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Conversations that Matter

Thank you, Staci and Ed, for providing a time and place for conversations that matter to me. I benefitted from the context and the content.  When elected as a Bishop of The United Methodist Church and assigned to Iowa, I was asked by many persons, including the Director of Communications for our conference, “What will be your first priority as bishop?”

Visitation and listening are still major themes of my leadership six months later as I travel, preach and engage laity and clergy throughout our state.  In fact, listening is essential for our work as United Methodists throughout the world as we faithfully proclaim the “Good News of the Gospel” in a world fraught with complex problems and rapid social and economic change.  
 
As the chasm between the rich and poor grows wider, people still want to know is there a word from the Lord?  Do we intend to engage our communities with sensitivity for service and not just survival?  Do we dare risk new ministries that call for collaboration in new ways?  Will we abandon our rich history of justice and mercy, and focus our prayers and programs on “just-us”?  Are we aware of the many young adults and second career women and men who are eager to be part of what Pastor Scott (at the recent Rural Listening Post in Jefferson) called “movemental asopposed to monumental” ministry?
 
Staci approached me with an invitation during my recent visit to Garrett Evangelical Theological Seminary (GETS) in Evanston, Illinois. GETS is one of eleven United Methodist Seminaries supported in part by our apportionment dollars and students who come out of local churches around the world. We have five students from Iowa churches attending the seminary that provided me my formal theological education from 1980-1983.  
 
I was more than pleased to accept the invitation from Staci to spend time in conversation with these five gifted leaders who have much to offer the church as they live out their calling from God. It was time well spent for me, as I listened to the stories of local church connection, family origin and passion for applied theology and real life ministry that can be lived out in a variety of ways. They got a dose of who their new Bishop is and what I value.  I got a dose of fresh hope as I was exposed to young adult Christian leaders who bring a love for people to future opportunities in camping, Christian education, pastoral leadership and Justice Ministries.  From rural and urban churches and college town communities, these five students are representative of outstanding young adult leaders who want to be more than just caretakers of the institutional Church. I encouraged them to enjoy the journey and these exciting moments in history. Thank you, Jonathan, Jen, Jessica, Stuart and Staci.
 
The Iowa Conference Rural Fellowship is alive and well. Saturday, March 7 they invited me to a Rural Listening Post in Jefferson.  The event was rich with testimonies and insight set in the context of worship and theological framework that acknowledges a compassionate God who is present in all places at all times. There are many challenges facing rural Iowa.
  • Who will be our future farmers providing food for the world?
  • Where will Iowa’s rural residents access healthcare as doctors and hospitals consolidate around urban suburban centers of population?  
  • Who will be the voice for Iowa’s rural concerns in the area of education and policy matters? 
  • How will The United Methodist Church play a pivotal role in working with the poor and those with many resources in rural Iowa? 
  • What happens when we choose to be stronger by collaboration and team ministry in rural and small towns? 
I listened and experienced the stories of renewal, challenge and hope. All is not well in many small towns and rural communities. They have lost employment and contend with shrinking school populations and tax dollars. Grant United Methodist Church’s, “Time to Create” was an example of how one district and local church can partner to make an impact on the community. Children have a place to come after school and experience a supportive encouraging Christian environment. Small churches can do exceptional outreach and make disciples for Jesus. 
 
Possibilities for future listening and learning events were shared as we were reminded that when God plants us in rural communities, we are not abandoned. Rev. Bill Cotton suggested we all plan to plant asparagus when we arrive in a new ministry setting. It takes four years to fully mature.
 
Ten years from now The United Methodist Church will be different, but not dead.  
  • Yes, we will be in the city, small towns and rural communities of Iowa and the world.
  • Yes, we will keep listening, learning and adapting to the changing demographics and challenges. 
  • Yes, we will continue to attempt great things for God as we expect great things from God. 
“No one lights a lamp and hides it in a jar or puts it under a bed…instead it is put on a stand, so that those who come in can see the light…….Therefore, consider carefully how you listen.”   Luke 8:16,18a
 
Be Encouraged...

Topics: Listening