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Lessons in Morality for the UMC, From Corporate America

Trust, noun,
1 assured reliance on the character, ability, strength, or truth of someone or something;
2 a charge or duty imposed in faith or confidence or as a condition of some relationship.

In years past the church has borrowed from management practices of the corporate world. Too often, we have imported much of what is amoral of that world along with it. I offer two lessons in morality that I learned in secular business. Continue reading “Lessons in Morality for the UMC, From Corporate America” →

You Are Able: Are You Willing?

A much better sermon on the thief on the cross by Dr. Carl Hoefler can be found here. This is a greatly abbreviated version of an evangelical sermon of my own which addresses common misapplications of lessons from the thief. It may be criticized as belonging to another century. The critic is right. It’s from the first century. Continue reading “You Are Able: Are You Willing?” →

 

I have noted that the desperate acts to save the life of the UMC are exactly what will kill it. Consider this from a more moderate voice:

As the debates raged at General Conference this week, I heard a common theme in the voices of conservative and progressive delegates and observers: desperation. Often taking the form of out of control emotions and devious legislative tactics this desperation was on display from both sides. While it is easy to be offended by acts […]

via UMC GC 2019 Final Reflections: Existential Threats and a Pathway to Peace — Wil Cantrell

Eighty Times at the Table and Counting

(In addition to sources cited in text, I should acknowledge John Wesley’s metaphor of sin as a debt owed, and a work by Will Willimon noting the extravagant lifestyle of a debtor. )

The account from Genesis 50 of Joseph forgiving his brothers. ..it’s just one of those “everybody hug” moments. Yes, I am happy for the brothers who have no need to go through the rest of their lives in perpetual fear that one day their sins will bring a horrible price. But, I am happiest for Joseph. He has his family back. Continue reading “Eighty Times at the Table and Counting” →