WHAT I HAVE LEARNED SO FAR ABOUT OUR CALLING AS GLOBAL METHODISTS
Having been involved in the Global Methodist Church over the past 30 months, I thought I would share a few lessons learned reflecting on the book of Ephesians as I have traveled across the MidSouth Annual Conference, collaborated with clergy and laity, and grown to deeply appreciate the divine call we share in this ministry.
- Whatever God calls us he is making us; wherever he leads us, his grace will sustain us. “In him (Christ) we were chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will, in order that we, who were the first to hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory.” (Ephesians 1:11-12)
- In Christ, we are called to take a long look forward and occasionally a glimpse backward. “Because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive in Christ even when we were dead in transgressions…in order that he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus.” (Ephesians 2:4-7)
- We are called to take care of the depth of our relationship with Jesus Christ and trust him to take care of the breadth of our ministry. “For this reason I kneel before the Father…that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ.. to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine…” (Ephesians 3:14, 17-18, 20)
- We are called to participate in a process, not to possess a product. “As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the call you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. “Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.” (Ephesians 4:1-3)
- Our calling is to the team we play with, not the field we play on. “Speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is Christ. From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.” (Ephesians 4:15-16)
- We are called to take risks and possibly make big mistakes because we are committed to be life-long learners/disciples of Jesus Christ. “Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly beloved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” (Ephesians 5:1-2)
- We are called to dismount if the horse is dead. “For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light…Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness…” (Ephesians 5:8-11)
- We are not called to fix stupid. “Be very careful, then, how you live – not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.” (Ephesians 5:15-16)
The Global Methodist Church was officially launched in May 2023. By human standards, we are but toddlers, learning to walk together, play together, pray together, learn together, serve together, grow together. It is a tremendous joy and honor to be called together for such a time as this. We have come a long way in a few months, and we are just getting started. Best of all, the One who called us together is faithful, and He is very good at what He does. I praise Him for the privilege of sharing this journey with you.
Mike Powers
