In passing, the monumental facade of the Methodist Church at Central and Missouri, passed many, many times over the years. Odd thing is that yesterday, never having given much thought to Methodism other than the movement by John Wesley to preach the gospel to the underclasses as he thought the Church of England only served the privileged, I found out that they are Arminian. Hence I finally understand the adversity with Calvinist Baptists.
Lately, being briefed at Sovereign Grace Church and reading up on these sorts of things, I feel inundated with doctrinal differentiation, if indeed this is what you call it. I find the ministerial cohort to be quite adversarial, especially with regard to postmodern matters like Liberation Theology and extensions of storied Social Gospel in its assertions as confronted by fundamentalists.
I like my pastor very much and I'd like to get more friendly with some of the fellows at church. However, I do not wish to be too much adversarial. The old Catholic in me is prone to see the benefit of the vows of chastity, poverty and obedience in deferring to those much wiser than I. At the same time, my secular skepticism about religious mysteries much conditioned. I should like to be real. I should like to be really a disciple of Jesus. There's more to it than just reading, and so much to read it can be too much.
I would that my personal life gets healthier and I do more towards ministry. I was asked by the pastor to join in a meeting with a prospective member. That made me feel great. Unfortunately, he didn't show up. I recall a lot of pressure from other churches to 'witness' and invite people to church. I do so occasionally, tempered by the occasion. That would have been good experience for me, watching the pastor interact. Some other time.
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