Sowing for a Great Awakening

“The kingdom of heaven is like a man who sowed good seed in his field…” ~ Matthew 13:24

Long-time members of United Methodist Churches like ours have expressed grief in all its forms as recent revelations have awakened them to the deep corruption within the denominational hierarchy (religious leadership structure). Most regular worshipers were content with the UMC brand and their association with it as long as their local experiences fit expectations and met basic needs. Local churches in communities like ours could feel relatively secure until national trends came home to roost. News that some United Methodist leaders and congregations in east and west coast cities overtly violated church law and went unpunished, went unnoticed by many, irritated some, and inflamed a few. The few who felt strongly about the local church’s integrity and its ties with the larger entity left in protest, and there should be no hard feelings over it. The rest held on while their pastors and lay leaders endeavored to maintain unity and vitality. During my tenure, I have and continue to sow for a great awakening. I’ve preached and taught from Scripture and methodically developed a vision and mission-based culture, rooted in the best of our traditions, within the staff, lay leadership, and the Shiloh family. Meanwhile, the UMC hierarchy continues to disaffiliate itself from the biblical doctrinal legacy of John Wesley. The resultant pushback from traditionalists and conservatives met with cruel reprisals that left their opponents with no choice but to form another denomination, and for local churches, like ours, to choose whether to remain affiliated with the United Methodist Church. We will decide on August 22, 2022.

After Jesus said, “The kingdom of heaven is like a man who sowed good seed in his field…” he then described how the Enemy corrupted the fields by sowing weeds among the good seed. The weeds had to remain until harvesters could safely extract them from among the good produce. It is the same with our current dilemma. I enjoy thinking that Shiloh is a fruitful vine that is witnessing the Master Gardener’s weed removal and cultivation. For a time, the garden will look bare, but the produce will soon thrive in the rich soil and an uncorrupted environment; soon, fruit will drip from the branches. 

This is a time for faith and courage. Our light must shine for the glory of Christ and we must boldly move out from under the current stifling, oppressive pall. Like the people subjugated in Egypt, we know we are slaves and victims of social degradation, so an exodus appeals strongly to us, but the uncertainty of the wilderness and the unknown prospects of new ventures frightens us. That, beloved, is the essence of faith. It is confidence that Christ is with us, even while we fearfully stand outside the boat like Peter. So, let us go unfettered into the fields where the Lord of the Harvest awaits us because we believe in sowing for a great awakening. Let us join our LORD in sowing seeds of truth and love while we bravely uphold His sovereign glory. Join me in praying that the Holy Spirit’s presence will bring fresh wind and fire to our community.