What Wesley didn't say, in the Sept. 23 'Reporter'

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It ain’t necessarily so that John Wesley, Methodism’s founder, said what he’s credited with saying. Wesley scholars find no evidence that Wesley originated or even uttered some of the more famous quotations attributed to him. In other cases, Wesley’s words have been paraphrased or smoothed over. Staff writer Mary Jacobs has our report on what’s really Wesleyan rhetoric, and what isn’t.
 
William Lawrence, dean of the Perkins School of Theology, provides lots of information and more than a little opinion in his new book Ordained Ministry in the United Methodist Church. In our Q&A with him, he answers questions about everything from the differing views John and Charles Wesley held about ordination to whether the UMC’s current approach to ordination is an impediment to aspiring clergy.
 
The UMC’s official racial ethnic caucuses are not happy with a proposed restructuring of the denominational bureaucracy. Our story notes their objections and quotes defenders of the plan.
 
This has been a year of natural disasters in the United States, from tornadoes to floods to wildfires. United Methodist News Service reports on the latest trouble, and on the UMC response.
 
Southern Methodist University is celebrating the 100^th anniversary of its founding with an exhibit that highlights the school’s Methodist roots. Our story provides details of the display.
 
In commentaries, the Rev. James Howell riffs off the book A First-Rate Madness, arguing that creative leadership, including in the ministry, often comes from those who struggle with depression. The Rev. Andrew C. Thompson, our “Gen-X-Rising” columnist, writes about the challenge of defining the word “effective” as the UMC tries to evaluate churches and institute reforms. Retired Bishop Woodie W. White uses his “Reflections” column to note the importance of knowing when not to speak.
 
There’s plenty more in this issue, including History of Hymns; a column by the Rev. David Mosser on a book he’s edited titled Transitions: Leading Churches through Change; and “Aging Well” columnist Missy Buchanan on a way to ease seniors’ transition into assisted living.
 
As always, we welcome letters, other comments, and story tips. Message us at news@umr.org.
 
Thanks for keeping the faith with us.

Sam Hodges
Managing editor

Comments

[Kevin]

Why do we need racial and ethnic caucuses within the UMC? At least they note the redundancies among our boards.

[John of the Dead]

The only person who would ask that question is a middle-aged white male.

[Kevin]

I would say that racially configured organizations are non-Christian. Galatians 3: 26-28. And you guessed correctly.

[Jim]

Bureaucracy whether one finds it in the government or in the church or elsewhere most generally creates problems for those who are directly involved with it. "Red tape" I believe that it is called.

The Savior cut through all of that when He died on the Cross--for each person who accepts His Blood Sacrifice. The UMC would do well to return to its former Love. Social, ethnic and racial caucuses--if the people who so rigidly support and insist those caucuses exist--would vanish, at least in the church, if Father/Son/Holy Spirit truly led the way instead of the council of bishops. Please, kind bishops, check out II Chronicles 7:14.