Well Worth the Weariness
Seminar Reflections
No article last week. Too pooped to post, actually. But I don’t mind the fatigue when the energy expended on last Saturday’s seminar was worth every ounce of oomph. “Building Bridges to Sexual Wholeness” was well worth the weariness.
Over 70 people attended, some traveling over two hours to be there. Many were United Methodists in the disaffiliation pipeline, but other denominations were represented as well.
One of our keynote speakers was Garry Ingraham, the director of Transforming Congregations. As I drove him from the airport, he stated that most departing United Methodist churches continue to put off training for ministry to the sexually broken, replying that “the timing isn’t quite right yet.” Given the current confusion over gender and orientation, one wonders just when a clear and sound message will seem worth their time.
But those who landed in Zelienople for the day-long seminar drove home informed and inspired.
Debra Baty from Huntsville, AL, led the way with a clear teaching on a theology of sexuality. It was a brief summary of a document which she, Garry, I, and a few others had written for the Global Methodist Church. Sitting in the sanctuary, new hope began to rise in my heart for this denomination. Yes, I had a hand in crafting the statement, but listening to Debra lay out not only what we believe, but what we will practice in reaching out to the sexually addicted, abused, and confused simply excited me. I was struck with a fresh sense of how critical and significant it is to have an entire denomination all on the same page theologically, along with a determination to carry out our beliefs practically.
Because I taught two of the breakout sessions, I didn’t get to hear the presentations on transgenderism and orientation. But I found great receptiveness as I taught on ministry to the abused. Many left the room longing for more training so that they can be the healing hands of Jesus.
The other session I taught was “Sexuality and Today’s Youth.” After citing some of the failures of the “purity culture” of the 90’s, I made the case for age-appropriate teaching for the kids in our very homes. Did I have answers for all of the perplexing scenarios faced by parents and pastors? Nope. But the ensuing discussion was insightful for all of us. People left with a firm determination to shepherd the next generation compassionately, without resorting to scare tactics or shame.
Two requests have come in to hold a similar event in Akron and Toledo, Ohio. Debra has had inquiries from pastors in the southeast as well. If you could envision yourself hosting such a seminar, email the details of your vision. We’d love to begin a conversation.
This event gives me great hope that the Body of Christ can finally get out of the pew and into meaningful ministry with the sexually broken. We won’t have to look very hard to find them, however, because “them” is all around us on Sunday mornings, no matter what the demographics of your church home.
May God empower, embolden, and energize us all for what he longs for his church to do. It will be well worth all weariness!
“For this I toil and struggle with all the energy that he powerfully inspires within me.” Colossians 1:29 NRSV
As a non-Methodist I thought the material was excellent! I’m looking forward to receiving the PowerPoints
Hoping to share material with our church!
Blessings Bro!
Giving Thanks Mark! In Prayer I felt the weary!! The great need for all churches to know the identity crisis we are in. Continued prayer and authority over the vision and ministry to the broken, confused and lost.