Reflecting on Church #15: Moving Towards Unity and Acceptance

Let’s Strive to Get Along

With our journey of visiting fifty-two churches over, I can reflect more on the complete experience. Today, I’ll add to my thoughts about Church #15.

This United Methodist Church is an outlier congregation, quite unlike the others from their denomination that we have visited. Though we enjoyed them all, this one stands out.

My happy memory of attending this church lingers. They promote unity and acceptance.

I want to return. In only a few of the 52 churches did I feel the active presence of the Holy Spirit. But in this one, I did. And he draws me back.

A Guide for Unity and Acceptance

I was surprised to learn there’s a charismatic element within the United Methodist Church.

Their denomination is intentional about everyone, both churches and their leaders, accepting one another despite differing views on the role and function of the Holy Spirit.

They seek mutual acceptance and shun division.

I wish all churches would adopt this attitude. The Methodist Church has even written a helpful document to offer a healthy and holistic approach to the function of the Holy Spirit and the Charismatic stream of Christianity.

It is Guidelines: The United Methodist Church and the Charismatic Movement.

It’s a great example to follow. Let’s do so.

[See my reflections about Church #14 and Church #16 or start with Church #1.]

My wife and I visited a different Christian Church every Sunday for a year. This is our story. Get your copy of 52 Churches today, available in ebook, paperback, hardcover, and audiobook.

Peter DeHaan writes about biblical Christianity to confront status quo religion and live a life that matters. He seeks a fresh approach to following Jesus through the lens of Scripture, without the baggage of made-up traditions and meaningless practices.

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