CHALLENGES FACING THE WORLD METHODIST COUNCIL IN THE NEXT DECADE Presented by: Rev. Ivan Abrahams MCSA Conference – Swaziland 20 September 2012
Brief overview of my presentation History of WMC Challenges facing the World Methodist Council My vision for the WMC Lessons learnt and relevance to MCSA Conclusion
Brief History of WMC • Founded in London, 1881 • Links 80 million people in the Wesleyan, Methodist, Nazarene, United and Uniting Church traditions • Has 8 standing committees – Ecumenical Relations, Education, Evangelism, Family Life, Social Justice, Theological Education, Worship and Liturgy, Youth and Young Adults
OVERVIEW CHALLENGES & OPPORTUNITIES facing the WMC
OVERVIEW • Seismic shifts in the political, social, economic as well as Christian landscape; • Witnessed – global terrorism – Environmental destruction – Economic crises – A moral malaise
OVERVIEW (cont.) Also seen: – Fall of totalitarian regimes – Advancement of technologies – Growth of organisations working towards ending • poverty, • disease, • conflict and • racism
OVERVIEW (cont.) Live in a diverse multi-cultural, multi- lingual and religiously plural world that has seen changes to ecumenical & ecclesiastical landscape; Yet, I see amidst these challenges a time pregnant with HOPE & POSSIBILITIES
OVERVIEW (cont.) Against these realities, we need to KNOW WHO WE ARE and WHY WE EXIST. God has called us for a SPECIAL PURPOSE – to work for God’s design in our lives and to transform the church, society and the world.
EXTERNAL CHALLENGES & OPPORTUNITIES
The centre of gravity of Christianity has moved from north to south A need to take contributions of Asia, Africa and South America seriously Bringing Vitality and Renewal An opportunity for us (WMC) to align strategies and programmes to address this shift
Economic & Cultural Globalisation: Its values of post-modernity like: Privatised spirituality; moral relativism; secularism, materialism and individualism challenges our Wesleyan witness It has brought about a combination of ecological and geo-political crises .... challenges our Gospel values of love for neighbour and care of creation
Economic & Cultural Globalisation: It has led to an increase in migration and urbanisation ecclesiastical implications and challenges the WMC in managing relationships with migrant “host and home” churches; It has led to fundamentalism...( Threat to a more open and inclusive society) An opportunity for the WMC to preach and teach the “Wesleyan Essentials of the Christian Faith” and “Wesley’s General Rule of Christian Conduct”
Economic & Cultural Globalisation: We (WMC) have potential to model a counter-culture to globalisation – through our life and witness:- Building inclusive relationships Expressing solidarity Sharing resources Working for reconciliation CONNEXIOANLISM linked to PERSONAL & SOCIAL TRANSFORMATION
Multi-cultural & religiously plural context Challenged to be sensitive, respectful & attune to celebrating diversity; Challenged to treat all (members) equally, with respect and dignity irrespective of tradition or culture WMC has the opportunity to broaden inter- faith dialogue and promote peace & justice
Global Conflicts & Public Issues Challenged to amplify our prophetic voice:- Serving as mediator and advocate Be more visible in providing strategic and moral leadership Accompany member churches in situations of conflict
Changes in Ecumenical & Ecclesiastical landscape WMC is challenged to expand opportunities for ministry and mission Opportunity to be innovative in “being and doing” church – especially through our World Evangelism Institute Enter into conversation with new ecumenical formations
INTERNAL CHALLENGES & OPPORTUNITIES
Affirm our current Strategic Framework it reflects clearly our Vision and Mission through its policies and organisational design
Relationship Building Listen to our member churches Expand partnerships with new ecclesiastical formations and civil society organisations Build community – not preserving institutions Seek greater cohesion and collaboration with Operational & Standing Committees and affiliated and related organisations
ICT Need to be aware of advancement in ICT:- Strengthen our profile, brand and image Tell our stories, share information and speak to youth in the “language of the day” To be used for greater transparency and reciprocity – improving our work; conversation; co-operation and witness Usage of audio and visual media As a tool for fundraising (resource mobilisation)
Effective Resource Management challenged to manage resources more effectively to achieve our vision & mission Harness and nurture the intellectual capital, gifts and creativity of members and staff ensuring effective implementation, monitoring and evaluation of our Strategic Plan (when adopted by Council)
MY VISION for the WMC
affirm the commitment, work and contribution of present and former staff u nder the power of God’s Spirit we can work together – “to make all things new” bringing about healing and reconciliation should be derived from the missio dei
The WMC is God’s gift of Service to Methodists and the world:- Supporting the vision and ministries of the World Methodist Evangelism Institute; Facilitating growth of our “Achieving the Vision” Endowment Fund; Capacitating Operational & Standing Committees Working with affiliated and related organisations
Need to respond to challenges and opportunities: timeously, appropriately and adequately s peaking of God’s enduring love in situations of economic deprivation, human suffering and spiritual malaise by communicating the Good News by mobilising the Spiritual, Human & Financial Resources in achieving our vision and mission
What Lessons for the MCSA? Hans Kung “Is it still possible to save the Church”
I have now attended 5 General and 3 Annual Conferences of churches in Wesleyan/Methodist tradition Is MCSA out of step with Global Methodism? Restructuring process a revolving door? Affirmation, Acknowledgement, Recognition ....... Leadership know when to step up as well as step down
Is our vision too big or maybe too small? Should we rather speak of a healed and transformed Church (other Methodist/Wesleyan traditions) before a healed and transformed nation? What does the demographic shift mean to churches in the global south? How will our African ecclesiology and spirituality shape Christianity in the 21 st century? What does it mean to have “one of our own” leading this global organisation?
Conclusion • The WMC is a privileged instrument • The WMC stands on a strong foundation • Therefore, serving the WMC is – a humble honour – singular privilege Thank you for your Attention
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