Friday, July 17, 2015

Elders and Licensed Local Pastors

In the United Methodist Church, Elders are ordained clergy who have been to seminary.  Licensed Local Pastors are those who have been called by God, but instead of attending seminary they go through an extended educational training called "Course of Study."

Now with that explanation, here is the blog for today.

I spent a few days with some Licensed Local Pastors last week.  They were completely delightful human beings.  I was a bit surprised when some of them told me that they are routinely demeaned by Elders because they are ordained and have been to seminary and Licensed Local Pastors have not.

I hope that isn't true but if it is, let me say a few words to any Elders that would do that:  Shame.  Shame.  Shame.  Are your prayers better?  Is your heart purer?  Is your calling any different than someone who is only licensed?  If you would ever demean another pastor - STOP.  Stop it.

If we can't deliver grace to other pastors, how can we ever give it to our members?  Every one is in this ministry thing together.  There is no first class section.  God needs every person that is called.  In John Wesley's famous doctrine of the catholic spirit he asked a simple but profound question, Is your heart like mine?  Then give me your hand.

Elders, listen.  Local Pastors need our care and support.  There is no better than.  Period.  Share God's love, everywhere, and with everyone.

It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.

1 comment:

Freeborng said...

Thank you, Jeff, for the post. For more on Wesley and his movement in England, please visit the website for the book series, The Asbury Triptych Series. The trilogy based on the life of Francis Asbury, protege of John Wesley, opens with the book, Black Country. Francis Asbury's story in Black Country reveals his early ministry as a local preacher. It also progresses to his time as an itinerant in England, readying to leave for the American colonies in 1771. The website for the book series is www.francisasburytriptych.com. Again, thank you for the post, sad that something like that is needed. Enjoy the numerous articles about Wesley, Asbury and the early Methodist movement on the website.