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Jonathan Andersen

A young pastor in an old denomination

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methodist

The letter I sent to parents of new 6th graders considering Confirmation

Parents of new 6th graders,

Me in middle school. Yes, that’s an Old Navy Tech Vest.

I still remember when I entered 6th grade. During those first few months, I spent 30 minutes+ every day gelling my hair in the mirror and making sure I picked out an outfit that the other kids would think was cool. I wore the coolest shoes that I could find (and that my parents would pay for). I walked the halls with my new backpack while trying to avoid the 8th graders. And I was always afraid that one of my fellow 6th graders might discover who I was deep down–scared, super self-conscious, and unsure of myself.

I don’t remember when I stopped having those feelings.

After all, they still creep into my life today.

But I do remember one person who helped me begin to move from fear to love, self-consciousness to Christ-centeredness, uncertainty about who I was to confidence in who God created me to be.

That man was Don–my first small group leader at my youth group.

Don was an average joe. He spent his early years in the military and later went back to college as a second-career student. He was divorced. He drove an old Jeep Wrangler.

What made Don far above average for me was that he showed up each week to help me learn about who God was and how much Jesus loved me. I asked him every question I could think of, and while he didn’t always have the answer, he welcomed the conversation. I used to do annoying middle school things like pulling chairs out from under people, and yet he still came back every week. I used to tell him stuff I’d never tell my parents, and he’d simply remind me that God loves us no matter what and always wants to forgive us.

I think having a time and space where 6th graders can be themselves, learn about who God is and who God wants them to be, ask questions, and have encouragement along the way is something that every 6th grader needs. It was transformative for me, and it’s one of the main reasons I’m excited to be a part of the 2014-2015 Decision for Christ class.

If you’re not familiar with Decision for Christ, it is our year long class at Hamilton Mill United Methodist Church to prepare students for Confirmation–the time when they make a public profession of their personal faith in Jesus.

Each week, 6th grade students are invited to a large group teaching session on a topic followed by a week of small group discussion on the topic. They’ll learn about God, Jesus, the Church, living out their faith, and more.

Countless parents have seen their student’s life transformed before their eyes, and I want the same experience for you.

Fortunately, it all kicks off this Sunday and it’s not too late to register your student and for them to join.

Also, we’d love to have you partner with us and consider being a small group leader for Decision for Christ for the school year.

We have a number of leaders already confirmed, but we want to have each small group be the perfect size for discussion and fun and so we’re hoping and praying for a few more volunteers. You’d be responsible for asking discussion questions we give you each week and for helping to reinforce the lesson taught the week before.

You may think your student wouldn’t want you to be in the same room with them on Sundays (since they tell you that alot already), but I know of no more powerful witness of your faith to your student than by serving in the church in an area like this.

Plus, you could be the next “Don” in some student’s life. You could be someone who helps a student move from fear to love, self-consciousness to Christ-centeredness, uncertainty about who they are to confidence in who God created them to be.

If you’re interested in serving, or have questions about registering for the class, please simply reply to this email or give me a call.

Thanks,
Jonathan

Me & Don. What am I wearing??
Me & Don. Preparing for my 3rd straight win at the annual lip-sync contest.

p.s. Don and I are still friends. I continue to make it a point to seek out his wisdom regarding the important things in life.

September 8, 2014 by Jonathan 2 Comments

What is a Methodist?

I’m teaching a course at my church called Methodism 101. 27 people signed up and have been attending regularly.

The first night of class I was shocked that 27 people–of all ages–signed up for a course on Methodism that had a boring name attached to it. But there they were.

Cade's Cove Methodist Church
Cade’s Cove Methodist Church – Cade’s Cove, TN

Before we began, I asked them to answer one of two simple questions on a notecard: “What is a Methodist?” or “What makes the Methodist church distinctive from others?”

It’s a simple question that is difficult to answer. People have been trying for centuries, and I haven’t found a concise answer that I love–yet.

I don’t have my own answer worked out either, but I’m working on defining what a Methodist is as I prepare and teach this class each week.

I’d love to read your answer to one of the two questions in the comments below!

Below are the responses I received from the class:

  • A Methodist gives of themselves by helping others.
  • The only thing I know is that the Methodist cross has like fire, I think, on it. But I don’t know what it means.
  • It’s a mission church. It does more for the community and other places than any church I’ve been to. It makes you want to serve and volunteer.
  • A Methodist practices social Christian doctrine in each community.
  • Spiritual life intersects all areas of life and four factors are important – scripture, experience, reason and tradition.
  • The Methodist church follows the teachings of John Wesley.
  • It’s a body of believers in Christ that follows a “method” based on what someone’s activities were in college.
  • It’s a good mixture of formal (Episcopal) and informal worship.
  • I believe Methodism is a somewhat conservative religion (but less so than Baptist).
  • A denomination comprised of former Baptists, Catholics, some Jews, Presbyterians and even Methodists–all believing in Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior.
  • It is a Christian church that is open to all, has open communion, and is mission oriented.
  • A Methodist will speak to you in a liquor store. We believe God is not waiting to punish but to love.
  • Of the beliefs I know, I agree with them. I attended both a Methodist and Catholic church for many years. My life is more meaningful being in a Methodist community.
  • The Methodist church believes that grace is given freely by God–does not have to be earned–and it accepts anyone who believes in Jesus.
  • We are open to all without prejudice(s).
  • It seems to me the Methodists are very accepting and welcoming of all.
  • The Methodist church follows principles and practices encouraged by John Wesley and other early leaders of the movement. It is open to anyone, very accepting, and diverse.
  • The Methodist churches I have attended seem less “official” than other denominations. They’re more laid back and accepting. They’re also less judgmental.
  • The open communion table separates Methodists from some of our Christian brothers.

You may have noticed some themes in these answers: mission oriented, John Wesley, openness to people of all Christian backgrounds, and welcoming.

What would you say?

January 28, 2014 by Jonathan 1 Comment

The power of a testimony

I grew up listening to people’s Christian testimonies whenever I could.

Whether it was hearing from a man freed from a life of addiction at a youth retreat, listening to a sweaty preacher tell how God transformed their life, reading books like The Cross and the Switchblade, or hearing about people who met Christ in dreams, I held on to every word. The more extreme the better.

And I still love hearing or seeing accounts of God radically changing people’s lives. Testimonies remind me of the power of God’s grace. They comfort me as I see again that where one finds themselves in a single moment is not where they have to end up. They narrate the Christian story of repentance, faith, and discipleship with concrete people in history.

As I’ve grown older, I no longer find only extreme testimonies compelling. Hearing from someone who was raised in the church and, like myself, never did lines of cocaine off of a bathroom sink also helps reveal God’s grace to me. In these stories, God seems quieter — almost like a still small voice rather than a consuming fire.  Yet, God seems just as powerful. Various testimonies help paint a more full picture of how God may operate in the world. 

When I came across the testimony below of my great, great, great, great uncle, Rev. Nicholas Talley, I couldn’t help but be encouraged by a hard lesson that I’m slowly learning in ministry: We are all co-workers in God’s service.  Some plant seeds.  Some water them. And God makes them all grow (1 Corinthians 3).

At times in ministry I’m tempted to want to see immediate fruit from my efforts. But the number of Christians who touched Nicholas’ life before he became a Christian reminds me that God employs all of our efforts for the sake of the Kingdom, whether we can see it or not.

I’ve made some grammar changes, spelling changes, and emphases in the text below to the document that Rev. Talley wrote in 1857.

His testimony begins in 1803 when he was eleven years old.


A bright moonlight night [February 15, 1803], my Father was very ill, hope of surviving gone, he communicated to Mother his peaceful state of mind in view of Eternity just before him.

They were both of the Methodist Episcopal Church where I had heard preaching for years, such men as Hope Hull, Britton Capel, Benjamin Blanton, Isaiah Randel & Bishop Whatcoat, Stith Meed.

The ground was covered with snow.

Cade's Cove Methodist Church
Cade’s Cove Methodist Church – Cade’s Cove, TN

I retired to the field or garden to meditate alone and to pray about 10:00.  I kneeled down in the snow and prayed the best I could that God would spare my Father as a guide and protector in this wicked world, but if He saw most for glory to take him then, that God would be my Father and care for me, Mother & Brothers.

And while I thus prayed my soul seemed melted in ecstasy, though deeply impressed with a voice from heaven – your Father will die but I will be a Father, a God, and guide unto you.

The moon, the stars, and the Heavens all seemed glorious to me.  Here was my first knowledge of the answer of my prayers.

I was happy but suppressed my feelings all in sorrow and tears.  I feared to divulge my feelings lest I should be thought an enthusiast.

…

In 1806, my fifteenth year, I entered as a clerk in D. & B. Sanford’s store with my Brother Alexander, who embraced religion two years after, much persecuted as the Methodists were for everything vile.

A change of heart by the power of the Holy Ghost was unphilosophical.  He soon entered the Ministry where he lived until death called him above.  I remained for near four years in the store, became worldly like other young men and great danger of bad habits.  My Mother would have me to return home, quitting the store.

I became attached to a young man who was a Methodist, and worked at his trade as a Coach Maker near my Mother, where I spent most of my time, and being ambitious and fond of the young men of the shop who sung well and often when at work, joining in the different parts of music, I could soon work as well as they could.

Lovick Pierce had married Col. Foster’s daughter, he would visit us.  I was very fond of him and the Rev. Joseph Tarpley, James Russell, Osburn Rogers and others of that day, but oh, my soul was not happy.

In the 5th of August 1810 I went with my Mother to Camp Meeting where she tented, called Burks camp ground, when under a persuasive exhortation of the Rev. Hope Hull, who had preached my father’s funeral years before I went in Sanford’s store, my heart became deeply affected.

I tried to pray but oh, the condemnation I felt I had sinned so against light and knowledge.  I feared my case was a hopeless case.

At a late hour Sabbath night after Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper, penitents were invited to come into that rural altar for prayer and there I felt a peace and comfort of soul such as I had felt on that beautiful moonlight night spoken of in childhood.  I was happy in my Saviour’s love.


Rev. Nicholas Talley, 1791-1873, had four brothers who were also Methodist ministers.  He was made an Elder in the SC Conference in 1816 where he spent his entire career.  In those days, it included GA.  In 62 years of ministry Nicholas served 22 as a Presiding Elder, 12 at a station church, 9 itinerating on circuits, 14 on missions, and 5 retired.  He was a delegate to General Conference multiple times.

His testimony comes in a series of others.

 

July 30, 2012 by Jonathan 3 Comments

New Series: John Wesley – The man, the myth, the legend

When the General Conference of the United Methodist Church comes around every four years, myths about John Wesley show up in full force.

Sometimes these myths show up on the swag handed out. Tote bags and t-shirts that include Wesley mis-quotes like “Catch on fire with enthusiasm and people will come for miles to watch you burn” have been around for decades.

Other times these myths show up in theological dialogue. Many United Methodist Churches defend the practice of inviting anyone, including people of other religions and those who are un-baptized, to the communion table by arguing that Wesley taught and practiced this same exact thing.

And still at other times Wesleyan myths are the basis for the whole conference, such as in 1996 when the theme was the quote by Wesley that has never been found in his works, “In Essentials Unity, In Non-Essentials, Liberty, In All Things Charity.”

As I’ve studied Methodism throughout seminary, I’ve found myself drawn to Wesley’s biography and writings. Reading primary and secondary sources surrounding this great man of the faith has proven edifying for my ministry and me.

Yet, in my studies of Wesley, I’ve noticed an unpleasant truth. It’s one that commonly surrounds historical figures—including the likes of Bonhoeffer, Martin Luther King Jr., and Jesus.

People love to re-create historical figures for their own purposes.

Re-creating figures in this way is very tempting. After all, what better way to justify or promote one’s own theological, political, or social agenda than to appeal to a historical figure that is beloved by all?

If the beloved historical figure is actually in agreement with what you’re advocating, then appealing to them is a strong strategy.

But if you’re stretching historical evidence, projecting modern questions and ideas into historical contexts, or simply parroting what others have told you about a great figure, then I think there are better ways to make your case.

I like to appeal to Wesley when working out my theology, so I’m often in danger of re-creating him in my theological likeness.

Re-creation can occur willfully or unknowingly. It may be done willfully by proof-texting random quotes from his writings that agree with me or by emphasizing aspects of his early theology I like even though I know he changed his beliefs on the issue later in life. It may be done unknowingly by simply perpetuating claims or quotes that other people have said about him.

Sometimes the perpetuation of Wesleyan myths is inconsequential. If it is in basic agreement with his theology and doctrine, does it really matter if Wesley didn’t actually say, “Do all the good you can, by all the means you can, in all the ways you can, in all the places you can, at all the times you can, to all the people you can, as long as ever you can”?

Other times the perpetuation of Wesleyan myths has great consequences. If the UMC is using Wesley as a main source of argument for certain theological beliefs and practices that he would be in disagreement with, the record should be set straight. Employing false church tradition in our thinking process is not helpful. Clearing the air of misinformation such as this enables the church to decide more faithfully what to think and do in today’s context.

In an upcoming blog series, I will explore some of the common myths surrounding Wesley. You may read some of the debunked myths and find them inconsequential. You may read some of the others and find them of great consequence. My goal in this series is not to crush sacred stories with a sledge hammer for academic fun. My goal is that as you learn more about Wesley you would cultivate a desire to study more about him for yourself.

This series will largely be based on a recent interview I did with Dr. Richard Heitzenrater. Dr. Heitzenrater is known for “breaking the code” of Wesley’s diaries that were written in shorthand. He is also regarded for giving these transcoded diaries as a gift to the church, serving as the General Editor of the Bicentennial Edition of the Works of John Wesley, authoring 16+ books, and chairing the Committee on Our Theological Task that wrote the present doctrinal statement in Part II of The Book of Discipline of the United Methodist Church.

I had the opportunity to study “The Life and Times of the Wesleys” under Dr. Heitzenrater last fall at Duke Divinity School. Throughout the class, I loved recording his anecdotes. Two of my favorites are “Anything since the 18th century is just current events” and “Almost every internet source is suspect.” The second quote should lead you to take even my words with a grain of salt.

Up first in this series is the myth held tightly and taught widely…. the myth of the “Wesleyan” quadrilateral.

Post 1: The Myth of the “Wesleyan Quadrilateral”

Post 2: Things John Wesley never said

What things about Wesley have you heard that you later found to be untrue? What things about Wesley are you still wondering about?

 

April 29, 2012 by Jonathan 9 Comments

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