Decision #4

Decision #4

Restoring the Purpose of the Local Church

FOCUS

The purpose of the Church: what was lost, and what needs to be reclaimed.

The authors offer a long quote from From The Standard Catechism of the Methodist Episcopacy Church (1905) regarding the answer to the question of the purpose of the Church.  [See pages 86-87]

In short – it says the  'Church' was created by Jesus to be the visible presence of the Kingdom of God. The 'Church' is the universal society of believers in Jesus who “accept the law of love contained in His Gospel as the rule of their lives.”  It's role is to equip the saints for ministry and service to Christ in the world.  The Holy Spirit is in charge. The Holy Spirit convinces us of sin, offers pardon, and cleanses us “form all filthiness of flesh and spirit.”

The authors rerun to the Sangster's comments from 1938 regarding the 4 essentials that he felt were being lost:  

(1) Fellowship; 

(2)  Assurance; 

(3)  Holiness; 

(4) Personal Evangelism.  

The authors note with regret the loss of  “The Class Meeting.”  This was John Wesley's model for “sanctifying” both laity and clergy. 

MEM: This is called “small groups” today and the methodology has proved to be wildly successful especially in non-denominational groups and groups that have split from their mainline denominational heritage.  Again, relational issues are key here.  One has to have an intimate, and meaningful walk with Christ to be enlivened and directed to share that walk and the love of Christ with others.  A focus on  “Evangelism” has been missing almost totally from the congregations I have served.  When there is talk about “Evangelism” it is thought to be more a matter of doing the right marketing of the churches programs.  This is the result of our focus on attractional methods to reach focus.  While we do need certain core ministries in place to attract folks something more is needed.  We need a focus on the mater of our deep for a deep, abiding relationship with God and with others who are seeking to respond to the call of the Holy Spirit in their life.  The authors are dead on target here.  

Decision #4

To reinstitute Wesleyan Class Meeting for intimate fellowship, to preach the basics of the faith for greater assurance, to pursue and practice holiness of heart and life through a disciplined lifestyle, and to expect personal evangelism from all members. 

MEM: New United Methodist Churches should be organized as “cell churches.”  This would be in keeping with the methodology Wesley used.  In this model, small groups are not added on to the structure.  They are foundational in the growth of the community.  Only out of “intimate fellowship” can we preach assurance and the practice of holiness of heart and life.  Love is contagious.  Love of God and others must be the motivation for our personal evangelism.