RENEW Women's Network
by Faye Short

Who are we?
The renewal groups are the best friends of United Methodism

General Conference 2004 is fast approaching and the renewal groups within the United Methodist Church plan participation in this important event within the life of our denomination. Due to misinformation that is being circulated about us, this is an important time to clarify who we are as renewal agents within the church.

The Renew Network is not alone in having been accused by “official” church staff or agencies of not being an “official” part of the denomination. Good News, The Confessing Movement, UMAction, Transforming Congregations, Lifewatch and others have been identified as those whose voices have no validity because their existence is not sanctioned through “democratic church structures.” 

What then gives credence to the voices of those who make up the membership of these “unofficial” organizations?

We are Christians: We are part of the Body of Christ—the Church Universal. If we perceive any threats to the Church of Jesus Christ, it is our responsibility to identify those threats and to call for faithfulness to the doctrinal, moral, and ethical standards of the Bible. Our primary focus happens to be that part of the Body of Christ called United Methodist.

We are members of The United Methodist Church: We have pledged to “be loyal to the United Methodist Church, and do all in our power to strengthen its ministries.” We have also promised to “faithfully participate in its ministries by our prayers, our presence, our gifts, and our service.” Having and expressing valid, documented concerns about the leadership provided by “official” boards, agencies, and personnel does not disenfranchise us as members in good standing.

We are a grassroots movement: Such movements “originate among the common people,” or, in our case, among concerned laity and clergy at the local level. This is a bottom-up, not a top-down, flow. We are representative of those who comprise the membership and fund the programs of the institution. To say that these folks are “unofficial” is to attack the very foundation of the building.

We are those who love the United Methodist Church too much to leave it: Many have walked away from our denomination out of disappointment and heartbreak. We have not. God has put it within us to remain as faithful members, working for reform and revitalization. We believe that God’s lavish vision for the future of our denomination is rooted in its historic past. Methodism impacted the formation of America through vibrant revivals and Spirit-filled preaching that transformed lives, and through a strong emphasis upon holiness of heart and life that impacted the culture. This Wesleyan witness, birthed in England and Ireland, and maturing in America, spread to other countries. We hold that United Methodism can only impact present and future America—and the world—from this same center. The greatest growth within Methodism is outside North America, in regions of the world where the Gospel is preached and Scriptural Christianity flourishes in the lives of believers.

Who are we? We are Christians. We are United Methodists. We are a grassroots group who love the UM Church too much to leave it. Contrary to what our critics say, we are not antagonists, but the denomination’s best friends.

We will be at General Conference 2004 to clearly and respectfully share our vision of a reformed, revitalized church with delegates and guests. Watch for our handouts. Visit our displays. Attend our special events. You may just find yourself to be one of us!

 

Renew is the women’s program ministry of Good News. Visit our website at www.renewnetwork.org or call (706) 778-4812.