It’s been a very full week! After a Sunday that was crammed from start to finish, I grabbed my bag and headed to Northern Kentucky for this year’s Kentucky United Methodist Annual Conference. I always look forward to AC! There’s just something about seeing friends from across the state and worshipping together with those who serve in ministry all day every day that encourages me. There’s a lot that happens in those few day – we certainly fill the schedule.
As I sit, in the back, and watch the leadership that is displayed by our Bishop and his cabinet, I realized just how blessed we are as Kentucky Methodists, but also as followers of Jesus. I hear horror stories all the time about rogue leaders and those entrusted with care of congregations that make bad news. There is always that sad moment at Conference when clergy are removed from the rolls due to to the devastation of sin and brokenness. It’s very solemn at that point – the leadership, nor the AC members take that lightly.
Beyond these procedures and other parliamentary moments, I also see a leadership that is firmly rooted in Christ. People who disagree over all kinds of issues, but who deeply love Christ and are devoted to advancing the Kingdom on earth as we have been commissioned and ordained. That’s exciting! It gives me hope. It “warms my heart” and invites me to return with greater faith, ready to journey once again.
This year, instead of going directly home, I was invited to join our student choir, OneVoice, on their final night of their annual mission tour. I snuck into a bunch of surprised students, who didn’t know I was coming. I watched them engage with each other and with complete strangers. I listened to them sing and then offer encouragement to those attending the concert. I heard their beautiful melodies and I saw their smiles and their welcoming presence just radiate through the church. I heard them bless their fellow students and leaders and give an incredible sendoff to the Seniors.
I tell you all this as an encouragement – we have a great future as a Church. I don’t just mean my local congregation, though that is true. I mean we the Body of Christ have an incredibly bright future in front of us. I think we need those reminders! There is a lot of garbage in our world, stuff that we’ve been called to engage and help bring redemption too. But that garbage can weigh our souls. It can make us feel that the work will NEVER be done. Take heart – Light Wins! God is stronger! The One that gave his LIFE for you and me lives in You and Me! The same power and wisdom that courses through him is available to us in the person of the Spirit!
Take this as your reminder today – you are NOT alone, God is with us. You are a part of something far greater. There is HOPE – His Kingdom is advancing, even when we don’t see it. It may be difficult to see sometimes – maybe even right now, but please remember, our God is a God of hope filled surprises. We just need to look. So, take 60 seconds and look for it. You may find it in a song, or a bird, or a breeze, or in knowing that in a few hours you get to see your family!
Blessings and may you know his Hope Today!
Grace and Peace
Location:Dennison University, OHIO