As explained in the call to the first symposium, the gatherings were focused as follows:
PURPOSE: To stimulate reflection on and renewed commitment to the identity and mission of the Free Methodist Church.
RATIONALE: The Committee on Free Methodist History and Archives became increasingly aware of a buzz of concern and interest across the church about Free Methodist identity today. We wanted to provide a place and time where we could worship, pray, and share our ideas and insights. We envisioned simply a conversation — no declarations, resolutions, or proposed action. What might the Holy Spirit do if interested people met to think and pray about the life and vitality of the Free Methodist soul?
INVITATION: We welcomed all interested Free Methodists, especially those for whom this question struck a deep chord. We wanted to bridge the generations — young and old, and those in between. We felt wisdom was found in intergenerational dialogue.
OBJECTIVES:
1. Celebrate the witness of the Free Methodist Church,past and present.
2. Explore honestly the contours of FM identity — the pluses and minuses; what we have done well; where we have failed; what we can learn.
3. Seek God’s face for a fresh touch of his Holy Spirit.
4. Learn from one another’s stories.
5. Renew our commitment to God’s work through the Free Methodist Church.
6. Provide insights that will help the Historical Center in developing its ongoing work.
We have now moved from gathering to blogging. What do you think?
Wonderful! We need this. Our church must keep this honest conversation going about our denominational identity so that we can continue to serve the kingdom of God and join in God's mission to the world. I will be in prayer about this and trust that this blog might be a tool of the Holy Spirit for providing clarity and direction.
Posted by: Greg Coates | March 19, 2008 at 08:57 PM