A New Structure Celebrates Forum's Success

Views from a Ridge

When United Methodist Insight was founded in December 2011, it had one goal: Amplify the voices of those who weren't being heard around issues slated to come before the 2012 General Conference. Now, almost four years later, we're still doing our best to amplify voices across United Methodism that may be overlooked otherwise. By "we," I mean the many content contributors, financial donors and online supporters who have made this forum possible through their time, talents, gifts, service and witness.

As coordinator, I'm delighted to report that our editorial goal has succeeded far beyond original expectations. As of Aug. 13, 2015, United Methodist Insight has more than 2,000 email subscribers, nearly 750 "friends" on Facebook, and another 1,100-plus followers on Twitter. Even allowing for duplication, that's a lot of United Methodists, most of whom are leaders and/or influencers at all levels of our global denomination. Because our readers and followers give so much of themselves to The United Methodist Church, as coordinator I decided it's time to update what we offer to focus on the topics that you've indicated you most want to know.

First, a reassurance: I'm not abandoning our original focus on General Conference. There will be a place for that kind of information and opinion. However, I discern that the internal workings of the denomination are being affected by what's happening beyond our "four cozy walls," to quote one of my spiritual mentors, the late Rev. Wil Bailey.

Several things have become clearer in the past 3-1/2 years of UM Insight's existence:

  • The United Methodist Church is making strides toward becoming a truly global denomination, and a less-USA-centric organization. This demands that we look at both the church and the world in new ways.
  • Even so, the American branch of the UMC is facing serious, perhaps even cataclysmic, social issues like those that Jesus outlined in Matthew 25: hunger, homelessness, health care, poverty and economic inequality, imprisonment, migration, and fear of the stranger, which encompasses a host of racial and sexuality issues.
  • Encircling and penetrating all of the practical issues before the UMC is a spiritual crisis: How to live as disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. This includes fulfilling Jesus' commission in Matthew 28 to baptize and teach in his name, and following his new command in John 15:12 to love one another as he loved his disciples.

In response to these new perspectives, United Methodist Insight is organizing itself around two major themes: In the Church and In the World. As the accompanying illustrations show, each major section will have subsections related to specific topics. Those most interested in the UMC's internal workings will find articles of interest under In the Church. Those most interested in the UMC's outward witness will find articles of interest in the new In the World section. Everything related to the workings of the 2016 General Conference will be organized in a separate section. These changes will begin with the Aug. 14 issue and roll out over several weeks.

At this point, I'd like to express my profound gratitude to the Joe B. and Louise P. Cook Foundation for its major financial support. Since UM Insight's founding, the Cook Foundation, under the guidance of Errol, Barbara and Carol Wendland of Temple, Texas, has been our primary donor. Joe and Louise Cook were people of faith and of great vision, and the foundation that bears their names has carried out the Cooks' legacy with integrity. Without its support, this online forum would not exist at such a level of excellence.

Equal appreciation goes to my congregation, St. Stephen United Methodist Church, whose leaders were willing to risk sponsoring UM Insight. In truth, Insight's theological identity as an advocate for the complete, undivided gospel of Jesus Christ owes a great debt to its sponsoring congregation.

From its 1959 founding in Mesquite, Texas, a suburb east of Dallas, by the late Rev. William K. McElvaney, St. Stephen has had one overarching vision: to change the world by believing, teaching and demonstrating God's unconditional love as Jesus taught. We often refer to ourselves as "the biggest 'little' church in North Texas" because the scope of our mission and witness far exceeds what might be expected from our size. UM Insight has become another of St. Stephen's success stories because its leaders had the courage to back one of its members on a mission into the unknown territory of cyberspace.

There are many other supporters beyond these major benefactors, and I will be expressing my appreciation to each one personally in coming months. I am continually humbled by the people who are willing to give financial resources and spiritual support to keep this mission going. "Thank you" seems inadequate to express the genuine value of these gifts.

In closing, a word to our content contributors: You are the reason this forum exists. Through our original online and personal conversations, you made known the need to bring greater diversity of thought and discernment to the issues and events of The United Methodist Church. Each of you has generously given your consent for Insight to distribute your writings freely. In so doing, your contributions have awakened thousands of leaders and influencers to the true mosaic that is The United Methodist Church. Now, those with ears to hear and eyes to see know of your insights, and they are using your insights to discern the path toward God's future for The United Methodist Church. I'm grateful beyond expression for the privilege of being the channel of your many gifts.

A veteran journalist and certified spiritual director, Cynthia B. Astle serves as coordinator of United Methodist Insight.