Methodists

There are eighty million Methodists in the world associated with 80 member denominations (according to the World Methodist Council). They range all the way from Wesleyan Methodist, Independent Methodist, and in between, to United Methodist. Begun in the 18th century unintentionally by Father John Wesley, they grew exponentially in the New World. The Methodist denominations continue to grow today. In the late 1900’s a massive merger developed with The Methodist and The Evangelical United Brethren to form The United Methodist Church (sometimes humorously referred to as The Untied Methodist Church).

Methodists have always taken with good humor jokes and jabs; sometimes jokingly called “Sober Episcopalians,” because of John Wesley’s prohibition of alcohol at Holy Communion. Or “Dry Methodists,” because they baptize by sprinkling, rather than immersion (actually, they recognize any one of three forms of baptism). One Wag said a drought once got so bad Baptists were sprinkling and Methodists were using a damp rag.

My favorite Ribbing at Methodists comes from dear ole Garrison Keillor; (Full disclosure, I am Methodist born, Methodist bred, and when I die, I will be Methodist dead). Keillor said, “I do believe this: People, these Methodists, who love to sing in four-part harmony are the sort of people you could call up when you’re in deep distress. If you are dying, they will comfort you. If you are lonely, they will talk to you. And if you are hungry, they will give you (a chicken) salad!” …and another entry …Methodists believe in prayer, but would practically die if asked to pray out loud.” “Methodists will usually follow the official liturgy, and will feel it is their way of suffering for their sins….You know you are a Methodist if when you watch Star Wars and they say ‘May the Force be with you,’ you instinctively respond ‘And also with you.‘ Methodists think that the Bible forbids them from crossing the aisle while passing the peace. “

Differences do occur among human beings which is why we have so many Methodist denominations—and so many kinds of Baptists, and so many—well of any religious groups; we are made up of human beings; we human beings are flawed. The good news is that as we gather at the Lord’s Table, we acknowledge our “flawedness,” and seek reconciliation. A friend of mine who ran the print shop in my building had a placard in her office: POBODY IS NERFECT. Says it all.

Methodists, as do all the rest, have had their squabbles; some more public than others. Back in the late 1800’s Methodist Bishop Milton Wright (father of the first aviators, Orville and Wilbur Wright) was engrained in a number of squabbles in the denomination. Nevertheless, I remember words from Charlotte Elliott’s hymn: Just as I am, though tossed about/ with many a conflict, many a doubt, fightings and fears within, without,/ O Lamb of God, I come.