So I figured this may be interesting to some of you here for a number of reasons. I go to a Methodist church here at home. We are decent sized church (about 90 for Sunday School and 230 or so for worship), not big by any means but not tiny. We are definitely in a rural area, though here in Clarksville nothing is too far from town. Anyway, recently the issue of homosexuality has been discussed at the conference level within the Methodist church. So there are some considered addendums or changes or whatever they are considering regarding that issue. I haven't really read up on them because I really do not care that much. However, there is a group at our church that has been meeting (a lot) to discuss the issue because a lot of people are apparently all worked up about it.
So, this evening I get a call from my sister-in-law about a meeting we are having about it in a couple of weeks. I was going to attend because I think it will be interesting and full of all sorts of shenanigans. Regardless of my feelings on the issue, I thought it would be fun. Now, my family is pretty influential in the church as my great uncle was wealthy and funded much of the renovations and Family Life Center stuff. Plus, my mother runs the nursery, uncle runs the trustees, great cousin runs missions, father was in charge of SPRC, etc... You know, country stuff. You know how it is. However, my family is also kind of split on social issues to a degree. Some are ultra conservative while others are kind of liberal on things. I have a large family though (we'll probably have 40-50 on my dads side get together for Thanksgiving and 30-40 for my mother).
Anyway, they are doing a small group table discussion at the meeting first followed by a larger group discussion. So, for the discussions they are wanting moderators for each table. Apparently, someone nominated me to be a moderator. Their goal is to twofold here. They want people who can be 'Switzerland', meaning remain neutral and just let people express their feelings. They also want people who will be willing to step in and take control if there is any 'bullying' or whatever. In other words, if you get all belligerent, the moderators need to be willing to stand up to people and keep the peace so we all can share lovingly or whatever. So when she mentioned someone who would not express their opinion too loudly I kind of laughed as I was surprised someone nominated me as I tend to enjoy arguing and perhaps even being contrarian just for kicks. Many don't know this though unless they have been in a Bible study or something like that with me. However, I was mainly nominated because at a discussion we had this past summer with small groups (first time we had ever done this and it was about a different topic, something not really controversial at all, just basically how we could reach more people) there was this gentlemen at my table who was extremely rude to this lady and I kind of let him know he was being inappropriate, which he was. So it makes sense in that regard.
Anyway, I know many here attend church and I have been on a number of committees before so am ok with this. It will be fun. Still, I like to argue/discuss so thought it was funny in that regard. I'm not generally one to keep my opinions to myself. The second part of the session I will be allowed to share my opinion though, so that should be fun. Now I have to read up on what it actually is the Methodist church is thinking of doing regarding this issue. People get really crazy about this stuff.
As much as we argue on here, just thought it was kind of funny and worth posting. Plus, I know there are a lot here who attend church so figured it would make sense to those guys/girls in terms of dealing with controversial issues in a pretty 'country' church.
So, this evening I get a call from my sister-in-law about a meeting we are having about it in a couple of weeks. I was going to attend because I think it will be interesting and full of all sorts of shenanigans. Regardless of my feelings on the issue, I thought it would be fun. Now, my family is pretty influential in the church as my great uncle was wealthy and funded much of the renovations and Family Life Center stuff. Plus, my mother runs the nursery, uncle runs the trustees, great cousin runs missions, father was in charge of SPRC, etc... You know, country stuff. You know how it is. However, my family is also kind of split on social issues to a degree. Some are ultra conservative while others are kind of liberal on things. I have a large family though (we'll probably have 40-50 on my dads side get together for Thanksgiving and 30-40 for my mother).
Anyway, they are doing a small group table discussion at the meeting first followed by a larger group discussion. So, for the discussions they are wanting moderators for each table. Apparently, someone nominated me to be a moderator. Their goal is to twofold here. They want people who can be 'Switzerland', meaning remain neutral and just let people express their feelings. They also want people who will be willing to step in and take control if there is any 'bullying' or whatever. In other words, if you get all belligerent, the moderators need to be willing to stand up to people and keep the peace so we all can share lovingly or whatever. So when she mentioned someone who would not express their opinion too loudly I kind of laughed as I was surprised someone nominated me as I tend to enjoy arguing and perhaps even being contrarian just for kicks. Many don't know this though unless they have been in a Bible study or something like that with me. However, I was mainly nominated because at a discussion we had this past summer with small groups (first time we had ever done this and it was about a different topic, something not really controversial at all, just basically how we could reach more people) there was this gentlemen at my table who was extremely rude to this lady and I kind of let him know he was being inappropriate, which he was. So it makes sense in that regard.
Anyway, I know many here attend church and I have been on a number of committees before so am ok with this. It will be fun. Still, I like to argue/discuss so thought it was funny in that regard. I'm not generally one to keep my opinions to myself. The second part of the session I will be allowed to share my opinion though, so that should be fun. Now I have to read up on what it actually is the Methodist church is thinking of doing regarding this issue. People get really crazy about this stuff.
As much as we argue on here, just thought it was kind of funny and worth posting. Plus, I know there are a lot here who attend church so figured it would make sense to those guys/girls in terms of dealing with controversial issues in a pretty 'country' church.
