What Will We Look Like?

I recently answered a number of questions as part of the Program Review process.  One, in particular, struck me and I share both the question and my response here:

The mission of the United Methodist Church is “to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.”

The mission of the Iowa Annual Conference is “to make disciples, develop leaders and transform the world.” 

What will the Annual  Conference look like if this mission is accomplished?

We cannot know how the Iowa Annual Conference might look when the mission is accomplished.  Some believe the Annual Conference would look more like a powerful political party with strength and leadership taking center stage. This view engages the idea that the Annual Conference would be the center of life for the disciples called United Methodist and all would act and work together in concert with no little ability to make change for the good within our area of influence.  Some believe the Annual Conference would look much less robust, even somewhat ordinary or pedestrian.  This view understands the transformation of the world could make the work of the Annual Conference obsolete or at the very least diminished. 

The view from the Central District is that, regardless of the direction the wind may blow, making Disciples is and will be a continuing process as new people come to the church, others grow in their relationship to the church, and still others come of age within the church.

We cannot know the future, but we can understand this vital point, we shall be changed.  What we shall be has not yet been revealed, but we know we will be like Christ.  Perhaps our humble willingness to be changed, transformed, or born again, is as close to an answer as we are able to provide.  In hope, in truth, in love we shall be changed.  We shall all be changed to offer grace and peace in ways which defend and reconcile all persons.  We shall be changed to hold together in tension the very best of truth and love.

And we believe this must be done with an incredible sense of urgency and must include addressing the four areas of focus identified by the denomination:

•              Initiating new faith communities and revitalizing existing congregations

•              Leadership Development

•              Alleviating Poverty, particularly for Children      

•              Eradicating Killer Diseases

 Central District Leadership will work toward setting specific goals in these areas of focus.