What Lovett Weems says in his presentation on the status of the United Methodist Church is powerful and scary. The statistics are clear. We have been declining and we will decline more with the death rate of older Americans.
Lovett discusses the financial adjustments that need to be made. Certainly, that is powerful and realistic, but the real answer isn’t in financial adjustments; it is in evangelism, enthusiasm, and making disciples of Jesus Christ. It isn’t in a membership campaign or effort to save the institution by recruiting a few more young members. It is imperative to do what Jesus taught, follow the Great Commission, and make disciples. Somehow evangelism has become a topic that is hard for persons to deal with.
I’m teaching on evangelism all across the United States, speaking in every geographic section, large churches, small churches, districts, other judicatory gatherings. There is probably no American clergy today speaking more on evangelism than I am. What I am finding is encouraging. I am excited about the response of the laity and clergy across the Church. We are ready to do something about this. We are ready to reach people for Christ. But we desperately need more training, understanding and, practical help. I would love to know your response, questions and ideas!
