PlainSpoken

I believe there is much to learn from other Christian traditions. From where I stand, the Methodist tradition has lost much of what once made us great and effective. I recently noticed a church that is strong where many churches are weak: singing, family ministry, men, and children. I wanted to learn from these folks about how to effectively facilitate such a dynamic in my own tribe.This is a conversation with two men who have seen the power of the scriptures to plant a countercultural community within San Diego. They lead a high standards community, with a quality membership covenant, a shared sense of identity, and a culture of happy warriors for Jesus. They do not conform to the big box evangelical squishy churches. They, rather, model zeal and integrity for the Lord. We would do well to consider their witness.To learn more about the ministry and ethos of San Diego Reformed Church, visit https://sdreformed.com/.------------------If you would like to join my Locals community, where I give a full morning briefing (where this came from), go to plainspoken.locals.com and become a supporter!If you would like to subscribe to my pastoral Substack, where I publish articles on topics pertaining to pastoral ministry and Methodism, you can go to jeffreyrickman.substack.com.If you would like to subscribe to the PlainSpoken Podcast Substack, where I publish articles, video, and audio pertaining to Methodism and the culture war, you can go to plainspokenpod.substack.com.If you're not interested in any of that stuff, but you want to give directly to my church, you can go to https://tithe.ly/give?c=2198808 and make a donation there. Thanks! Get full access to PlainSpoken at plainspokenpod.substack.com/subscribe

When one believes that the church of Jesus Christ is global and multiethnic in nature, the one is eventually moved to try to understand and love cultures around the world. An immature faith imagines one's own culture and nation to be the center of God's story. A mature Christian comes to understand our equal standing among the cultures of the earth. We are all fallen and in need of a Savior.Stephen Bachmeier answered the call to invite a people group other than his own into a salvific relationship with Jesus. He is currently deployed in Shunan, Japan. In this conversation, we talk about the particular gifts and challenges of his mission field. What unfolds is largely an exercise in Christian discernment. How does the gospel speak to this particular culture. How is it similar to American culture? How is it different?By learning about others, we learn about ourselves. Christ died for all of us. All of us are called to respond in faith. Stephen has only been in Japan for five months. He wanted me to make sure to say here that Japan has been in flux, and it is continuing to slowly change. Be charitable in your interpretation of Japan, as well as the words of these imperfect conversation partners.If you want to support Stephen in his work, you can contribute to his mission here: https://www.christar.org/worker/738If you would like to join my Locals community, where I give a full morning briefing (where this came from), go to plainspoken.locals.com and become a supporter!If you would like to subscribe to my pastoral Substack, where I publish articles on topics pertaining to pastoral ministry and Methodism, you can go to jeffreyrickman.substack.com.If you would like to subscribe to the PlainSpoken Podcast Substack, where I publish articles, video, and audio pertaining to Methodism and the culture war, you can go to plainspokenpod.substack.com.If you're not interested in any of that stuff, but you want to give directly to my church, you can go to https://tithe.ly/give?c=2198808 and make a donation there. Thanks! Get full access to PlainSpoken at plainspokenpod.substack.com/subscribe

Many local United Methodist churches have found themselves in a position to either abandon the buildings and assets that they have stewarded for years or to litigate. Many churches, like Fifth Avenue UMC, have chosen to make their appeal in court. The lawyer representing them is Gavin Parsons. He took some time today to help me to understand a recent decision of an appeals court to compel a trial court to hear their case. They had previously been dismissed, but the dismissal was odds, given the particulars of the case. We cover those particulars, as well as the implications for other local churches wanting out, in this conversation. For the recent appeals court decision and rationale: https://law.justia.com/cases/north-carolina/court-of-appeals/2024/23-1013.html Get full access to PlainSpoken at plainspokenpod.substack.com/subscribe

In my chronicling the various chapters of mishaps and mangling of local church disaffiliations for discernment, more than once I was told of unjust developments in Belin, South Carolina. Yet efforts at finding a representative of the church to speak with me were unsuccessful. This is a hobby of mine, not a career, so I don’t have tons of time to call around for leads.Yet my coverage of a recent article about Belin’s failed attempt to continue conversations about discernment motivated an intermediary to connect me with Dan Temple, a member of the church and professional CPA, who was able to walk me through the timeline of what has transpired, with supporting documents and media.My interest in covering this topic is not at all to spread discontent, but rather to spread information. Temple shared a good deal of practical information, including a legal statement, that could potentially be useful to other churches seeking to discern their way forward after the unholy events that transpired in Charlotte last year. As thorough as Temple is in this conversation, one would be wise to consult the documents contained in the Google Drive folder linked below. Make sure to pray for Dan and his church. They celebrated their centennial this last weekend. It is a strange and unfortunate time to try to be a biblical local church within a mainline denomination. Yet there are surely blessings that can come with such challenges. Let’s pray for God’s blessing to be upon them.Links:Google Drive folder w/ Belin documents - https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1ZO9GS-wcWmDJoUbYNYPiVRu4NVF0n87-?usp=sharing1. Resolution and Legal Memo of Understanding (attached) (i.e. reason for 1/6/25 meeting)2. Link to Resolution Website (bmcmisc.org) if you’d rather not post pdf. Just have link to this site at top3. Flip Flop meeting of November 2023 nobody knew was coming or even possible (see 1:53 – 1:56): 4. Vote to Re-Enter Discernment August 2024 5. Monday the 6th Meeting (1st 1.5 hours highlights breach of trust again, similar to November 2023 D.S. heavy handed, undue influence): 6. Letter I read: attached, I have permission to share7.Council of Bishops Letter: Get full access to PlainSpoken at plainspokenpod.substack.com/subscribe

Jared Smith is a one man metal musician. As an artist he is known as Heliocentric. He was a deeply committed Christian for over a decade and was deeply formed by Christ-followers in the local church and the academy. Although he has left the faith, he still cares about the Christian faith and its adherents. On his YouTube channel, Heliocentric, he conducts what he calls “Atheist Church Audits,” where he attends local church worship services of various traditions and then responds to what he encounters from the people he meets and the conversations he has.I have watched a lot of Jared’s stuff. I like him quite a bit on a personal level. I reached out to him, asking for a conversation on the topic of how it is that mindful Christians can respectfully witness to people of this age. To be honest, while I am interested in this conversation, it was mostly an excuse just to talk to the guy. I hope you can see why.I think Jared is a great resource for assessing different Christian traditions, including one’s own. I hope you’ll pray for him, and that you’ll consider him as a resource. I genuinely think he is helpful in finding a good tone to speak to people in the right way. Even if you don’t glean the same lessons from this conversation that I did, it is my fervent hope that this is a blessing to you.Link to Jared’s YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/@HeliocentricOfficial Get full access to PlainSpoken at plainspokenpod.substack.com/subscribe

Both Wendy Mohler-Seib and Andrew Sullivan (previous guests on PlainSpoken) recommended that I speak with Dr. Clark. Despite my conversation with Brian Abasciano, the case for Arminian biblical interpretation (the notion that God makes room for our free will in matters of great importance) has been slim on my podcast. Meanwhile I gave a platform to Gilbert Grayson, an accomplished Calvinist and primary content creator for The Chorus in the Chaos. Even after all this groundwork being laid, you’ll see my conversation with Richie reveals a good deal of confusion on my part. You’ll also see he’s very patient with me and adept in the conversation. My hope is that my struggling with the concepts involved helps viewers/listeners.Bio on Richie ClarkRichard has taught at a variety of schools and is currently the visiting scholar at Southwestern College. His PhD work (he’s in his final year) is in historical theology related to Arminian theology. He has a heart for apologetics and has published articles in many places. Richie and his wife, Lydia, and their son, Gabriel are members of Wellington Methodist Church (GMC) in Wellington, KSLinks:Professional Links to Richie:Manchester Wesley Research Centre Junior Fellow in TheologyVisiting Scholar in Religion & Philosophy at Southwestern CollegeRecommended Readings on Arminianism:(1) J. Matthew Pinson's 40 Questions About Arminianism (Kregal Academic, 2022).(2) Thomas H. McCall and Keith D. Stanglin, After Arminius: A Historical Introduction to Arminian Theology (Oxford University Press, 2021).(3) Keith D. Stanglin and Thomas H. McCall, Jacob Arminius: Theologian of Grace (Oxford University Press, 2012).(4) Roger E. Olson, Arminian Theology Myths and Realities (IVP Academic, 2006).Open access works that he has written:Omnipotence Pseudocide by a Single Qualification: A Reflection on Omnipotence’s ‘Death by a Thousand Qualifications’ in the Work of Thomas OordAntinomianism and Reformed ArminianismA Review of "Anyone Can Be Saved" written by Southern Baptist anti-Calvinists Get full access to PlainSpoken at plainspokenpod.substack.com/subscribe

Zach Kingery is the Network Director for the Dirt Roads Network, a ministry aimed at revitalizing and planting churches across rural America. They are dedicated to a vision of a future in which every small town has at least one life-filled, faithful church. This ministry is the outgrowth of a local church in a town of 40 people that was able to grow into 350 people. They split into satellite churches, then began planting and revitalizing churches. If you live in a rural area, or if you want to better understand the needs and ethos of rural churches, spend some time here. Zach is eager to help rural churches that are ready to submit to the lordship and direction of Christ. If you want to contact him, you can email him at zach@dirtroadsnetwork.com To learn more about the Dirt Roads Network, you can go to www.dirtroadsnetwork.com.Meeting Summary from Zoom’s AI CompanionRural Ministry and Local ChurchesJeffrey and Zach, both Methodist pastors, discussed their passion for rural ministry and the importance of local churches. Zach, the network director for the Dirt Roads Network, shared his experiences growing up in a small rural church and how it shaped his faith. He emphasized the value of local churches in providing a supportive community and fostering deep faith connections. Zach also shared his journey to becoming a pastor, including his initial doubts and the moment when he felt called to serve the dead, the dying, and the forgotten. Jeffrey agreed with Zach's sentiments and highlighted the challenges of balancing Biblical faith with interpersonal relationships in churches. Both pastors expressed their commitment to rural ministry and the importance of nurturing faith in local communities.Zach's Journey Into Pastoral MinistryZach shared his journey into pastoral ministry, starting with his experiences in rural communities and his transition from the Wesleyan denomination to the United Methodist Church. He emphasized the importance of serving the "dead, the dying, and the forgotten" and how his calling to ministry has evolved over time. Zach also discussed his experiences as a pastor in rural South Dakota, where he learned about the significance of rural churches in their communities. He highlighted the need for these churches to understand their importance in advancing the kingdom of God. Jeffrey listened attentively and responded with affirmations and questions.Small Town Ministry and Rural AmericaJeffrey and Zach discussed the importance of small town ministry and the role of the local church in rural environments. They highlighted the theological conviction of the imago dei, emphasizing that every human being is made in God's image and deserves attention. They also discussed the trend of centralizing power in Western civilization and the potential of small towns and small churches to preserve traditions and values. Zach shared the history of the Dirt Roads Network, which originated from Lamont Wesleyan Church's mission to reach new people and make disciples of Jesus Christ. They agreed that rural America is a mission field and that small towns are areas of need, requiring training as missionaries. The conversation concluded with the understanding that small towns are not necessarily more Christian than cities, but may have different moral standards due to their close-knit communities.Rural Ministry Challenges and OpportunitiesJeffrey and Zach discussed the challenges and opportunities of rural and small-town ministry. Zach shared about the Dirt Roads Network, a platform that connects rural pastors, provides resources, and encourages discernment in decision-making. They emphasized the importance of viewing their areas as mission fields, studying the culture, and shifting their scorecards to focus on community integration and spiritual growth. Zach also shared the story of Lamont Wesleyan Church, which grew through a collaborative effort among laity who made faithful decisions in the same direction, sublimating themselves for the gospel of Christ. Jeffrey appreciated the gentle yet convicting reflections and the emphasis on discernment and collaboration.Empowering Laity in Church RevitalizationJeffrey and Zach discuss the importance of empowering laity in church revitalization efforts. Zach emphasizes that laity should discover their spiritual gifts and lead ministries with discernment and accountability. He explains that Dirt Roads Network helps churches discern their values, see themselves as missionaries, and create action plans through revitalization programs and coaching. They also facilitate church planting by networking rural churches. Zach highlights that their focus is on greater obedience to God's will over worldly success metrics. He stresses the importance of spiritual practices and discerning the Holy Spirit's leading for the church.Rural Church Revitalization and MultiplicationJeffrey and Zach discussed their shared passion for rural church revitalization and multiplication. Zach shared his work with the Dirt Roads Network, which is self-funded and offers affordable services to churches. They also discussed the importance of obedience over success and the value of strong marriages and families. Zach mentioned his wife's role in reminding him to prioritize obedience over success. Jeffrey expressed his interest in helping Zach and others in their rural ministry efforts and suggested a series of conversations about the virtues of small town, rural living. They agreed to stay in touch and Zach offered to send Jeffrey a picture and any necessary resources for the show notes. Get full access to PlainSpoken at plainspokenpod.substack.com/subscribe

I wanted to speak with Vatroslav because I think it is important for folks in America to do our part to understand the different contexts in which Christianity is working to minister to the people of various parts of the world. A previous conversation with Daniel Topalski of Bulgaria was helpful in getting some needed theology and history. Vatroslav builds on a similar foundation. Those who watch this segment will grow in knowledge of the history of Europe, a somewhat different portrait of the strengths of the Methodist heritage than what is commonly said in America, and a better knowledge of how to pray for our brothers and sisters in Europe.Website for the Global Methodist Church in Croatia - https://metodisti.hr/en/WCA Website for Vatroslav's writings - https://www.wesleyancovenant.eu/author/vatroslav-zupancic/My previous reporting on Anathema Statement - Summary from Riverside.fmIn this conversation, Jeffrey Rickman and Vatroslav Župancic explore the identity and challenges of the Global Methodist Church, particularly in the context of Eastern Europe. Vatroslav shares his personal journey from Roman Catholicism to Methodism, influenced by his experiences during the Croatian war and the theological landscape in Germany. They discuss the importance of tradition in Methodism, the impact of liberalism, and the need for a strong theological foundation in the face of modern social issues. The conversation highlights the unique position of conservative Methodists in Europe and their commitment to bridging traditional and evangelical movements. In this conversation, Jeffrey Rickman and Vatroslav Župancic discuss the complexities of modern Israel, the rise of nationalism in Europe, and the ecumenical movements within the church. They explore the challenges of church planting in Croatia, the structure and presence of the Global Methodist Church in Eastern Europe, and the importance of theological education. The dialogue emphasizes the need for a strong biblical foundation, the role of tradition in Methodism, and the call for holiness and moral clarity in the face of societal changes. They conclude with a call to support the Global Methodist Church in Europe through prayer and partnership. Get full access to PlainSpoken at plainspokenpod.substack.com/subscribe

Link to David deSilva's "Christian Faith and Doctrine: An Annotated Catechism for the Global Methodist Church" - https://my.seedbed.com/product/christian-faith-and-doctrine-an-annotated-catechism-for-the-global-methodist-church/For previous conversation on human sexuality in the ancient Roman world -Partial Summary by Zoom's AI Assistant:David and Jeffrey discuss David's background and his transition from the Episcopal Church to Methodism. David shares that he became acquainted with Wesleyan doctrine during his doctoral studies at Emory University and found it captured the scriptural vision for discipleship and church well. He has been a United Methodist elder since 1995. David also mentions his early love for Scripture since he was a preteen. They then talk about Ashland Theological Seminary's partnership with the Global Methodist Church. The conversation focuses on David's experience and Ashland's role in serving the next generation of Global Methodism.Jeffrey agreed with David's thoughts around theological education and suggested that the annotated catechism could help people understand the authentic Wesleyan vision and the importance of being a covenant community rather than a club.David and Jeffrey discussed their differing views on atonement theory, particularly penal substitutionary atonement. David expressed his belief that this theory has risen to prominence at the expense of other scriptural expressions of Christ's spiritual achievement on the cross. He emphasized the importance of seeing God's action in Christ as a way of extending welcome and embrace to a distant and alienated humanity. Jeffrey, on the other hand, argued that penal substitutionary atonement is a crucial aspect of understanding salvation, as it involves God assuming all roles necessary for salvation, including the sacrifice and the wrathful, angry God.They discussed the importance of examining and re-evaluating the theological foundations of the Global Methodist Church (GMC). They agreed that the church needs to revisit its doctrines and practices, particularly those that have been inherited from the United Methodist Church (UMC). They highlighted the need for a more robust Biblical hermeneutic and the importance of understanding the vision of the church. They also discussed the need for members to immerse themselves in John Wesley's sermons and theology to better understand the Methodist movement. The conversation ended with a discussion on the language used in the catechism, with David emphasizing the importance of receiving the Holy Bible as the true rule and guide for faith and practice.They discussed the authority of Scripture and the dangers of swinging too far in either direction. David expressed his concerns about affirming inerrancy, emphasizing that the text should always be more important than doctrines about it. He also criticized the United Methodist Church for disregarding parts of Scripture in their practice. Jeffrey agreed with David's critique and asked for examples of leaders who embody honesty before God and Scripture. David, being out of touch with the political scene of leadership, couldn't provide specific names but mentioned Craig Keener as an example of a scholar who lets the text and spirit guide him.Concerns Over Sin and GraceJeffrey and David discussed their concerns about the doctrine of sin and the potential for Pelagianism in the Methodist Church. Jeffrey expressed worry about the church's comfort with the Biblical doctrine of sin, particularly in relation to sexuality. David agreed, noting that many in the church were championing Pelagianism and celebrating humanity's capacity for good. They discussed the concept of prevenient grace, with David arguing that it doesn't imply a specific point at which God's grace intervenes in a person's life. Instead, it emphasizes God's generosity and the availability of salvation to all. They also discussed the importance of acknowledging wrongdoing and the role of conscience in repentance and returning to God. Jeffrey and David agreed that the critique of Andrew was valid, but they also acknowledged the potential for differing interpretations of prevenient grace.Cultivating Humility and Gratitude in FaithJeffrey and David discussed the importance of acknowledging one's own depravity and sinfulness in order to cultivate humility and gratitude towards God. They agreed that without a proper appreciation of their own sin, gratitude towards God would be lacking. David emphasized the need to identify specific points of non-alignment with God's vision and to understand the ugliness of their own sin. They also discussed the role of the Holy Spirit in leading them into all truth and holiness, and the importance of living as those who believe. The conversation concluded with a prayer for the audience, asking for help in becoming vital communities of disciples where God's transformation is seen in their lives. Get full access to PlainSpoken at plainspokenpod.substack.com/subscribe

Rev. Dr. Kevin Watson is a fellow Methodist from Oklahoma. He has a heart for equipping the church, especially her clergy, for ministry. Out of this passion, he straddles both the academy and the church, serving both Asbury Theological Seminary and Asbury Church (a former UM local church) in Tulsa. Kevin recently published a book on Methodist history, and I thought it was time to pick his brain about some themes I have wondered about. In this conversation, we cover topics related to proper and faithful training of Methodist clergy, especially in light of the unfortunate developments over the last century or so in mainline Methodist seminaries. We talk about the authentic nature and hallmarks of the Methodist movement, the call of discipleship at the present moment, the failures of leadership in mainstream religious practice in the West, the nature of holiness, and several other connected issues drawn from history.If you haven't already, you need to order his book: "Doctrine, Spirit, and Discipline: A History of the Wesleyan Tradition in the United States." You can order it at Zondervan here - https://zondervanacademic.com/doctrine-spirit-and-discipline and plenty of other booksellers.You can read some of Dr. Watson's other writings at his website: www.kevinmwatson.com.The other books I referenced have links, too. 1) The Class Meeting is found at https://my.seedbed.com/product/class-meeting-by-kevin-watson/2) The Band Meeting is found at https://my.seedbed.com/product/the-band-meeting/ Get full access to PlainSpoken at plainspokenpod.substack.com/subscribe