From Pastor Zeke Page 1 From the Desk of Pastor Zeke “Diversity and Unity” “There are different spiritual gifts but the same Spirit; and there are different ministries and the same Lord, and there are different activities but the same God who produces all of them in everyone” 1 Corinthians 12:4-6 In my recent visit to the Church of the Resurrection in Leawood, KS for the COR Leadership Conference, I had the wonderful opportunity to hear Bob Goff speak. Bob Goff is a man of many talents, one of which is being a powerful motivational speaker. Though I took lots of notes during his presentation, one thing Bob said that has stuck with me is: “Oneness is not the same as sameness” Yes!! In a world where we are experiencing unprecedented division and polarization, we all need to hear these words. I believe that we were all crafted in the image of God and that each of us is of sacred worth. This belief comes not only from the testament of the biblical witness but also through my experience with people. As people who live out lives within the church, we all have God-given gifts and abilities that are necessary for the church to thrive. What are some of your God-given gifts, talents, and abilities? How are utilizing those gifts to serve within the church? In what ways might you better serve which utilizes those gifts? So we are all gifted by God. These gifts, talents and abilities can be so different from others. In our scripture from 1 Corinthians, Paul is addressing a church who has allowed their different gifts and abilities and experiences of God to cause division. In chapter 12, Paul reminds the Corinthian church of the unity with which God calls. That unity is made possible by the presence of God in their midst through the Holy Spirit. I have appreciated our Methodist heritage of diversity from the onset. John Wesley and George Whitfield had longstanding arguments over theology and ministry. At Whitfield’s funeral, Wesley preached: “There are many doctrines of a less essential nature... in these we may think and let think... we may ‘agree to disagree.’ But, meantime, let us hold fast to the essentials.” I believe, that in this time of great cultural polarization, we must learn to celebrate our diversity as we unify Continued on page 2 Wesley UMC Newsletter November 2021
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