by Bob Phillips
“Christians are like wild beasts, who fight more viciously with one another than they ever do with pagans.” (Ammianus, 4th century pagan historian)
It’s been tough sledding for many who inhabit the shores of Lake Woe-is-me, also known as the Dividing-United Methodist Church. Some leaders in the drama seem to have a cross stitch on their office walls that reads, “Happiness is a known enemy.” Some (on left and right) appear to have adopted as their life verse for ministry 1 Samuel 15:33, “And Samuel hewed Agag into pieces before the Lord.” Statistical data gathered by certain saints seems to include, in addition to membership or attendance, the line item of “Body Count.” A skeptical and jaded world expects Christians to bicker, fight and revel in conflict, and sadly has not been disappointed.
Andy yet…there have been grace notes amid the carnage and collegiality that transcends (and shames) the purveyors of conflict. I offer this example.
“Extension ministry” is the technical term for chaplaincy and ‘beyond the boundaries’ ministries not obviously centered in pastoring a local church. This includes military chaplains, prison and hospital chaplains, institutional chaplaincies, pastoral counselors, and various volunteer ministries (police, fire, first responders). The United Methodist Endorsing Agency (UMEA) has been the responsible agency to oversee such ministries offered by UM clergy in these settings.
The response of the leadership of the UMEA to the creation of the endorsing ministry of the Global Methodist Church has been one of collaboration and grace. GMC leadership tasked with developing chaplaincy endorsement ministry made initial courtesy contact with Rev. Mitchell Lewis, then Director of Endorsements for the UMC, prior to the official/legal start of the GMC. Mitch, a retired Army chaplain (colonel) was the soul of grace in that and every subsequent contact. GMC chaplaincy leadership, encouraged and inspired by that Christian witness, responded in kind.
What specifically happened to create and nurture this win-win collegial environment? First, the integrity and faith of all parties never was questioned or demeaned. GMC leaders never portrayed themselves or chaplaincy as ‘fleeing from Sodom”, i.e., the apostate and corrupt UMC. UMEA leadership never portrayed the GMC as destructive malcontents, bigots, or institutionally illegitimate spawn unworthy of recognition. The priority of Kingdom business was clear by all players and sincere mutual respect was never in doubt as colleagues in Christ.
Second, leadership was clear in action and word that nothing would be said or done to undercut, bushwhack or hobble chaplaincy ministry. Actions, words, and evolving policies and procedure by the GMC and the UMEA were assessed by possible unintended consequences that might reflect badly on others. All recognized that the need for quality chaplains to serve in crucial areas of spiritual hunger is too great to take pot shots that undercut witness for Christ.
Third, communication flowed. Both leadership teams operated on the principle of, “No surprises,” or the notion that the Golden Rule is not suspended when the subject of “them” is raised. The GMC was open and clear about clergy who were identified as wishing to shift their endorsement from the UMC to the GMC. UMEA leadership respected that privacy and continued its longstanding policy of retaining full UM endorsement for any clergy whose conscience was moving them to affiliate with another faith group until that transfer was complete. No former UM chaplain who now is a GMC chaplain (over 60 as of January 2024) worried that the UMEA would strip them of endorsement and pitch them on the street for defecting to the Dark Side.
When the GMC applied to the Department of Defense (DoD) for approval as a faith group authorized to endorse clergy into the military, Rev. Lewis wrote a constructive letter that maintained official UM policy while affirming the GMC identity as an emerging body in the larger Wesleyan tradition. At no point did he contravene or betray official UM policy but offered an input of grace and truth that undoubtedly contributed to the unprecedented early recognition of the GMC by the DoD to endorse clergy as military chaplains.
This example of collaboration and commitment to win-win Kingdom outcomes offers hope to individuals, conferences and to the two denominations. The UMEA and the Ecclesiastical Endorsement Board (EEB)/Director of Endorsement for the GMC continue conversations on possible shared training for clergy in chaplaincy settings, tackling emerging pastoral/ethical challenges and related relevant matters. Trust, rooted in friendship and a common larger vision of service to Christ, infuse relationships and process.
In mid-January the annual gathering of the National Conference on Ministry to the Armed Forces (NCMAF) was held in Washington DC. Endorsers from various Christian and non-Christian groups gather annually to discuss ministry issues of law and practice which impact all chaplains serving in the military and related venues. The Chiefs of Chaplains for the Army, Navy, Air Force, and other major chaplaincies were present and made presentations. Endorsers representing several faith traditions that recently have undergone division were present (Episcopal, Presbyterian, Lutheran, Baptist, etc.).
During a plenary session, leadership of the endorsing ministry for the GMC stood and shared public affirmation and appreciation for the grace, kindness, and professional integrity reflected by the previous and the current Director of the United Methodist Endorsing Agency. A conference room filed with those from other faiths who are well aware of the division within the UMC, were surprised and moved by expressions of collegiality and care expressed by “both sides.” The attitude of mutual respect and support is vital for effective ministry in the pluralistic/secular setting of the military. Those engaged in such ministry, be they priest, preacher, rabbi, or imam, know that attitudes designed to belittle or undercut others lead always and only to lose-lose outcomes.
There is no Gospel-based reason why the larger UMC and GMC cannot move in the direction of grace amid division. All sides can produce examples of where this has happened or is happening. All sides can repent of actions or words, even when birthed in response to unjust or unfair actions, needing repentance and recall. Methodism long ago dropped nasty comments about those who separated to create the Salvation Army. The SA likewise wastes no time impugning the faith or motives of their Methodist mother. Collaboration, not conflict, is God’s will and way. And if the ‘others’ slap you on the right cheek, well, Someone once talked about that. Grace is possible!
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