A New Quadrilateral
All of you who grew up in the United Methodist church should have learned at some time about the “Wesley Quadrilateral.” I hope that those of you who did not grow up United Methodist have also learned about it in a Methodism 101 or Confirmation for Adults class. A man named Albert Outler studied the journals of founder John Wesley (an Anglican Priest) and recognized patterns in his thought process and organized them into what he called the “Wesleyan Quadrilateral.” These four elements that inform and shape our faith are scripture, tradition, experience and reason. These are foundational to our unique theological lens as Methodist. I know that they have impacted our strategy for the way that we engage the community and who feels welcome among us.
Our presenter at Annual Conference, Dr. Ashley Boggan co-wrote a book called “Calling on Fire” that identifies a new quadrilateral based on the early Methodist movement in Bristol and across England. She and her co-auther are calling it the “Practical Quadrilateral” which include these four things:
Field Preaching
Micro-Communities
Social Engagement
and Leadership Activation
Pastor Seungrok and I will be unpacking these four pieces for the next couple of weeks in worship. I hope you will join us as we explore what it means to allow the Holy Spirit to continue to work in and through us rather than allowing our flame to burn out to ashes. These are practical ways to love our neighbors. We are listening to the leading of the Holy Spirit and being faithful to the places that we are being led. Our new location in Bixby is an example of allowing the Holy Spirit to lead and being faithful to follow.
I also want to thank you for the $3200+ that was given for Miracle Sunday to provide scholarships to ministers outside the US. I was overjoyed to share your faithfulness with my District Superintendent. I also want to thank the Leadership Team for signing the Covenant of Love that we were asked to commit to for the conference. This request from the Bishop perfectly aligned with our Values as a congregation. Jonathon made a wonderful covenant for us to present on the altar for our last worship service in OKC. We also celebrate that all of the clergy at Faith have been reappointed with Pastor Sherri moving to full time ministry. As we move forward in ministry and life together, I give thanks that we have such a strong and faithful people who love God so much.
I love you and God loves you,
