Dear Friends,

Recently, I received an e-mail that really disturbed me. At first, I couldn’t put my finger on why. I thought about it and prayed about it—and had one of those "amen!" moments. You know how it is. After stewing about something, you turn to God and say, "This is where I am, God. Can you offer any wisdom?" And God answers. Not always when you want the answer; and not always the answer you want, but God answers. What others call "aha!" moments, I call "amen!" moments.

This group goes on to ask for your help in supporting their efforts. They ask for a donation and offer a link to donate by credit card. They also ask laypersons in our churches to send them their church directories "out of faithfulness to the church." Let me be clear. I am not disturbed about criticism and I am not attempting to dictate who we support financially or otherwise.

I work with criticism and critical people all the time. I value critical comments because when criticism is offered in love and is accompanied by prayerful, respectful, and honest dialogue, growth and understanding can result. I believe it is important to speak truthfully, to respect each other, to be honest, and to invite God’s Spirit into the conversation. What really disturbs me is my sense that this group is not acting out of love. I believe the group is purposefully distorting the truth, withholding information and manipulating words, intentionally alarming well-meaning United Methodists into believing their half truths.

As faithful United Methodists, we need to consider carefully every request for such things as membership lists and contributions. We also need to reclaim our heritage of using scripture, tradition, experience and reason as we discern where God is leading us. Please help the United Methodists you lead to seek the truth and to engage in conversation and prayerful dialogue as we live out our faith in our daily lives.

In Christ,
Bob Hoshibata

God of Love, we offer our prayers this day in thanksgiving for your call to lead your people of The United Methodist Church. As we take this call to heart we offer ourselves and our gifts in places of ministry where the Gospel is boldly proclaimed. Give us wisdom for these difficult times. Help us to hear and discern your spirit in situations of conflict. Grant us the grace to engage in holy conferencing as we seek your guidance in matters of the Church. Allow our criticisms to be grounded in the truth so your body, the Church, might be built up, not torn down. May we be agents of healing and instruments of your love which we know in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, in whose strong name we pray, Amen.