By RJ Walters, Editor
With his usual zest and animated spirit, Bishop Jonathan Keaton officially opened the Detroit Annual Conference by encouraging the 2010 church to look a little bit more like the 1st Century church described in Acts 2.
As it says in Acts 2:46-47 (NIV): “Every day they continued to gather together by common consent in the temple courts, breaking bread from house to house, sharing their food with glad and humble hearts, praising God and having the good will of all the people.”
“The crowds shown in Acts 2 are looked at as the ideal church by some, focused on communion, prayer, teaching, helping others and all the things that should be important,” Keaton said. “But sometimes we focus so much on things like homosexuality, immigration and things that divide us.”
Keaton made note that nowhere in Acts 2 does it talk about denominational divide, Jews and gentiles being separate, or longtime believers distinguishing themselves from new ones.
What it does reflect though, he said, is Christian community flourishes through personal and social holiness — something that was exemplified by the late Sam Dixon (UMCOR head) and late Clint Rabb (Rev. and missionary), as well as mission worker Jim Gulley when they were trapped under the Hotel Montana following the devastating Haiti earthquake in January. Keaton talked about the faith they showed by referencing reports that they sang hymns together, repeatedly tried to lift the spirits of those around them and never gave up despite the grave circumstances.
“What happened to Sam Dixon and Clint Rabb and Jim Gulley was social and spiritual,” he said. “People like them showed that it’s not just about making disciples in the United Methodist Church, it’s about transforming the world.”
Keaton was fired up about living in the same spirit they showcased, honing in on the key principles of studying scripture, praying and holy worship.
He said it’s great that the Bible is a bestselling book, but believers need to dive in and read and study it more to make a greater difference.
“Personal Bible study is essential to change,” he said. “I still have a long way to go — but then again, so do you.”
He said the United Methodist Church should be proud of its Disciple series of Bible study products, published by Cokesbury since 1986, but it can always do better to equip people to go forth and serve by encouraging them to spend regular time in God’s word.
Keaton said a lot people experience pain because they forget to go to the Lord in prayer, but he also laughed about what type of clumsy clergy he would likely be without the grace he has experienced through intercession.
“God has always provided me with the words for preaching. We preachers know what it’s like to stumble and to not even be able to pronounce words, but that’s why we pray to God who can guide us and save us.”
He added that believers and churches need to put some serious consideration and prayer into things before doing them, before adding a little jab at himself in regards to his tenure as a bishop.
“Just like I should have thought a little more about running for the Episcopali 14 years ago…oh my should have I!” he said with a boisterous chuckle and genuine smile.
The final concept Keaton touched on was getting past our differences in worship style preference while remembering worship is not just for us, it’s for God.
“We as churches need to get past the Burger King mentality — ‘Have It Your Way,’” he said.
He said there have been significant liturgical changes the past couple of decades and a transformation of the music played in UMC churches, but that’s fine by him.
“What you gonna do if someone is preaching in a way that’s not your style?” he asked. “Focus on their message and our God.”
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