Fr. Richard Rohr writes, “The prophet does not ask if the vision can be implemented, for questions of implementation are of no consequence until the vision can be imagined. The imagination must come before the implementation. Our culture is competent to implement almost anything, and to imagine almost nothing.”
As I read the various reorganizational proposals that will come before the 2020 General Conference, I find very little imaginative vision. The widely-acclaimed “Protocol,” which may be the plan that is finally adopted, has no vision at all. Instead, after a few "whereas" statements, the authors launch straight into an implementation plan.
A notable exception to this lack of vision is the “Christmas Covenant” offered by the delegates from the Central Conference. Also, Rev. Talbot Davis, writing for the Wesleyan Covenant Association, offers a vision for what the “Protocol” can accomplish.
All of the other plans outline possible reorganizational structures. Almost all state their vision as “Making Disciples of Jesus Christ for the Transformation of the World.” Usually that’s it. None imagine what that means, or how that particular plan will bring about that vision. The vision that is always implied is a peaceful separation, how to divide the resources, and how to avoid lengthly legal battles. But there is no imagination beyond that. Perhaps after our many years of division and enmity that is enough. But is it really enough?
We can implement even the most complicated plan. We are methodical after all. But are we bold enough to imagine what God’s long-range vision for our new Methodist Churches might be?
Jim Loomis
United Methodist layman Jim Loomis
A retired licensed social worker, Jim Loomis is a member of Portage Chapel Hill UMC in Portage, Mich. This post is republished with permission from a comment he made on United Methodist Insight's Facebook page.