports teams used to leave Sunday & Wednesday off limits, but even some school districts have formal practices on Sunday afternoon now.

So how do we observe Sabbath? Or even why?
It comes from the original Big Ten, the 10 Commandments given to Moses. It is thought to be based on God resting after creating the universe, & earth, & everything.

For those of us in ministry, Sunday is a work day. I try to set aside time throughout the week to relax and spend some unencumbered God-time. But I am reconsidering my role in the church. I really don't care for the "business" of church. I've seen it get uglier within churches than any company I've worked for. It was cool when I was able to start doing youth ministry full time. But now I'm working toward being able to quit taking a paycheck & donate my ministry.

I've heard discussions of people observing the Sabbath by not doing anything that would cause someone else to have to work. That would mean, no shopping, no going out to eat, and would knock out a lot of traveling. Sherri gave me a column that told the story of a group of church-goers that went into a restaurant and told the server that they would not be tipping because they didn't believe in working on Sunday. I resist the urge to strangle such hypocrites. We've got to go beyond posing and talking a good game. For the most part, there is no discernible difference between Christians and those who are not of any faith. That is sad. We must do better.

Pub Church Week 11 - The Teachings of Christ; Do they make a difference in your life?

Last week Lara shared some thoughts about some of the imagery of God, Jesus, & The Holy Spirit in William P Young's novel The Shack and highly recommended it. She even brought a copy to lend!

We talked a great deal about the words of Christ and their impact on our lives. I've been reading Phyllis Tickle's The Words of Jesus, which I found while doing research for a red letter bible study that I've been engaged in for many years.

When I first took some steps back toward faith years ago I was very critical of other people's statements of faith especially when they didn't sound like what I remembered from years of Catholic school education. A Sunday School leader thought I might enjoy a red letter bible. I had never heard of that. She explained that it had all of Christ's words printed in red.

Since then I've tried several types of red letter bible studies with youth groups, and evaluate any other scripture in relation to what Jesus himself said. I've actually started writing 3 different books based on the words of Christ, his teachings, and his actions. Regardless of whether I actually finish them, the exercise has focused my own personal study, spiritual practices, and actions.

I guess that's the whole point anyway.

Weekly Grind - Regular Church, meet Pub Church

In his sermon last Sunday, my pastor John mentioned Pub Church, so we thought it would be a good idea to explain what that is about. The idea behind this outreach ministry developed from various conversations that I've had over the years with people who are no longer connected, or perhaps never were connected to the community of faith that a church could and should be. John talked about our calling to be light to the world. He explained the role of lighthouses and landing lights on an aircraft carrier to guide ship captains and airplane pilots not just away from danger but toward safety. That is what Pub Church is about.
The idea is that a group of Christians can create a presence in an environment that is not normally thought of as a holy place, and welcome God into the situation. Just as our church building becomes more than concrete, stone, and glass because of what we do within it; so can bar stools, booths, and neon signs. John and I have regular conversations about what is going on to ensure some pastoral guidance, as do some of the other regulars with their pastors. Along with a regular meeting time at a downtown Waco bar & grill, this is the idea that we started with in January:
Current Definition:
Open Source - created by participants rather than being designed & produced
Invitational - open to anyone
Un-denominational - didn't think non-denominational quite captured it, we're interested in input from all faiths
There should be some time to hang out and meet people, some time to share ideas and expressions of faith, and the invitation to go deeper.

We are not trying start another church itself, but rather just a step
into a community of faith. Those of us that are already connected can
provide the deeper steps that come with discipleship or we can create
those opportunities based on the needs of this group.
A small group of regulars has developed over the weeks of this experiment. There is a new visitor or two almost every week. We have spent time sharing our personal stories of our faith experiences. We have shared scripture and what it means to us. We have shared song lyrics and sang together. We have shared our concerns. We have shared our shortcomings. We have shared our joys. We have prayed for each other.
Some of the topics of discussion that we have had are:
- What is God calling us to and how do we respond?
- Who is Your Sycamore Tree? (we all have someone who can lift us up to help us see Jesus)
- Where is God When You Hurt?
- How Do We Respond to Oppression?
- Why Do We Observe Lent?
- How Are Our Lenten Observations Going?
- What Do We Do to Actually Observe the Sabbath?
- Do the Teachings of Christ Affect the Way We Live Our Lives?
All this in a bar. We have had some conversations about faith with the bartenders and DJ's that work there. People who don't drink have come. People that express a lack of spirituality have come. People that say they are not interested in "church" have come.
So I am definitely interested in any thoughts or feedback anyone might have. I am even more interested in your prayers for this. If you have concerns, I will do my best to explain the point of view we're working from. Following what I believe is God's calling in my life has taken me into strange places and situations. I have no doubt that if we remain faithful to Him, great things can and do happen.
Be Blessed!
Michael
You can check out the Waco Pub Church facebook group http://ping.fm/94pXc
My Weekly Grind blogs start out as my weekly newsletter article at www.woodwayfumc.org

Weekly Grind - Stay In Love With God

In the last couple of weeks I have explored some of the foundational writing of John and Charles Wesley's The Nature,Design, and General Rules of Our United Societies. They give many specific actions for how we should act toward ourselves, toward others, and toward God and also how we should conduct ourselves together in the interest of following Christ. As Rueben Job paraphrased them in Three Simple Rules: "1) Do no harm...2) Do good...3) Stay in love with God."
As the Wesley's originally put it: "It is therefore expected of all who continue therein that they should continue to evidence their desire of salvation, First: By doing no harm, by avoiding evil of every kind, especially that which is most generally practiced...
Secondly: By doing good; by being in every kind merciful after their power; as they have opportunity, doing good of every possible sort, and, as far as possible, to all... Thirdly: By attending upon all the ordinances of God"
So now, after looking at the first two in more depth, here is what I originally planned to write about:
Thirdly: By attending upon all the ordinances of God; such are:
The public worship of God.
The ministry of the Word, either read or expounded.
The Supper of the Lord.
Family and private prayer.
Searching the Scriptures.
Fasting or abstinence.
As we saw in the first two rules or expectations, there are many details in which we can focus the efforts of our daily lives. As is the case earlier, the Wesley's give guidelines and advice for public and private actions in regard to practices or commands given by God. The first three of this list can be accomplished by regularly attending Sunday worship services, but they can go much further. We don't have to wait for Sunday morning to worship God. When people see by the way we conduct ourselves at school, at work, or in other social situations, we are giving evidence to our level of commitment to God. If worship, hearing scripture and a sermon, and sharing in communion do not create a difference in our lives outside our church building, we may need to think about what we are doing when we are there.
The next three points are more internal. Praying on a regular basis by ourselves and with our families can be incredibly transformational. As a friend of mine said, "It's hard to be mad at someone you just prayed for." Sunday School classes and bible study groups are a great way to learn more about scripture, but there is nothing stopping any of us from reading scripture at any time. I would encourage us all to be engaged in a couple of groups that look at scripture in different ways. The multiple points of view and discussions create opportunities for much deeper understanding than any one setting can. Lent has brought fasting or perhaps some temporary abstinence to many of us. I would encourage you to look at it as an opportunity to experience life in a different way rather that simply something to endure. The point is not to see if you can get through it, but to look for God in a different way.

Be Blessed!
Michael

Pub Church - Week 8 & 9 - Lent

Week 8
We talked about a lot of things this week.
Some shared what they would be giving up for Lent.

Week 9
This week we shared how our Lent commitments were going.
For the most part, we have been finding it easier to do the things we have chosen to do.
We are finding more connection to God through some attempts at spiritual disciplines.

I have chosen to drink only water.
My thought process is that we need water to survive, anything else is just flavoring, a craving of the flesh.
So when I want a cup of coffee in the morning, or a soda, or tea, each drink of water becomes a reminder of my commitment to Christ, our Living Water.
Lent is a time to recall and honor Christ's sacrifice for us.
I do take off Sundays, celebrating it as a "little Easter."

Weekly Grind - Do Good

Last week my original intention was to expand on the idea of "attending upon all the ordinances of God." That is the third expectation in John and Charles Wesley's The Nature,Design, and General Rules of Our United Societies. It is paraphrased in Reuben Job's Three Simple Rules as "Stay in love with God." But in the course of studying and reflecting on the whole writing, which is still a foundational part of our Book of Discipline, I found much to be addressed in the first expectation. "By doing no harm, by avoiding evil of every kind, especially that which is most generally practiced" warns against many actions that harm us or others, lifted in a very direct manner from scripture.
This week we will examine the original writing behind "Do good" as Reuben Job simply puts it. The Wesley's use less direct scripture, but pull together many scriptural themes and actions:

It is expected of all who continue in these societies that they should continue to evidence their desire of salvation,

Secondly:

By doing good; by being in every kind merciful
after their power; as they have opportunity, doing good of every
possible sort, and, as far as possible, to all men:


To their bodies, of the ability which God giveth, by giving food
to the hungry, by clothing the naked, by visiting or helping them that
are sick or in prison.


To their souls, by instructing, reproving, or exhorting all we
have any intercourse with; trampling under foot that enthusiastic
doctrine that "we are not to do good unless our hearts be free to it."



By doing good, especially to them that are of the household of
faith or groaning so to be; employing them preferably to others; buying
one of another, helping each other in business, and so much the more
because the world will love its own and them only.


By all possible diligence and frugality, that the gospel be not blamed.

By running with patience the race which is set before them,
denying themselves, and taking up their cross daily; submitting to bear
the reproach of Christ, to be as the filth and offscouring of the
world; and looking that men should say all manner of evil of them
falsely, for the Lord's sake.

In as much as they turned "Do no harm" toward, not just other, but also ourselves; here they point out that the good we do not only helps we seek to serve, but becomes an example of the gospel to those who see our actions. They hope to give us the awareness that when we follow God's word in Jesus' example our faith works at many levels.
John and Charles gave us essentially a shorthand version of what they saw as some of the most important ways of conducting ourselves with others and how we think about ourselves. They certainly encouraged everyone to discover these truths for themselves by reading and studying scripture. But in case you wanted to try to make some changes right away, they had a pretty good "method" for getting you there quickly.
It's really good knowing that we are part of good efforts that have been around a long time.

Be Blessed!
Michael



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