Category Archives: United Methodism

Miserable Job

Posted on October 20, 2013 by Richard Heyduck

On page 53 of Bishop Will Willimon references Patrick Lencioni’s definition of makes a job miserable: “Lack of measurement. Lack of accountability. Anonymity.” I’ve read a few of Lencioni’s books, but not this one (Three Signs of a Miserable Job.) … Continue reading →

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Equivocating “Education”

Posted on October 20, 2013 by Richard Heyduck

It’s been a while since I’ve dialogued/argued with Will Willimon’s Bishop. Seems like a good time to pick it up again. On page 42 he says, “The United Methodist practice of itineracy is so deeply countercultural that we may be … Continue reading →

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Poor God?

Posted on August 9, 2013 by Richard Heyduck

I’m not a proponent of the prosperity Gospel. On the contrary, most versions of it sound like heresy. I am, however, a proponent of a Philippians 4:19 Gospel: “My God shall supply all your needs through his riches in glory … Continue reading →

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Planting Large Churches

Posted on August 7, 2013 by Richard Heyduck

One of the curious things I observe in some talk about church planting is the goal of planting “large churches.” Since I’ve never been a church planter (and have only read a few books on the subject), I’m obviously ignorant, … Continue reading →

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Hanging with Jesus

Posted on June 10, 2013 by Richard Heyduck

Mark 2:13-17 is a short passage with two connected stories. In the first story Jesus is out by the lake. The crowds come so he begins teaching them. No classroom is depicted, no “sit down and do your lesson,” for … Continue reading →

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Which Quest?

Posted on November 4, 2012 by Richard Heyduck

Since our annual conference reduced the number of districts several years ago, district superintendents have made “cluster” charge conferences more regular. I heard recently of one such conference where many small churches came together in one location. Evidently the DS … Continue reading →

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Thinking about the “Guaranteed Appointment”

Posted on November 4, 2012 by Richard Heyduck

The Judicial Council of the United Methodist Church has recently overruled the General Conference legislation that did away with the guaranteed appointment for Elders. I’ve been ambivalent about the provision, seeing good arguments on both sides. On the one hand, … Continue reading →

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A Different Future

Posted on July 31, 2012 by Richard Heyduck

Will Willimon’s Bishop functions as a study of the episcopacy and as a spiritual autobiography. Reading it, we gain insight into the church, its leadership, and its leaders. Willimon is explicit and plain-spoken about his convictions. At one point he … Continue reading →

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Assurance: How Does it Happen?

Posted on July 31, 2012 by Richard Heyduck

Supposing that assurance of salvation is possible, how might it happen? The Bible and the Wesleyan theological tradition give us some ideas. First, and most importantly, is the witness of the Holy Spirit. Texts that explicitly use witness language are … Continue reading →

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Assurance of Salvation: Two Objections

Posted on July 30, 2012 by Richard Heyduck

The idea that Christians can have assurance of their salvation has deep roots in the theology of John Wesley. Though he struggled with his own assurance from time to time, Wesley preached and taught that it was the privilege of … Continue reading →

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