Religion versus Wholeness

Today's post is a reflection of a movement within me to discern about some recent happenings within my own religious denomination (Methodism) and the effect that those happenings are having on my wholeness. Spiritually, we've just come through some important Jewish holy days (with more to come) and most importantly, through Yom Kippur - the day of atonement. I am especially in tune with the concept of atonement and its attendant forgiveness in my own life right now. Having a gracious G-d that forgives all my transgressions is a very healing notion.

In my own conference of Methodism, however, the Bishop has just called for a time of fasting each week until the end of the calendar year to help us listen for G-d and discern the future of the church. The view from some clergy that I talk with is that the Bishop's call is a reflection that 70% of Methodist churches have not taken in one new disciple in the last 3 years. Therefore, the fast is in response to the clergy not "doing their job to make new disciples".

I'm already concerned aobut he state of clergy health, wellness and wholeness, and this makes me more concerned. Not that clergy couldn't use a fast of 24 hours. There are data within my own Conference that our clergy are more overweight than age-matched controls. My concern is that the leading cleric is calling for a fast to try to turn the clergy around (to have them repent). While I'm sure that there are those who have lost the fire for evangelism and conversion, I'm also convinced, after meeting many, that they are doing the best that they can. Fasting and discerning is fine, but it won't change the basic problems that clergy face each day.

So, I'm trying to extend the fast to all of my congregation. To help us see the plight of our beloved clergy, to see our complicity in their un-health, to see our complicity in not creating new disciples, and to have a change of heart and mind (metanoia) that will create a church that is more HW2.

I'll let you know how it goes. May you be well in mind, body and spirit this and every day!

Dan