PlainSpoken

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

Dr. Mark Olson is the author of a new book called "John Wesley’s Doctrine of Justification," which is an excellent resource, rich in theology and history. This conversation is broadly a reconstruction of a lot of the mechanics of how Wesleyan theology works, helping to flesh out what important aspects of this foundational theology need to be claimed in the moment.Dr. Olson's Website - www.wesleyscholar.comDr. Olson's Book - https://a.co/d/7ZF4A9WDr. Olson's BioDr. Mark K. Olson grew up in the Pacific Northwest and served in pastorates at Vancouver, WA, and Antioch, CA. He and Ruth have five children and twelve grandchildren.Dr. Olson did his undergraduate work at Taylor University, obtained a Master of Divinity at Nazarene Theological Seminary, and earned a Doctorate in Theology at the University of Manchester, UK. Since 2012 Dr. Olson teaches on bible, theology, and philosophy at Indiana Wesleyan University, Nazarene Bible College, and West Africa Theological Seminary. He also writes courses in historical and systematic theology.Dr. Olson also serves as research assistant for the Manchester Wesley Research Centre (UK) and as a teaching fellow for One Mission Society (onemissionsociety.org).Summary composed by Zoom's AI Companion: Understanding Justification in ChristianityJeffrey and Mark discussed the importance of understanding the concept of justification in Christianity. Jeffrey shared his understanding of justification, likening it to a courtroom scenario where a guilty person is pardoned by a perfect judge who pays the price for their crimes. mark agreed with this definition and emphasized its significance in the Evangelical church. They both agreed that understanding justification correctly is crucial for Christians, as it helps them comprehend their relationship with God and the consequences of their sins. They also touched on the practicality of this concept, with Mark suggesting that it can guide Christians in their daily lives and interactions with others.Methodist Theology and Justification DiscussionMark and Jeffrey discussed the theological perspectives of John Wesley and the Methodist Church on the concept of justification and atonement. They explored the differences between Calvinist and Arminian views, with Mark emphasizing John Wesley's belief in the general atonement of Christ and the importance of good works in demonstrating genuine faith. Jeffrey clarified the Arminian understanding of justification, emphasizing that it involves God's forgiveness of sins, acceptance in Christ, and the possibility of living an abundant life through serving Jesus. They also touched on the global Methodist Church's ongoing conversation about the nature of holiness.Christian Perfection and Historical ContextMark and Jeffrey discussed the concept of Christian perfection, its historical context, and its evolution over time. They agreed that Christian perfection refers to a state of wholehearted love and devotion to God, where believers overcome voluntary sins but may still experience involuntary shortcomings. They also discussed the differences in understanding Christian experience and human nature between John Wesley's time and the present day, emphasizing the importance of understanding these differences to better comprehend the original audience's beliefs. Mark highlighted the influence of cultural and psychological factors on the interpretation of Christian experience, while Jeffrey stressed the need for a corrective to modern-day Western presuppositions. They concluded that while there are differences in understanding between then and now, it is essential to understand the original audience's beliefs and context.Wesley's Theological Concepts and AtonementJeffrey and Mark discussed the theological concepts of penal substitutionary atonement and double justification in the context of John Wesley's teachings. They agreed that John Wesley, an Anglican, believed in the penal substitutionary theory of atonement, which was the dominant theory among Protestant denominations at the time. However, they also noted that Wesley interpreted this theory differently from high Calvinists, emphasizing that Jesus' death was for the general salvation of all people, not just the elect. They also discussed the concept of double justification, where the subjective experience of the blood of Christ being applied to one's heart is followed by an objective, final public pronouncement of one's eternal state at the final judgment. They emphasized the importance of living a holy life and the need for continuous growth in holiness to maintain a right relationship with God.Wesley's Beliefs on Infant BaptismJeffrey and Mark discussed John Wesley's beliefs on infant baptism and baptismal regeneration. Mark explained that Wesley believed infants baptized receive initial justification from the guilt of original sin and are regenerated. However, as they grow up, they lose this salvation due to voluntary sinning. Wesley did not believe that the guilt of original sin alone would send someone to hell. They also discussed the importance of core convictions in being a Methodist or Wesleyan, such as original sin, justification, and holiness of heart and life. Jeffrey questioned the significance of infant baptism in Wesley's core theology, to which Mark responded that it was not a core principle.Theological Perspectives on SalvationMark and Jeffrey discuss the order and process of salvation from different theological perspectives. Mark emphasizes that God ultimately wants a relationship with each person, though the journey may look different for individuals. He believes God is sovereign and infinite, working in people's lives to bring them to salvation and sanctification. Jeffrey raises concerns about the Arminian view of God having desires that can be denied, preferring the Calvinist view of God's self-sufficiency. However, they find common ground in God's faithfulness and personal involvement in people's lives despite his transcendence. They acknowledge the tension between God's sovereignty and human free will, seeking a synthesis beyond the Arminian-Calvinist divide.Strengthening Original Sin DoctrineJeffrey and Mark discussed the need for a stronger doctrine of original sin and justification within the Methodist and Wesleyan traditions. Mark expressed concern about the church's weakness and compromise with culture, attributing this to a weak doctrine of original sin. He emphasized the importance of recognizing one's badness and the unmerited nature of God's grace. Mark also highlighted the need for the church to stand separate from the world and to have a prophetic voice in culture. Jeffrey agreed with Mark's points and concluded the discussion by encouraging reflection on the church's teachings and practices.Wesley's Theology and Justification DiscussedIn the conversation, Mark discussed his book on John Wesley's theology, particularly his views on justification. He outlined the book's structure, covering the historical background, Wesley's life, his understanding of justification, and his views on baptism for infants. Mark also touched on Wesley's concept of degrees of justification and his inclusivism, which suggests that God's grace can reach out to people who have never heard the gospel. Jeffrey expressed his concerns about the potential implications of these views and appreciated Mark's work. They ended the conversation with a prayer. Get full access to PlainSpoken at plainspokenpod.substack.com/subscribe

Steve Cordle is the Executive Director of The River Network. The Global Methodist Church has partnered with him and his ministry in order to equip clergy and laity to be and make disciples, laboring in the Lord's harvest in this present age.Steve was and is a prodigious clergyman, having made disciples and grown churches for decades while raising children with a godly wife.In this conversation, Steve talks about his ministry, laying out his theological framework. We review his recent article in Firebrand "Can the Global Methodist Church Become a Movement?" (https://firebrandmag.com/articles/can-the-global-methodist-church-become-a-movement), and we talk about practical ways that his ministry can come alongside local churches and their leaders to change the culture, working to revert our institutions back into movements.Consider spending some time with us, and follow up with Steve if you want to learn more: https://www.rivernetwork.org Get full access to PlainSpoken at plainspokenpod.substack.com/subscribe

Cathy Holley is the pastor at New Covenant Church in Wichita, Kansas. She and many believers in the area of multiple churches facilitate ministries with the local poor. Cathy has followed the prompting of the Lord to create a ministry that is not only compassionate towards the poor, but is engaged in good theology throughout. The reality is that helping the poor is very difficult. Take the time to learn about her ministry and some of the wisdom she can offer. If you want to learn more about her ministry, or come alongside her and support her worthy efforts, go to https://www.newcovchurch.us/donate/ Get full access to PlainSpoken at plainspokenpod.substack.com/subscribe

Scriptural interpretation has been a dividing (and uniting) issue among Christians going back to the very beginnings of the church catholic (universal). While Protestants left the Roman Catholic Church because of the alternate sources of authority used to subvert the scriptures, not all Protestant covenant bodies are of one mind about the role that other sources of authority play in the lives of individuals and local churches.The United Methodist Church fell apart because the authoritative sources for doctrine and knowledge of God became too broad and schizophrenic. Those of us who left have hoped for a shared worldview that will bind us together. Much of this has to do with a submissive posture we should hold to the scriptures.It is one thing to say that, but quite another to live that. Many people who claim to read the ‘plain meaning’ of scripture happen to disagree about a number of things. Moreover, there is this concept sometimes called the ‘consensual tradition,’ which hypothetically offers a trustworthy lens through which to read the scriptures.Can we read the scriptures without a mediating lens? Can the Methodist tradition develop or revert into a more scripturally-faithful tradition? We cover these topics and a lot more in this conversation. Buckle up. Get full access to PlainSpoken at plainspokenpod.substack.com/subscribe

Our society has been going through a long revision of how we understand identity, sexuality, and transformation to work. It is notoriously hard for one to facilitate one’s own transformation on any number of fronts. Self control is a supernatural fruit of the spirit.In this conversation, Debra picks up where she left off after the conversation we had a couple weeks ago. You should watch that one if you haven’t already so that you can know her background.You should also read the article that spurred this conversation, as it lays the groundwork for the thought around how it is that Christians can lovingly help in the lives of people dealing with unwanted sexual feelings. As I said last time, these aren’t issues that the church can afford to ignore or avoid. We need to equip ourselves to articulate the Christian faith and the vision for the good life in this life, especially when our notion of the good life flies in the face of the vision the world offers. Link to article - https://firebrandmag.com/articles/sexual-fluidity-and-the-wesleyan-doctrine-of-entire-sanctification-part-2-ministry-past-present-and-future? Get full access to PlainSpoken at plainspokenpod.substack.com/subscribe

World Methodist Evangelism is a group that I started seeing a year or so ago. It was clear to me that they were serving the Methodists in some fashion, but I haven't been entirely clear about how. Rev. Dr. Kim Reisman is the chair of their organization. She was kind enough to accept an invitation to talk about what she and her organization do. I learned a lot! WME Website - https://worldmethodist.org/ Kim's most recent book - https://www.christianbook.com/embrace-showing-sharing-the-love-jesus/9781791023584/pd/023584 Get full access to PlainSpoken at plainspokenpod.substack.com/subscribe

Tyson is a Heartland Conference friend who has served on a couple different levels of the Global Methodist structure. He is actually part of the Global Episcopacy Committee, which recently announced the assigned conferences for each of our eight bishops. He has also faithfully led his church through disaffiliation from the UMC and into their current greener pastures. He works for a nuclear power plant, and he promotes a couple of transformational ministries in his context. In this conversation, I get the story of his church leaving the UMC, the play-by-play of how his committee accomplished the daunting task of managing these bishops, and I learned some about these ministries that have been so transformative in his life. Tyson is a great representative of what lay leadership should look like. I hope many people receive encouragement from him.Links: Tyson's Church - https://ebenezeratolpe.org/, https://www.facebook.com/EbenezeratOlpe, & https://www.youtube.com/@ebenezerchurch9598Feed Christ’s Lambs - https://www.feedchristslambs.org/, https://www.facebook.com/FeedChristsLambs, & https://www.youtube.com/@feedchristslambs8261Encounter the Cross - https://www.encounterthecross.com/  Get full access to PlainSpoken at plainspokenpod.substack.com/subscribe