It’s “Believe Again” Time in Western Pennsylvania!

The Believe Again! Clergy Study Team, in conjunction with Bishop Thomas J. Bickerton, his Cabinet and the Conference Board of Ordained Ministry (BOOM) , has introduced a plan to develop and support Faithful, Effective and Fruitful clergy leaders in Western PA. --- from W. PA Annual Conference web site

The Western Pennsylvania Annual Conference gets underway this week at the Grove City College campus. There is lots of excitement in the air as the delegates and youth pages make their way to Grove City.

The pre-conference journal was sent out to all delegates providing important information as to what to expect in the proceedings by way of legislation and constitutional amendments which will impact the whole United Methodist denomination for decades to come.

Much attention is given to the ongoing “Believe Again” program which was launched in 2006. It was extremely detailed and as one moves through all this the distinct impression is given that it strangely resembles the style of legislation that our elected officials in Washington DC consider time after time – lots and lots of organization and details to muddle through – oh yes, lots of money involved too!

The purpose of this massive effort is to revive the churches, establish new congregations, and obviously to increase the membership of the conference which has been in decline for years.

A simple question was posed – I am challenged as were all W PA United Methodists to “Believe Again!” So, just what is it I am to believe?

Details of this issue are found under the title, Believe Again! OK! But What Is It I Am to Believe? Use reverse feature on your web browser to return here.

If the Lord lets me live a few more days, it will be 50 years on June 21 that I preached my first sermon in two Methodist churches in New Castle PA to which I had been appointed as a newly licensed supply pastor.

During that time I have seen many changes and attempts to make the church stronger and larger in size through numerous programs and various quadrennial emphases. At the end of each program – each emphasis – each slogan and rallying cry – the end result has always been the same – we are “weighed in the balances and found wanting!”

What hasn’t been faced and there will always be determined resistance to do so – the fact that the root problem is theological and has been ever since the beginning of the 20th Century. Although the Methodist Church experienced growth in the earlier decades of the century and then an increase of membership as a result of merger in 1968, the seeds of destruction had been sown and the bitter fruit of that sowing became obvious as we moved through the latter years of the 20th Century. We have now become a denomination that is tolerant of just about anything by way of warped, twisted, and perverted beliefs!

There will be lots of hoopla at the annual conferences meeting in these days of late spring and early summer. There will be lots of resolutions passed urging action be taken and things be done to insure that we will have utopia on earth while our membership continues to decrease with some few and rare exceptions in some conferences. But for the general church we’re still in free fall!

And in Western Pennsylvania, I’m still being challenged to “Believe Again!” And I ask, “OK, but what is it that I am to believe?” Actually, speaking for myself -- there was never a time that I didn't believe! Ever since Jesus Christ transformed my life a long time ago, I have kept my faith centered in Him as Savior and Lord -- there have been many lessons learned and many yet to learn in my growth experience. So, I really can't change what I am already doing -- I still believe as I have been doing for well over half a century!

For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables. --- 2 Timothy 4:3, 4

Mandatory Training on Racisim? You've Got to Be Kidding!

Mandatory Training on Racism Scheduled --- Headline on front page of the March 14, 2008 issue of InterLink, newspaper of the W. PA Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church

It seems all systems are go as another "mandatory" training session for clergy of the W. PA Annual Conference on the explosive issue of racism will happen at four designated locations this spring. Bishop Bickerton has sent a letter detailing this matter and stressed also the need for church leaders among the laity to attend as well.

The events are being funded through the "Believe Again" program which was launched some time back. I still have not gotten an answer to an issue I raised about this at the begining -- just what is it I am to believe anyhow? A link at the bottom of this discussion will provide more details about that.

Apparently to get us all set straight on this racism thing a company known as Rhymes Consulting which is based in Pittsburgh will provide leadership for the sessions. Now the question is this -- is this a Christian organization and are the people leading this all dedicated Christians deeply involved in their respective churches?

But no matter -- at the heart of the Christian faith is something called transformation of a person in the inner depths of that person's being upon the condition of repenting from all known sin and receiving Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord -- quite literally, a miracle of change takes place!

In order for this miracle to take place the 4 demands Jesus placed upon us humans must happen -- no options here -- either we meet those conditions or we don't!

• Jesus said we must be born again - John 3:3
  
• Jesus said we must repent - Luke 13:3
  
• Jesus said we must be converted and become as a little child - Matthew 18:3
  
• Jesus said we must eat His flesh and drink of His blood -- not literally, of course, as He explains on the occasion of issuing this demand - John 6:53-66
  

But that is where the problem is -- it is possible to hang the label, "Christian," around your neck -- circulate in and around the church and not really know what it is to be born again as well as meeting those other demands as set forth by Jesus! I recall hearing a preacher many years ago expressing frustration about the subject of being "born again" -- he admitted he knew nothing about it!

But having the experience will change one's perspective when it comes to racial issues plus a lot of other stuff which relates one way or another to this thing called sin. Paul expressed it well in statements made in Galatians 3:28 -- and how about those statements in Colossians 3:4-14 -- you know, where he says racial identification is obliterated and not recognized in Christ Jesus -- sure shoots this diversity thing (of which too many United Methodists are so proud) all to pieces, does it not?

Is this racism thing the only thing NOT to go when Paul was inspired to write this:

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. --- 2 Corinthians 5:17

Is there anyone brazen enough in the W. PA Annual Conference or anywhere else for that matter who will say to Paul -- "Yes, some things may be a bit different, but racism still remains -- it's an old thing and it will stay, no matter what -- even the grace of God is not sufficient to deal with that one -- at least not until we call in a consulting firm!" Come to think of it, there probably are some who would do it!

Just what is meant when it says that a person becomes a new creation in Jesus Christ? What are the "old things" which pass away? What are the things which become "new?"

More to come in a day or two about this racism matter -- as experienced by a fellow who at one point didn't really care if there was a God or not!

By the way, that link on the matter of "Believe Again!" as mentioned earlier -- it's at Believe Again! OK! But What Is It That I Am to Believe? A link at the bottom of that area will bring you back to this place.

"I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing. If anyone does not abide in Me, he is cast out as a branch and is withered; and they gather them and throw them into the fire, and they are burned. If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you. By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples. As the Father loved Me, I also have loved you; abide in My love. If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love, just as I have kept My Father's commandments and abide in His love. These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full. This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you."
--- John 15:5-12

Opening a Can of Worms United Methodist Style!

To the pure all things are pure, but to those who are defiled and unbelieving nothing is pure; but even their mind and conscience are defiled. They profess to know God, but in works they deny Him, being abominable, disobedient, and disqualified for every good work. --- Titus 1:15,16

The scramble has been on for quite a while, but intensified in the wake of a Virginia Conference pastor's refusal to receive a man into church membership who was openly practicing sodomy. The man was unwilling to cease his immoral behavior pattern.

The pastor was suspended by a vote of the Executive Session of the Virginia Conference over which Bishop Charlene Kammerer presides. The UMC Judicial Council ruled that he was to be reinstated and reimbursed all lost salary.

The Council of Bishops of the UMC, looking out for one of their own, responded with a "pastoral letter" which basically declared that the man should have been received into the membership of the church as he had requested.

UMC bishops are increasingly capitulating to the demands of the sodomite/lesbian cartel. The rallying cry now is "homosexuality is not a barrier" when it comes to church membership!

A petition to the General Conference of 2008 which seeks to amend the UMC Book of Discipline is making its rounds in the annual conferences, including the W. PA Annual Conference now in session in Grove City PA.

The petition seeks to add this phrase to the BOD -- "No person shall or will be excluded from membership in The United Methodist Church for reasons related to sexual orientation." Each conference to which this is being submitted will act on it, either adopting or rejecting it.

Incidentally, there are those in the W. PA Conference who hold to the position that homosexuality is not a sin. This includes a very high profile leader involved in the well orchestrated "Believe Again!" campaign now underway in the conference. He so stated that position publicly at a seminar a while back.

What if the proposed petition is finally adopted at General Conference in spring of 2008? It will mean a lot of adjusting will have to be done. "How so?" you may ask.

Consider some possibilities (or maybe more appropriately "some fall out!") in this thing of "sexual orientation":

• a couple is "oriented" to a swinging sexual lifestyle -- the husband and wife enjoy sexual escapades with other couples on a regular basis -- they want to join a United Methodist Church, but also state that they fully intend to continue their present lifestyle after joining up! Who is to say that their way of life is a sin if the person practicing sodomy is considered a non-sinner according to a number of United Methodists including members of the episcopacy?
  
  
• a woman who is "oriented" to practicing adultery. In this case, her husband is aware of her sexual involvements with other men, but he is a compassionate and understanding person and does his best to support her. She wants to join the UMC but also insists that she will continue her sexual adventures with other men. Her justification for this? She was born that way and is "oriented" to intimate affairs with numerous men -- the more the merrier is the way she sees it. How can we object to her becoming a member when she is so "oriented?"
  
  
• a man enjoys sexual experiences with animals. His preferrd "partner" is a young Holstein heifer. He is not hesitant in revealing how he is sexually attracted to young heifers because in his understanding, he is "oriented" that way, even from birth. He is quick to respond to his critics with the ultimate put down -- "Don't knock it until you try it!" He is also among those with varied sexual "orentations" who want to become members of the UMC. On what ground could any bishop, district superintendent, or pastor refuse him? If the man practicing sodomy is not considered a sinner by such behavior, who are we to condemn a guy who is sexually intimate with his heifer?"
  
  
• a young female teacher enjoys having sexual moments with her male students -- she prefers the 15 year olds and gets great delight out of "initiating" the youngsters into world of sexual adventures. Seems as though this is a thing happening more and more in schools across the country. But she and others such as she are "oriented" that way and we ought not to stand in the way if they want to join and become members of the UMC! Don't forget, it's all about "orientation" when it comes to sexual experience and expression -- just don't mention the word "sin" or the word "repent" when considering the subject!
  

The list could be greatly expanded, but you get the picture, do you not? For an exercise in how far this can go, try adding to the list and picture how the UMC of the future will appear if General Conference 2008 adopts a change in the Book of Discipline which reads, "No person shall or will be excluded from membership in The United Methodist Church for reasons related to sexual orientation."

Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil; who put darkness for light, and light for darkness; who put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter! --- Isaiah 5:20

More Tremors Among the UMs of Western Pennsylvania!

In an earlier post about some happenings among United Methodists of western Pennsylvania it was noted that a group of lay persons had circulated a letter which questioned the stance on the issue of homosexuality taken by two prominent pastors and one lay person who is high profile in the "Believe Again" campaign being pushed vigorously by Bishop Tom Bickerton of the W. PA Annual Conference.

The bishop quickly responded by a letter in which in rather forceful and detailed language he defended the three persons and stressed the fact that they were persons of high integrity, etc.

A second letter has just been sent by the original group of lay persons as they continue to pursue the issue. In this one they take some space to explain the reason for remaining anonymous and it is a valid reason. They are fearful of retaliation being taken against their pastors and their churches. They cite the example of Ed Johnson and the calamity he experienced due to his position of refusing to receive a practicing homosexual into church membership.

In the W. PA Annual Conference there have been occasions in which churches have taken actions which were unpopular and retaliation has taken place in the form of appointments in the future or the threat of not appointing a pastor to what has been regarded as a "rebel" church!

So the group of lay persons in choosing to remain anonymous in this present controversy has taken an action that is wise at least for the present. But if the bishop and his cabinet ever find out the identity of these persons, then look out -- heads will roll!

This whole issue can be easily resolved with the bishop taking the lead:

• First, he can clearly define his own position on homosexuality and lesbianism, and specifically spell out as to whether or not such practices are a sin. After all, he signed, along with all other active bishops, the letter which condemned the Judicial Council for its decision in which it ruled that Ed Johnson was to be reinstated and reimbursed back salary etc. due to the actions of Charlene and her executive session in suspending him. This letter of response by the UMC bishops in effect said that anybody (including a practicing homosexual) should be taken into the membership of the United Methodist Church if that person makes such a request, and each pastor should honor the request!
  
  
• Second, the bishop can define as to whether it is acceptable to have practicing homosexuals and lesbians serving on church boards, agencies, etc. Just flat out state in plain words (no church-ese confusing language) -- is it or is it not acceptable -- yes or no!
  
  
• Third, the bishop can direct that the two clergy and one lay person singled out in the circulated letter also publicly define their specific positions on homosexual and lesbian practices -- no hedging or dodging -- just plainly state whether or not these practices are morally wrong and whether or not they agree with God's revelation on the issue. There is not one reported instance in the totality of the Scriptures where homosexuality and lesbianism are given a positive stamp of approval -- the practices are always regarded as being negative and soundly condemned!
  

Will the bishop do this? It is highly doubtful -- UMC bishops are beginning to take more and more a "popish" position when they speak -- if they said it, then it is settled -- and laity, you are to pay the bills and keep your mouth shut -- don't ever raise a question about anything, especially about moral issues in these days of calling what is black, white and vice-versa! Interesting, is it not, that all too many in the UMC hierarchy forget very quickly that their salaries and perks are paid by the laity who have every right to raise questions and issue challenges when there are things taking place which contradict the Scriptures and basic doctrines on which the Methodist Church was founded in the times of John and Charles Wesley!

So to you lay folks in United Methodist churches in W. PA, someone in your church has received this 2nd letter -- ask about it -- ask your pastor if he or she has seen and read it, and then ask whether the bishop intends to clarify this matter as suggested above! It is simply an honest question which deserves honest answers so that everyone knows where the bishop and the persons in question really stand on very critical moral issues which are tearing the UMC apart!

Further, you have the right to insist on total clarification as to where the bishop and the three named individuals in the controversial letters stand on the issue of homosexuality and lesbianism. You also have the right to make your personal contact and appeal to the bishop on this matter: write to Bishop Thomas Bickerton at 1204 Freedom Road, PO Box 5002, Cranberry Twp. PA 16066-0002.

Or you can give him a phone call at 724-776-2300. As mentioned, the lay folks are the ones who pay the bills, and they have the right to know precisely where the leadership of the conference and the denomination stand on moral issues!

And a friendly word of advice -- don't ever let any member of the United Methodist hierarchy intimidate you! Our ultimate accountability is to our Lord Jesus Christ, not to any church leader who holds some kind of power position within the denominational structure.

Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil; who put darkness for light, and light for darkness; who put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter! --- Isaiah 5:20

It's No Longer "Here Comes the Judge" But Look Out, Here Comes the Bishop!

Last summer following a lot of intensive meetings and "campaigning" the Western PA Conference of the United Methodist Church adopted a massive program under the name of "Believe Again!" -- this "strategic plan," which is quite possibly the most ambitious project ever launched by a conference, is supposed to bring about all kinds of results which will make United Methodist churches in the western third of PA more high profile and powerful in their ministries. Bishop Thomas Bickerton has been the spark plug in this venture which in some ways would make a Washington DC politician envious at the structure, the details, and the financing involved!

Here's the kicker -- most of the churches were to get a nice refund on payments previously sent in on pastors' health plans. Want to guess who came up with the bright idea to have those churches receiving reimbursements to sign the checks and turn them over to help finance this great "Believe Again!" campaign?

The pressure was about as high as it could get without blowing a valve -- not just on congregations but even worse, on the pastors also! Turn those reimbursements over to the "campaign!" Most seemed to go along, but some chose not to financially commit and to not turn over the reimbursement money they had received. Isn't this still supposed to be a republic where choices can be made without a lot of pressure to make a choice in favor of what certain leaders WANT??? Not if you are in a certain denomination and you have leaders who expect pastors and their congregations to march in lockstep like a bunch of programmed robots to their every demand!

Now the word is out that those non participating congregations are going to be asked to "reconsider" their decision about not contributing to the "cause" -- and then the bishop wants to meet with pastors and lay leadership to discuss why the congregations have not responded!

Will these actually be meetings where the bishop, smiling from ear to ear, attaches the strings and the Western PA Conference will reach the point where all the bishop has to do is yank the strings and ALL pastors and ALL congregations say, "Yes, sir -- whatever you say, sir -- your suggestions are our commands to carry out without question or objection!" Remember now, this will be done under a pretense of "piety" but with a not so well concealed threat that "if you don't pay now to the 'cause,' you'll pay a price later on down the road!" Retaliation has been known to have been employed in cases where pastors and/or congregations failed to "cooperate" when expected to do so!

BTW, you can see some comments about this "Believe Again!" campaign now underway in the United Methodist Churches in western Pennsylvania at Believe Again! OK! But What Is It That I Am Supposed to Believe? It has been written by yours truly. Enjoy!


On second thought, maybe someone can revive those old wringer washers from the age of antiquity and run those reluctant UMC congregations and their pastors through the wringer -- that should get every last cent out of them for the "campaign" with an additional "perk" wherein we can brag on 100 percent cooperation and support as we "Believe Again!"

And always remember -- intimidation is alive and thriving among the churches of the Western PA Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church -- would some of our brethren in the priesthood of the Roman Catholic Church please come give it the last rites? It's long over due!

Nothing But Nets and Saving Children!

"You see, malaria is a big deal. It's one of the root causes of poverty. It kills a million people a year, 75 percent of whom are children. When you think about it in those terms, it's a daunting reality. Yet, there is a simple way for everyone who reads this to participate in beating this disease -- spend $10, send a bed net and save a life. That's it! That's all it takes! Buy a net -- save a life. End of story. Better yet, end of disease........Wow! Imagine it -- a world without malaria. Millions of people given the same chance as you and I to live a long, healthy, and sustainable life." --- Bishop Thomas J. Bickerton of the Western PA Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church in January 19, 2007 issue of InterLink, the conference newspaper.

Bishop Thomas J. Bickerton is deeply involved and totally committed to the "Nothing But Nets" campaign. He is the head man of the Western PA Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church. This piece of real estate takes in about the western 1/3 of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. The conference has been saturated with information and challenge to get involved by purchasing insecticide-treated bed nets to curtail the spread of malaria in Africa.

Statistics cited by Bishop B. are that about 1 million people die a year from malaria and of that number, about 750,000 are children. Hence, the appeal to go to the rescue and start reducing the number of fatalities.

This is not intended to take away from the effort nor diminish its importance. My wife and I will be giving support to this effort. Those reading this can obtain more information and how to give support by going to U.S. Netting or www.nothingbutnets.net. [NOTE: If you go to the Nothing But Nets web site, the stats there will tell you that 1 million children a year are victims of malaria which is a quarter of a million more than quoted by Bishop B. above.]

However, it is necessary to point out a glaring inconsistency here which is quite commonplace among UMC bishops, particularly in recent decades as they have stressed the need to be in ministry to children.

Bishop Bickerton is pushing the NBN campaign and states that about 3/4 of a million children in Africa die each year from malaria. Now then, how often have you heard this bishop deplore (either in vocal statements or in his InterLink column) the fact that well over 1 million unborn children are deliberately mutilated and murdered each year in "the land of the free and the home of the brave?"

The bishop is also at the heart of the "Believe Again" strategic plan for ministry in the W. PA Annual Conference which was enthusiastically adopted last June at the annual meeting. One of the plush "perks" he will personally get in time will be a full time assistant to the tune of a few tens of thousands of dollars per year!

A part of the strategy in this "plan" is an emphasis on church congregations addressing issues of injustice and seeking to come to the assistance of those who are the victims of injustice.

I have yet to receive a reply from the bishop or any of his superintendents (there are 10 of these people) when I asked them in a personal letter addressed to each if they as leaders were going to address the issue of injustice that results in the intentional and brutal murders of over 1 million unborn children each year in this republic.

There has been this strange and very unsettling silence on the part of UMC leadership over the years when it comes to the United States' version of "holocaust." Perhaps this takes place because of the "official" statement in the denomination's Book of Discipline relative to the subject of abortion. The United Methodist Church is on record as declaring a "reluctance" to approve of abortion, but then after mentioning the reluctance thing, goes right ahead and gives a green light to the heinous practice anyway, saying that an unacceptable pregnancy may bring about hardship, stress or whatever!

In personal communication with bishops over the years, one told me that she stands by the position of the church (as cited above), so whatever the church decides at a General Conference (every 4 years) that is what she will support. Presumably if the UMC decided to jump off the highest point of the Grand Canyon into the river below, she would jump too without objection. Another bishop did go so far as to state in a response that abortion is a serious issue, but I was making too much of the issue, etc!

Unfortunately there are too many United Methodists who hold bishops in higher regard than Roman Catholics hold the Pope! When they say "Jump!" the standard response is "How high, and for how long?" And when they speak there are those who hold that every word spoken is "gospel truth," but documented evidence can prove otherwise in a number of cases! There are still a few of us that believe there is a much higher Authority than any designated church leader, UMC bishops included, and sometimes this will mean we definitly will be marching to the beat of a different Drummer!

How about rephrasing Bishop Bickerton's statement above with use of another word in this manner --

"Wow! Imagine it -- a world without abortion. Millions of people given the same chance as you and I to live a long, healthy, and sustainable life."

Do you think the bishop would be willing to make such a statement and lead the way to making that a reality with enthusiastic support from his fellow bishops?

We all know the answer to that one, do we not?