By Dr. Todd Renner

For the past four weeks, we’ve used this space to update you on the development of the Methodist Collegiate Church. Honestly, it’s been a fascinating journey: one that, as I confessed in our first column, we were leery of embarking upon at first…but the fruits that have already begun to grow from the initial seeds that we’ve planted are so very encouraging. In local churches and on global mission fields, alike, God is doing something powerful and special and new!

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As you may remember, though, one of the deep considerations we had as we moved through our discernment process last year was the need to have an objective and thorough way to identify, train, and credential clergy. It was one of the tasks of creating a “new expression of Methodism” that daunted us most. Drawing from the historic traditions of the Wesleyan movement and in consultation with laity, pastors, and academics, we aimed to develop a process that was, both, practical and comprehensive—to be a community that trains pastors who have a deep love of Jesus and a deep love of people. Our goal was graciously unapologetic: to create a process that would ensure our licensed and ordained leaders were thoroughly Biblical, thoroughly Wesleyan, and thoroughly pastoral—with hearts, minds, and souls that know (and know how to proclaim) the entire sanctification of Christ: that God loves us just as we are but refuses to keep us that way.

 

And we’ve been overwhelmed by what we’ve seen! We’re excited by the relationships we’ve entered into at the request of several regional seminaries. We’re excited by the individuals who’ve come forward to answer God’s call on their lives. We’re excited by the ordained clergy who’ve partnered with us and by those who’ve begun their own journey toward holy orders! In fact, several weeks ago, we held a special Service of Recognition where we received and celebrated the ministry of fifteen individuals as they entered into covenant with the MCC. That night we also praised God as we commissioned Pastor Victor to begin the last leg of his ordination journey, and we celebrated the election of Pastor John as our College’s first Dean. It was a powerful and emotional night—filled with worship and prayer—as we stood together to speak holy and ancient words, committing ourselves once more to the holy work of the Lord.

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Currently, the laity and clergy on the Commission on Ministry (the committee that oversees the licensing and ordination process) are working to formalize the procedure to train and certify leaders who’d like to pursue a recognized and commissioned form of lay ministry. For more information about any of these opportunities…or if you’re feeling God calling you to ordained ministry, please do not hesitate to reach out to any of our pastors! As we said before, God is doing something special in our midst…and we are humbled to get to share it with you!