Life-Long Methodists and Open Doors
Open hearts, open minds, open doors. -- United Methodist advertising slogan I sometimes hear or read words to the effect, "I am a life-long Methodist." As an aspect of a person's life-story, that's mildly interesting. As an argument about what's right for the church, however, it's completely irrelevant. Well, almost. Local churches sometimes develop a version of the "life-long" syndrome. When newcomers visit or join the congregation, they quickly learn who is in charge. Aunt Sally or Uncle Jack expect things to go their way because, well, they grew up in this church, they've paid their dues (literally) and they've earned the right to run things the way they see fit. Aunt Sally and Uncle Jack may be likable, hard-working, Christ-loving people who honestly believe that that they know what is best for the congregation, but the doors of their church are not truly open. Newcomers - and for some local churches that can include people who jo...