Commentary vs. "What Am I Going To Do About It?"

So, there have been a couple of posts that I have thought about writing the last couple of weeks. One about my thoughts on the recent secession of a quickly growing, 700 member church from the UM denomination (probably guaranteeing them more effective ministry and envious complaining by the UM pastors in the area) and another about the fact that there has been a 15% drop of self-professed Christians in the last decade (which the author seems to be willing to make huge leaps in logic to attribute to the rise of mega-churches, that apparently are all built on consumerism by definition). I have a lot more I could say on both of these. And, I have made the mistake of over simplifying the issues and my response to both; a mistake that will cause some readers to respond harshly. Fine, my fault.

Here is the thing, though. Why? Why should I spend an afternoon pontificating, pointing fingers, taking side and then defending my position? Does that really do anyone any good? If I have to choose between engaging in social commentary or doing ministry, I am going to choose reaching out and serving others. Some people don't have to make this choice. They have time to do both (and I am not patronizing here; many people don't have two kids at home, other hobbies, etc). It's not that I don't want to engage the conversation. In fact, I stick my toes in the water from time to time (sometimes motivated by curiosity and sometimes motivated by my own ego). However, every time I do I have to deal with the conviction that I am not using my time faithfully (just to be clear, this is a personal issue; I am not accusing anyone else of being unfaithful for engaging these conversations).

Action is the bottom line. When the structure of the Methodist church becomes too big of a barrier for fulfilling my calling, I will leave (not out of the realm of possibilities). If I think the state of the church is in bad shape (and it may be), then I am going to do everything I can to be faithful in being a part of the church that I think we as Christians are called to be.

Do I have opinions on these issues (and others)? If you know me, you know I do! But until I feel lead that my opinions will make a bigger difference then my actions....well, you get the picture.