When I joined the United Methodist Church in 1992, I did so because I had found a home, a place that welcomed me, that loved me in. Of course, the UMC at that time was embodied in a small congregation in the mountains of north Georgia. Before I joined, the pastor handed me a copy of the Discipline to review. I remember being amazed at how many things written there--and I refer to the Doctrinal Standards, The Ministry of All Christians, and the Social Principles--that resonated with my own heart. In its own way, my heart was strangely warmed. Later, I sensed a call to ordained ministry. I entered seminary...and began that journey of theological, ecclesiastical, and Biblical studies...and part of that included, of course, a study of the Discipline of the UMC. I graduated, completed the probationary period of service, and appeared before the Annual Conference to be ordained. When asked if I would uphold the Discipline, I did not respond in ignorance--I was well aware of what I was affirming. I followed Gods call into Christian ministry because I wanted to do what God had called me to do...and I wanted to do so through the United Methodist Church. Today, I remain a United Methodist Christian and minister because I believe this is the place for me, because that Discipline still resonates within me. If I ever come to a place in which I can no longer affirm and support the Discipline, I will seek a different place that resonates with whatever changes may have come into my life. May that day never come. My wife and I serve with and through the UMC with joy...I have baptized my three children in the UMC...the UMC blessed, supported and prayed for us as we served seven years in missions...and I now look forward with great anticipation to the great work God will do through us all as we faithfully serve God in the Rio Texas Conference.
Posted on: Mon, 09 Jun 2014 00:01:57 +0000
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