Explain

A few Sundays ago I was involved in a worship service that included the Apostles’ Creed. Over the years, I have observed that many congregations do not include some of the traditional components of worship service associated with the United Methodist Church. My assumption is that as pastors and their worship leadership teams prayerfully sort out the elements which lengthen worship service along with what is appealing to a new generation of seekers, some very important aspects of the faith get eliminated.

Teaching Moments

What was particularly noticeable and meaningful in this worship service was that a very brief explanation (a teaching moment) occurred with the congregation to help them understand the rationale for using the Apostles’ Creed to affirm our faith. How could we as Christians in the 21st century repeat so glaringly the same old errors of all those who have gone before us? If we no longer remember why we do what we do and fail to explain to each other over and over an explanation that relates, we will fall away from the lifeline that gives us our very breath.

I am profoundly concerned about the disappearance of many of the values that define who we are as Christians and United Methodists. Essential faith values must be taught if they are to maintain a significant role in our lives. I believe that there is a direct correlation between membership declines in our denomination and the lack of teaching the values of the faith. Rituals lose their meaning and power when we take for granted that everyone understands why we are doing certain acts and saying certain things with intentionality.

Assumptions

We cannot assume that people will automatically know what is appropriate. Going to the movies is one of my favorite getaways. I find it interesting that multiple reminders regarding personal behavior are necessary in a public place.  Before the movie begins, the audience is reminded to be quiet and turn off their cell phones so others can enjoy the movie.  Now there’s even a reminder to not “tweet” during the movie.

The point is that people have to be taught, and the more important a value, especially to those who are a members of the household of faith, the more intentional we should be about nurturing the essential faith elements that help to keep us centered in God’s plan for us and the world family.

Conclusion

Preachers, teachers, parents, relatives, members, friends, neighbors, and concerned citizens – we must take responsibility for explaining why we do what we do if the values that make a difference will continue to exist in the lives that belong to the future. We have assumed that what is important and fundamental to the faith will have a life of its own and will be able to withstand the rebelliousness and innovations of a new generation who feel its great contribution to society is to dismiss and ignore anything that preceded it. Sometimes the isolating focus on missing a bump in the road can land us in a ditch. Jesus said in Matthew 23:24 “You strain out a gnat but swallow a camel.” Jesus was always teaching the disciples and explaining the why, and we should follow the example as disciples.

We must not only practice the core values of the faith, we must explain over and over to every newcomer and to every generation why we do what we do if we want to continue to experience the same holy spirit explosion which ignited the Methodist revival that swept across North America years ago.

Remember, God’s will for us is good. We must do the rest.

With love,

Your Bishop
James R. King, Jr.