Personal Holiness

So... long time, no post! Here's what's on my mind today:

Personal Holiness…

Do those words mean anything to you? Do they make you yawn? Do you roll your eyes and say “ugh!”? OR… what would really make ME happy is... do those words peak your interest?

If you have done any studying or reading on what it is to be a Methodist or a Wesleyan, then you already have an idea of what “personal holiness” includes. For brothers John and Charles Wesley, personal holiness was an intentional way of life that brought about revival. Remember that the Church of England was woefully in decline in the 1700’s, and while in school at Cambridge, the Wesleys formed a small group of friends who met regularly to read, study, and discuss their personal journeys in discipleship. They were open and honest about their struggles, and held each other accountable for spiritual growth.
As time went on, and the Wesleys matured in their faith and ministries, they recognized that these kinds of small groups were a key part of the answer for revival in the Anglican church. And thus, the Wesleyan movement began, leading eventually to the establishment of the Methodist Church in the United States, and now the worldwide United Methodist Church.
In the United States, this kind of accountability group has fallen by the wayside, for the most part. We tend to want to live and let live, and not question or challenge anyone in anyway religiously. There are many who believe that this fear of involvement and accountability has led to the church’s decline. A vicious cycle then begins when we grow more fearful of driving people away, because we are desperate for members. As we all know, however, “membership” does not equal “discipleship”. (As was the case in John Wesley’s day in the Church of England.)
John Wesley eventually grew to understand true discipleship as a holistic way of living, which involved achieving a Godly balance in our spiritual being, our intellectual being, AND our physical being. In other words, a holy lifestyle meant the pursuit of holiness in body, mind and spirit. He also believed that there is an unmistakable connection between our physical health and well-being and our spiritual and intellectual health and growth.
Therefore… setting that little history lesson aside… as for you… what is the definition of “Church Membership” and how does that relate (or not!) to your understanding of “Christian Discipleship”? Are you finding yourself in an unbalanced, or even unhealthy, way of life? Is there a particular area in your life that needs exposure to Christ’s healing touch? Are you struggling with an addiction? Depression? Ill health? Weight issues? Not exercising enough? Over-work? Stress? Anxiety? Anger? Or maybe even just bored or “blah” about your life these days?
Well… I am! Since my hysterectomy over a year ago, I’ve really packed on the pounds, and I’m tired of being out of balance. I know that I grow spiritually and intellectually when I am taking care of myself physically… and I’ve been holding myself back. How about you?
If any of this is striking a chord with you, I’d like to invite you to join me on Wednesdays in May. (and only May, for now!) We’ll have 2 groups, one at Noon, and one at 5:30, for the purpose of study, discussion, and accountability with love. We’ll call them “Wesley Groups”, and see how they go. The desired outcome of these groups is deeper relationships with each other, improved health and well-being, and most importantly, stronger devotion to God.
Whatever you want to work on: quitting smoking or drinking, eating better, eating less, exercising regularly, taking your medications to stay on top of health concerns, working more, working less, reading the Bible or praying more, really ANYthing, please let’s help one another. If you know of anyone who might benefit from something like this, invite them, or better yet… bring them! We start the Wesley Groups the first Wednesday in May! Until then….

Cya in church!

-Rev B