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Energizing and Equipping Local Churches
in Making Disciples of Jesus Christ for the Transformation of the World
The Wilderness Way - The Journey Begins
Dear friends and colleagues of the Central Texas Conference of the United Methodist Church,
It is my delight and joy to join with you in ministry for our Lord Jesus Christ. As I start my ministry in the Central Texas Conference, I cannot help but remember the Apostle Paul’s greeting to the Church of Rome. “To all God’s beloved in Rome [read: in the Central Texas Conference], who are called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.” (Romans 1:7)
Like Paul to the Romans, I truly give thanks to God for you. The graciousness of your welcome is gratefully received. Jolynn and I know ourselves to be blessed to be among you and share with you in ministry.
Daniel Boone, the great American frontiersman and pioneer, reportedly insisted that he had never been lost in his entire life. He did, however, admit to once having been confused for three days at a time. I contend that we live in a similar religious climate. We may or may not be lost. However, even the best of us is confused in these chaotic times. The day of Christendom is over. The day when we could count on the culture being genuinely Christian is gone. In fact, those of you who were at the Nurture Council’s Young Adult Summit on Saturday, September 6, heard David Kinnaman chronicle the deep cultural change we are living through. In the opening chapter of his book UnChristian he writes: “Our research shows that many of those outside of Christianity, especially younger adults, have little trust in the Christian faith, and esteem for the lifestyle of Christ followers is quickly fading among outsiders.” (p. 11)
On the other hand, we in the church are straining mightily to reach out with Christ’s love and grace. We’ve claimed a clear mission statement for The United Methodist Church. “The United Methodist Church’s mission is to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.” I believe there is a convergence ignited by the Holy Spirit leading us to a new day of faithfulness and fruitfulness.
The intersecting of these two streams leads us into the unknown. Like our foremothers and fathers of old we are now embarked on a wilderness journey. This is reason for great hope in this venture. The words of the Exodus echo down the centuries. “The Lord went in front of them in a pillar of cloud by day, to lead them along the way, and in a pillar of fire by night, to give them light, so that they might travel by day and by night. 22Neither the pillar of cloud by day nor the pillar of fire by night left its place in front of the people.” (Exodus 13:21-22) Once again the Lord leads us forward into the wilderness.
It is my intention to write a regular column entitled The Wilderness Way and to follow it up with a weekly blog on the same subject. I invite us to share together, to encourage and lift up each other, to risk in creative faithfulness as we are covenantaly connected on the wilderness way with and for Christ.
Yours in Christ,
Bishop Mike Lowry
The Central Texas Conference of the United Methodist Church
By: Bishop Mike Lowry On 9/19/2008
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Bishop Columns