“All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation; that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting the message of reconciliation to us.”
2 Corinthians 5:18-19 NRSV
PASTOR DUANE — I was reading an article by Elizabeth Berry, a coaching and communication consultant who shares her wisdom on the LinkedIn platform. The article was taking folks to task for too much “insider speak.” She said, “Insider speak = internal conversations that one would have with people inside of their company. Now, it’s all fine and dandy because they understand what they’re talking about, but you have no clue— heck, you have no idea what they mean. And they have no idea that what they’re saying makes no sense at all to you!”
It occurred to me that I may be guilty of this behavior. I often talk about things that we do at First Church as if everyone knows exactly what I’m talking about. One example is when I talk about the fact that we are a Reconciling Congregation. But if you are newer around here you might not know what I’m talking about. What is a Reconciling Congregation you ask? And why does it matter that First Church is one?
A Reconciling Congregation is one that has gone through an intentional discernment process and then through a congregation-wide vote and has made a decision to join the work of inclusion led by Reconciling Ministries Network—or RMN for short.
Reconciling Ministries Network is an organization made up of individuals, groups, and congregations who are working inside the United Methodist Church to change its policies and practices related to LGBTQ+ persons so that there are no barriers to their ministry and service. Since 1972, The United Methodist Church has struggled with its theology and doctrine in this area, and Reconciling Ministries Network has worked to promote greater understanding, challenged exclusive readings of scripture, and advocated for the full inclusion of all in the life of the church.
In 2017, First Church began a discernment process that included many voices. People told their stories and shared ways that they had been hurt by churches that did not value them in their full identity, or worse yet, rejected them outright. Others named the ways that full inclusion is consistent with our Wesleyan understanding of grace. On August 26, 2018, First Church voted to be a Reconciling Congregation.
Why is it important to First Church? I think the first reason is that it is consistent with who we are. This church has a deep commitment to justice, and we see the exclusion of LGBTQ+ people as a matter of deep injustice. However, the more important reason is that by welcoming all people, we live our discipleship and calling to follow in Jesus’ footsteps that welcomed the outsider, ate with tax collectors and sinners, and was willing to show God’s sacrificial love and give up his life to reveal God’s love and to reconcile humanity with God.
I am so grateful for the witness that First United Methodist Church, West Lafayette makes to the world by being a place of radical welcome and unconditional love. The institutional church is losing influence and appeal to the younger generations because they have seen so many examples of the ways churches have hurt people. Many young folks want nothing to do with organized religion, but welcoming churches like First Church offer a different story. We demonstrate Christ’s love in a way that shows that there is still a need and a role for the church today.
So, thank you, First Church for being who you authentically are, and growing in grace. Thank you for this public affirmation that sums it all up.
Blessings,
Pastor Duane
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