Dear Friends,

         As I write you this “epistle”, I am about to head off for my seventh Church Conference of the season… the end is almost in sight… even if it appears to be the size of a gnat! All of this is to suggest that I’ve not yet had a chance to read the entire report yet, though my curiosity was aroused by an article in the September-October issue of the Interpreter magazine. There’s a brief overview of the State of the Church entitled “ An Invitation to an Upright, Charitable and Discreet Conversation.” There’s information in the article about how to access the report, though this article only lifts up a digest of the findings.

         As I converse with the leaders in our 65 congregations of the Ann Arbor District, both lay and clergy, many speak… often with great fervor… of our Church’s need to reach out and attract younger people, younger families. I’ve sensed in these churches, however, that they want this more out a sense that the speakers are getting tired and want some relief from their responsibilities than out of any clear-cut missional desire to make disciples and transform the world.

         As the synopsis of this survey reported in the Interpreter tells the reader, there is a sizeable gap between what we say we believe and value… and what we are willing to do in order to attract and cultivate a stronger, healthier future for our beloved Church. There is often a great resistance to accommodate current practices and schedules in order to be more appealing to those we profess we want to join us in mission and ministry. What is said, in a variety of ways, and not always quite this boldly (though sometimes it is this blunt) is, “This is who we are; if ‘they’ want to join us, let them be the ones to change”.

         Some of the issues that attract some controversy are things like alternative worship times, alternative worship styles. Also, there are those who question why the nursery that was okay for their children is not “good enough” for these new folks. There is also great consternation about why “they” make the financial decisions they do… so that they’re unable to give as much as seems “right” to help our church. In a day when so many people are nervous about all things financial, many are reluctant to spend scarce resources in the vague hope that it may attract some newer people.

         To be sure, many of these issues are not the invention of the Church in the early 21st century. Yet, this is the day in which you and I now serve and it certainly impacts our lives in some very real and personal ways. I hope that you’ll take time to read the article in the Interpreter, perhaps even download it and use it for some conversation among your congregation’s leadership. Laity, if you’re not currently receiving this magazine, check with your pastor who receives it free… or one of the other laity who might receive it. By the way, each congregation receives seven free copies of the Interpreter each issue, courtesy of our Apportionments!

         If you’re reading this, it’s because you are a leader in the UMC today. I hope you will peruse this piece and discuss it: to learn, to listen, to discern, to plan… to change for the sake of the Gospel and those who need its message. Blessings on you and as always, feel free to check with me if you have any questions or comments.

 Shalom,

Tom Macaulay
District Superintendent