A VISION OF DISCIPLESHIP
As we continue to introduce the new vision statement for the church, there are several powerfully provocative phrases that are included that reflect the desire to boldly acknowledge the core of our beliefs and the wide range of ages that are included in the membership of the church (e.g., “Christ-centered and multi-generational community). One of the phrases that inspires both reflection and renewal is the phrase that begins the final sentence of the vision statement—“Honoring tradition and embracing innovation.” The reference to the traditions of the church highlight the Spiritual foundations upon which we stand and the reference to innovation acknowledges the desire to continually evolve to effectively pursue the mission of the church. The mission of making disciples is our reason for existing. Among all the things that are said and done, what is tantamount is the commitment to live as disciples who desire that others will also become disciples.
In the book, “The Innovative Church: How Leaders and Their Congregations Can Adapt in an Ever-Changing World” by Scott Cormode, he argues that the reification of tradition can become especially problematic “when we feel obligated to stay connected to a past that was constructed for a world that no longer exists.” While tradition is one of the key pillars of the theological approach of The United Methodist Church (that include scripture, tradition, experience and reason), in some instances the strained gaze upon the past can restrict the ability to adapt and evolve in ways that allow new methods to be introduced and celebrated. New methods are sometimes necessary to remain relevant and appealing amidst evolving norms. Familiar patterns of worship and ministry can be inappropriately and unnecessarily elevated in importance.
The identity of disciple is accompanied by the expectation that in addition to pursuing a Christ-like life, others will also be invited to adopt new ways of living that eschew previously valued characteristics. The changes, or innovations, of the church are introduced to not only fulfill the mission of making disciples, these changes also reflect the emergence of new characteristics. As Paul asserts, “if anyone is in Christ, they are a new creation; old things pass away; behold, all things have become new” (2 Corinthians 5:17). Although traditions can appear to be inseparable founding principles, there are ways in which adaptations are welcomed and necessary. In his article entitled “Traditioned Leadership,” L. Gregory Jones noted that the “people who bear a tradition are called to be relentlessly innovative in ways that preserve the life-giving character of the tradition.” In other words, within traditions are both aspects which inspire and those which dissuade.
The new vision statement of the church reflects an acknowledgement of the critical life-giving aspects of tradition that are honored while also celebrating the quickening dimensions of the innovative aspects of the church. Among the growing lists of ways that the church simultaneously affirms both traditions and innovations are the voices of both the young and the old. As disciples bear witness to the impact of the Holy Spirit upon their determination to follow Christ, we, too, are invited to maintain this practice of reaching out to others who also desire to live as disciples. We pray that you are excited by the opportunity share your testimony of growth and service as we pursue the mission of the church and as we share the church’s vision. Next Sunday, June 1, the Vision Team will meet with the congregation again for the third time to share more details about the ways that we believed we are called together to be disciples and to invite others to become disciples. Your presence and your witness are invaluable parts of this process. We are looking forward to seeing you as we embrace the vision for the church!
In Christ,
Jon McCoy
