UMC: Reflections on KS-Neb Merger
As the UMC in KS and Nebraska study whether they want to merge into one conference I have a number of questions floating around in my mind. (Starting in Sept 2012 they will be served by one Bishop.) Some of my reflections were sparked by a two part blog of David Livingston.
The task force is trying to focus on the big picture first, like what is the best way to be in mission. They tried to hold off on the more technical questions of the location of bishops office, merging pension funds and changes in health benefits, and other details like these, until the larger questions were answered. The three conferences at their annual meetings clearly wanted more detail on those technical questions before voting next year.
Our mission statement is “to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.” It is right to reflect on whether merging conferences can help us more effectively meet that mission.
But I have a question that may be even broader than the task forces starting point of how to best be in mission. Do we believe in our mission statement anymore? Based not on our high ideals and words, but based on our action, I am not sure many members have any passion for that mission statement.
Our actions suggest we are more interested in meeting the needs or current members than making new disciples. And our actions suggest we are more interested in preserving the institution of the church with more reports and data collection being the solution to everything.
And in my thinking, part of that mission statement is to deepen discipleship of our current membership, but large segments of our current membership do not seem very interested in growing in their discipleship based on participation in worship and small groups, etc.
So how do we refocus on mission and living out our mission? And does taht suggest anything about structure of conferences? Could a merger save enough from efficiencies we could have conference evangelists and other specialists to help us remember our mission? Or what would help us remember?
I keep thinking of a chapter in a Walter Bruggeman book about Forgetters being Rememberers. Maybe that is where we need to start.
Ron