“Is Methodism still alive within the Georgetown/Mt Coke Circuit?”

EDITOR: As I look around in our churches every Sunday I see mostly empty benches, the faithful few and the preacher, then I ask myself, where are the young people. Then again, I don’t wonder, as I think I have the answer. You see, Methodism, specifically within that circuit isn’t open to change as we are so bent on tradition.

Let me explore those reasons why I believe they have left. A new hymnal is currently in use within the church, but how many songs do we sing from it? We are so bent on singing the traditional songs that we forget there are youths within our midst and we need variety. Also, why do the older folk feel that praise and worship belong to them? Give someone a chance to show their God-given talent; remember the bible in 1 Peter 4:10.  Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. By not giving young people a chance to prove themselves they feel left out, unwanted, alone etc.

Matthew 7:1-5. 1. “Do not judge, or you too will be judged. 2. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. 3 Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? 4. How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? 5. You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.” This statement holds a lot of weight within the circuit and is one of the main reasons why things are going bad.

There is only one true judge, that is God, so why therefore must man be so judgmental? You see, within that circuit there seems to be a bunch of people called “Saints/Holier than thou”, they have never drank alcohol, cursed or done anything wrong in their lives. Example, if you are a young person and you have a prominent position within the church and you do something wrong, they are the first to start criticizing without asking. They literally feed you to the dogs… remember, he who is without sin cast the first stone. If you commit fornication you are the worst, you drink or smoke it’s the same thing. I have had my fair share of them and I am now at my breaking point. No sin is greater than none and no one is perfect, so why pull down when you could find out the real truth? Young people are begging for your guidance, adults. Where are you?

Moreover, it seems like you must be of a certain race, colour and must be very intelligent to hold position. Also, once your parents are in a big position within the circuit then you are never wrong. Mind you, certain surnames hold weight too. You see, the time we take to “nice up” the church, why not take the time to go and look for those who you haven’t seen for a while, let them know there is still room for everyone. Wake up, my Methodist people, can’t you see there are more pews than people? If we want to keep this generation let us be open to change.

If you don’t believe me take a drive on a Sunday morning either at 7, 9 or 11 a.m. to one of the Methodist churches between Georgetown to Mt. Coke and you will see what I am saying.
As for me, I have done my part, it’s time for me to take my exit, as I have been fed to the dogs by the “holier than thou”.
Until next time

“The Life of a Methodist Outcast”