bishop's perspective:
Cross and flame franchise
Last week Martha and I went to one of those strip shopping centers. We decided she would go to the drugstore and I to Ingles grocery store.
I entered the store with my list for eggs, fruit, bread and vegetables. But I was flabbergasted that instead of food, the store was filled with racks and stacks of clothing. Everything was attractively displayed. Swimsuits and men¡òs slacks were half price. New selections for fall were featured. Bar- gains were everywhere.
The only problem was that I needed food and not clothes. I was terribly disappointed the grocery store had substituted clothing for food. I felt betrayed. Then it dawned on me. Instead of Ingles, I had walked into the department store next door: Goody's!
All that got me to wondering about our churches. Do people see our cross and flame, read our name, and have a right to expect certain things from the United Methodist Church?
Wouldn't it be a betrayal of the Gospel for us to advertise we are people of the cross – followers of Christ with sacrifice, denial, humility – and then behave as selfish, arrogant, exclusive people? Wouldn't it be immoral for us to claim the power of the Holy Spirit as symbolized in the flame only to live powerless, hopeless lives? Wouldn't it break the heart of God for people who are starving for the Bread of Life to come into our churches only to find us obsessed with rules, procedures and structure?
Our cross and flame needs to be an honest symbol to those who enter our doors that they will find what we claim to be. People have a right to expect that our focus is worship and preparing people for mission and faithful wit- ness. They should be able to take for granted that the church is a place for spiritual replenishment, a place of hope – of forgiveness of sins, transformation and healing. It is a place to find Bread to give strength for the journey of life.
People should come into our churches and experience the presence and power of the Holy Spirit. They ought to know we are committed to justice.
I wonder how many people come into our churches expecting what the cross and flame signify only to discover they must be in the wrong place.
Well, Ingles did have the fruit, vegeta- bles and bread that I wanted. I pray God that those who enter our church doors will find what their souls yearn for.
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