Category Archives: United Methodism

Assurance & Security

Posted on September 28, 2006 by Richard Heyduck

In response to John L. Drury’s review of Roger Olson’s Arminian Theology: Myths and Realities I was inspired to explore the difference between Assurance and Security. As a United Methodist pastor I pastor churches in which theology has, for generations, … Continue reading →

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Connecting Methodist Bloggers

Posted on September 14, 2006 by Richard Heyduck

John the Methodist makes a request.

Posted in United Methodism | 1 Comment

Diversity = God?

Posted on September 8, 2006 by Richard Heyduck

I’ve long been pained that our United Methodist marketing campaign, “Open Hearts, Open Minds, Open Doors,” has replaced our official doctrine (which, according to the Book of Discipline, is of determinate Christian substance). The apparent relativism of our marketing slogan … Continue reading →

Posted in church growth, Theology, United Methodism | 2 Comments

The Problem of Method

Posted on July 31, 2006 by Richard Heyduck

I’m an academic introvert by nature. I love to learn and would be happy off by myself reading. At the same time, I have a call to ministry. My greatest gifts are in teaching and preaching. I’ve learned that teaching … Continue reading →

Posted in church growth, Current events, Leadership, Local church, Theology, United Methodism | 5 Comments

An Anniversary (of a kind)

Posted on June 21, 2006 by Richard Heyduck

The first day of Vacation Bible School started earlier than planned, last year. A little before 6 am we got a call that the Feed Store (our recently renovated youth building) was on fire. I rushed down to the church … Continue reading →

Posted in Local church, United Methodism | 2 Comments

What’s the largest Turnip you’ve ever seen?

Posted on June 8, 2006 by Richard Heyduck

The 2006 session of the Central Texas Annual Conference is now over. We concluded on a hot Wednesday afternoon in Waco. Hot as it was outside, it remained fairly cool inside. the closest thing to dissension was a couple of … Continue reading →

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Truth or Inspiration?

Posted on June 5, 2006 by Richard Heyduck

People like to hear stories of success and happiness. I’m ok, you’re ok. That’s part of the genius behind movements as diverse as the Chicken Soup series and Guideposts. I was talking to a pastor friend tonight whose Annual Conference … Continue reading →

Posted in church growth, Leadership, Local church, United Methodism | 3 Comments

2006 Episcopal Address

Posted on June 3, 2006 by Richard Heyduck

Things are BIG in Texas. I’ve heard many times that the Texas Annual Conference is the largest in the denomination (it’s not – either in terms of membership or area covered). We have the largest churches (we surely have some … Continue reading →

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Do They Really Mean It?

Posted on June 3, 2006 by Richard Heyduck

The first night of Annual Conference (when we had a youth service) some folks (not youth) were passing out buttons. The buttons featured the United Methodist marketing slogan, “Open Hearts, Open Minds, Open Doors,” but added an additional line: “… … Continue reading →

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Getting beat by the Lutherans

Posted on May 23, 2006 by Richard Heyduck

While many of our Annual Conferences will be taking up resolutions opposing the war in Iraq, the Lutherans are taking the opposite approach. They are sending their own troops! Driving through Waco this afternoon, I noticed a Lutheran Church, the … Continue reading →

Posted in Current events, Theology, United Methodism | 3 Comments