Us and Them. Where is the We?

At this past two Detroit Annual Conference sessions, I was struck by something, the use of “us” and “they” language. Many people were probably not even aware that they (no pun) were doing it, but it was there. It was only upon reflection that I realized it myself. But there it was like us not being able to see the forest for the trees.

After hearing a great Lay Leader reports which reminded the laity that it was time to claim their ministry for Making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world, instead of expecting the pastor to do it all for the laity, we were reminded of our shared and mutual ministry.

Our cabinet deans reports gave us another reminder of the perception that young adults and those outside of the church view the church these days. Again they were a call for inclusivity and breaking down those barriers that would separate us, living authentic lives for Christ.

We heard a great address from the Conference Young Adults about new ways of being in ministry. While clearly this made an impact on those members in attendance, I was still struck by the language that was used. We were reminded by one member that many in attendance have gray hair and that old people resist change. It is the young people who are the future of the church. This may be true.

Even our bishop in an attempt to acknowledge the contribution of the young adult age persons there, said and pardon me if the quote is not exact “it is so great to have you young people here with all of us old folks.”

All the while we continued to acknowledge the declining membership of the UMC and what can be done. I believe that we completely miss the point. It is not intentional but is present none the less. Rather than acknowledging the important role that the young adult ministry plays in the life of our church and how it is one more tool that enables us to make disciples of Jesus Christ, we separated it as something extraordinary, rather than ordinary. That is the problem of the United Methodist Church. We have become such an established structure that we cannot see beyond it anymore.