Methodism and Division

April 24, 2024
By Rev. Lynn Bartlow, Lead Pastor

As I write this, I’m sitting beside the beach in Oceanside, Maryland. My husband is here for a retreat, and I tagged along for my own personal retreat. I’ve needed this time to rest… time to be still and focus energy on God.

Tomorrow, we travel to Charlotte, North Carolina, to attend three days of General Conference. I’ve never attended General Conference, even as an observer. I’m looking forward to experiencing how this event happens. This first week, the legislative committees meet to do their work receiving the 1099 pieces of legislation submitted for consideration. These sessions are closed to observers like me, so we will be limited to the morning plenary sessions and experiencing exhibit hall with all of the General agencies, Boards, and partner ministries set up. I am hopeful to see friends from around the world that I’ve known through our church connection.

In today’s Young People’s Address, Senesie Timothy Arounah Rogers said these words: “It is best not to worry about division, as Methodism and division and are intertwined.” How I love this wisdom from those younger than I am! I have said this before and will continue to proclaim it. Methodism began as a holiness movement within the Church of England. We were birthed in the US when the country divided from Britain. We are a product of division. Methodism and division are intertwined. We cannot escape it, it seems.

This is a source of good news for me. No matter what happens, Methodism will continue. No matter what happens, the gospel of Jesus Christ will be shared, in the company of John and Charles Wesley. No matter what happens, the Spirit will continue to move in this world.

However, Bishop Thomas Bickerton, in his sermon yesterday, stated something like, “There will be people here who think that yesterday was better than the sanctified life of the future.”

I am grateful that we at St. Marks believe that we indeed have a sanctified life, a holy life in our future. Our yesterdays were indeed good. Our yesterdays were indeed strong. However, our future, when filled with the Holy Spirit, will be even better. We honor our yesterdays, but we can’t remain there. I’m excited to see what will happen in our future.

I will miss seeing you on Sunday but know that you are in good hands as our United Women in Faith lead us in worship.

See you soon,
Pastor Lynn

If you are interested in the latest news of General Conference, including a recap of yesterday’s session, check out this link: UMNews article