METHODISTS ARE INTENTIONAL ABOUT ATTRACTING YOUNG CLERGY

From the United Methodist News Service:

Concerned about the critical need for more young clergy in The United Methodist Church, representatives from 13 annual (regional) conferences are brainstorming ways to assist young people who are called to ordained ministry.

"We stand a better chance at success in helping people hear God’s call if we are intentional about fostering environments in our communities of faith that make the possibility of hearing God’s call more plausible," said the Rev. Brandon Harris, associate pastor of Anniston (Ala.) First United Methodist Church.

I have an idea that might work. Instead of focusing on our communities of faith as where the breakdown is regarding our shortage of younger clergy, why not hold our District and Conference Committees on Ordained Ministries accountable to not be arrogant and staunchy old or middle class white men who (not meaning to be be politically incorrect- I encountered old and middle class african american men who acted like old or middle class white men too) feel the need to be gatekeepers and not instruments of Discernment, Guidance, and Wisdom for a younger generation called by God to be leaders. Hmmmm....

A RETELLING FROM THE BARD:
Gatekeeper oh gatekeeper
Where did you get that power from
Was it from God- so white so priveledged
Or was it from God- so Good so Grace filled

Gatekeeper oh gatekeeper
It's ok that you do what you do
there's more of us and we don't need you
Death to a dying church
You'll go down with your ship my captains
And I, will paint a new day
A new Church, a new way