C-Mail
Lazer tag is not the answer
The question, "What do young adults want from the church?" needs to be rephrased to"What do young adults need from the chuch?"
[Connectional Reflections, Jan. 31 issue] What I hear them saying is they don't want more social gatherings. They need to know how the teachings of Jesus apply to their lives, and they need to deeper study in the Word. They are not looking for more of what they already have in the world, but they need to know what difference a relationship with the living Lord will make in their world. They don't want more programs. They need more spiritual direction.
I am a 60-year-old laywoman with children ages 34, 32, and 30. They can get concerts, lazer tag, social interaction, multimedia explosions, etc., elsewhere. They are dying for spiritual nourishment.
Elaine Ross
First Broad Street UMC
Kingsport District
Sprague: a prophetic voice
It is with dismay that I hear about the misguided attempt of some United Methodist clergy and laity to have one of our fine bishops removed. [Holston members sign complaint against Chicago's Bishop Sprague, Jan. 31 issue] I find the thinking of this bishop refreshing as he has struggled honestly with our faith as believers in Christ. He is trying to express the faith in fresh ways, especially to those who find "the same old, same old" inadequate. Like another "outside the box" theologian, John H. Spong, this good bishop is the prophetic voice in our church. Thank God for his work!
Rev. Warren Stewart
Retired pastor
Abingdon District
A house divided cannot stand
I was saddened when I read the letter accusing the signers of the complaint against Bishop Sprague of not knowing the teachings of Wesley. I reviewed "The Character of a Methodist," and as I had remembered from my first reading in seminary found once again that Wesley believed in "unity in the essentials."
Folks, the last time I looked in the Bible, the resurrection is presented as an essential to the faith of the Christian church and the individual Christian. My only regret is that I did not know about the petition and was unable to sign it myself. I leave you with this question:Would an atheist organization allow a born-again Christian to hold a key leadership position in their organization? Of course not! Would an abortion-rights group allow a pro-life activist to hold a key leadership position in their organization?
Certainly not; the two are not compatible. Jesus said "...a house divided against itself cannot stand..." Neither can a church.
Rev. Ronnie Maness
Morristown District
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