Mentoring in the Candidacy Process

Mentoring in the Candidacy Process

So I am learning that the mentoring in the candidacy process is not mentoring at all. It is, so far from my experience, nothing more than a resource.

It is not a relationship - I say this because I was told it is solely my responsibility for maintaining the "relationship", which is no relationship at all.

I spoke with my "mentor" this morning and shared with her that I would like to share my Lenten experience with her so far and she told me she didn't have time for that and my pastor could "handle" that.

So as for "purpose in the process", so far I see the purpose is that I am on my own as far as the UMC (or at least the DCOM and BOM are concerned) and they are nothing more than a resource of ungraceful rules and regulations.

I am really trying hard to find Christ in this process, but so far I do not see Him anywhere in this process.

I am going to continue to pray and seek God in this process and look for some purpose. I am confident that God is not leaving me on my own in this as much as I am confident this process is broken. I am also confident that the Holy One will show me purpose and will show me why I am going through this and I am eagerly looking forward to that revelation.

Mentor Assignmet

Well I jut received my mentor yesterday. It has taken quite a while. I am going to update this blog in real time, so it may be long periods between posts.

John Wesley Methodism

I am starting to really read up on John Wesley's way of being Methodist. One thing that stands out is John Wesley's approach to Christianity is much more disciplined and devoted than mine and most that I witness. So my question is are we willing to do everything for Christ; devote all we are and have to Christ; seek only those things that will edify our brothers and sisters concerning Christ? Example - I really want another Harley-Davidson motorcycle...but would I dedicate it to furthering the cause of Christ, or would I use that as a justification to have the motorcycle?

Thoughts????

Our Traditions

So I have been thinking about tradition in the church. Specifically the United Methodist church. There many traditions in the UMC that, if followed with reaching people for Christ in mind that are priceless. I think tradition is great as long as it supports the salvation gospel of Christ. If our traditions go the other way, where they may hinder the gospel, then we have a problem. I believe that in such cases our traditions become idolatry. So how can they hinder? Well, when a tradition becomes more important that "feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, visiting the imprisoned" then our traditions (and ultimately we) are hindering the work of Jesus and the Holy Spirit.