I titled my last article WHAT A TIME TO BE ALIVE, noting the fact that there is a new denomination in the Christian faith world: THE GLOBAL METHODIST CHURCH. I know this raises questions, “Isn’t this going against the stream?”
In a study published in 2022, Pew Research Center projected that if the rate of decline continues to accelerate, Christians will make up less than half of the American population by 2070, with estimated ranges for that year falling between 35% and 46% of the American population. A new denomination??????
I’ve added some additional words to title this article. What a time to be alive…not just to be alive…but to be alive as a Methodist. I say it that way in part because of the sadness and pain we have experienced in the division within the United Methodist Church.
Someday I may write about the value of denominations, but not now. I simply want to put a big yes over our Global Methodist Church. I have shared my reasons and concerns for being a part of this new expression.
I repeat a bit. I’m a Methodist by choice. was nurtured in the faith and inspired to answer God’s call to ministry by a dynamic, young, educated United Methodist preacher. Under his guidance and mentoring, I answered God’s call to preach, and I received my “local preacher’s license” at age 17, in June 1952.
The UMC came to birth in I968. I am amazed as I ponder. I have been a Methodist preacher longer than there has been a United Methodist Church. I share this not as a value judgment, but simply as a personal perspective, and an earnest request for prayer.
In my last article, I shared the fact that I was invited to pray in the opening worship of the first General Conference of the Global Methodist Church. I shared a portion of what I prayed. Will you please finish that prayer with me and pray it when the thought comes.
Our salvation walk is a walk with Christ. In the witnessing journey to which you call us, save us from the notion that salvation is a one-time event but is rather an ongoing journey to sanctification—a life of obedience, service, holiness.
Lord Jesus, save us from trying to minimize the evils of this fallen world. We know the devil is alive and at work in what he believes is his world. Keep us aware that you have trampled over sin, death and Satan. Greater are you within us than he that is in the world. As we walk, we will seek to grip your hands so tightly that we will always be following your lead.
We are making our prayer, Father, with great joy and expectation for the way in which you are moving in our world. We are ready to join in the revival already begun through the power of your Spirit. We are confident that yours is the kingdom, the power, and the glory, and one day, the kingdoms of this world will become the kingdom of our Lord, Jesus Christ, and He will reign forever and ever.