Category Archives: Christendom

Dietrich Bonhoeffer and Religionless Christianity

Posted on July 28, 2011 by Ron Goetz

I became acquainted with the life and works of Dietrich Bonhoeffer at Simpson College. Bonhoeffer was the German Lutheran pastor who took part in a conspiracy to assassinate Adolf Hitler. Born in 1906, he was 27 years old when Hitler ascended to power in 1933. In … Continue reading →

Posted in Christendom, Christianity, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Theology | Tagged , , , , | 5 Comments

UMC Call to Action: Two Separate Reports, Two Separate Goals

Posted on February 17, 2011 by Ron Goetz

The goal of the CTA-sponsored Apex Report is not revival. The goal of the Apex Report is the power to eliminate underperforming assets (clergy, church property, and agencies). The Call to Action is not a single document, but combines two … Continue reading →

Posted in Call to Action, United Methodism | Tagged , , , | 8 Comments

CTA says Rule Suspension is “A Key Responsibility of Leaders”

Posted on February 17, 2011 by Ron Goetz

One of the most remarkable features of the United Methodist “Call to Action” report is its requirement for suspending the rules. Rule suspension is not described as a regrettable but necessary option, but as a “key responsibility.” While it is mentioned specifically only once, the surrounding verbiage clearly … Continue reading →

Posted in Call to Action, United Methodism | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment

“There is only power–and those too weak to seek it.”

Posted on December 31, 2010 by Ron Goetz

Jerry Rigdon commented on the “Rigamarole” post, and this is my reply. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Jerry, I wasn’t sure how to respond to your comment at first. … Continue reading →

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CTA Response: “So Where do We Begin?”

Posted on December 21, 2010 by Ron Goetz

Dayton left a comment in the “Rigamarole” post, and my reply grew into this: Dayton, regarding your comments, 1) “there are no truly effective governance boards on a local level for lead pastors/superintendents/bishops, etc. We would need to overhaul the SPRC/Committee on … Continue reading →

Posted in Call to Action, Church Closures, Pastoral Ministry, Repentance, UMC, United Methodism | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

UMC’s Democratic Process Dismissed as “Rigamarole”

Posted on December 19, 2010 by Ron Goetz

When an organization’s executives approach a corporate change consultant, one of the very first things the consultant asks is how they want the organization to change. The consultant asks the client what kind of organizational culture they envision for the future. … Continue reading →

Posted in Call to Action | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | 10 Comments

The CTA Manifesto: Blueprint for the Takeover of the UMC

Posted on December 6, 2010 by Ron Goetz

The Call to Action is political manifesto, a blueprint for the takeover of the United Methodist Church. It calls for de-emphasizing, and ultimately dismantling, anything related to social reform, “the transformation of the world.” People who persistently bring to the floor “sub-optimal,” “lesser matters” like justice and inclusiveness within … Continue reading →

Posted in Call to Action | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

CTA: Experience Talks Back to Power

Posted on December 3, 2010 by Ron Goetz

Faithful laborers in the UMC are expressing many concerns about the “Call to Action” report. These concerns include the legitimacy of its proponents, its implementation, and its potential fallout. One woman wrote: I hope you and others bring enough light in on this matter to … Continue reading →

Posted in Call to Action, United Methodism | 1 Comment

Multiple Allegiances of Ordained Clergy

Posted on December 2, 2010 by Ron Goetz

The professor said, “Don’t become a pastor unless that’s the only thing you can do. If you can do anything else, do that instead.” I’ve forgotten which professor it was, but I never forgot what he said. But unlike many pieces … Continue reading →

Posted in Christendom, Pastoral Ministry | 5 Comments

CTA Report: The Meaning of Trust

Posted on December 1, 2010 by Ron Goetz

When we hear the word “trust” it’s almost automatic to feel warm and fuzzy. The word elicits feelings of safety, friendliness, and caring. It would not be unusual to talk about “trusting someone’s good intentions,” or to say, “My heart doth safely trust … Continue reading →

Posted in Call to Action, Pastoral Ministry, UMC, United Methodism | Tagged , , , , , , | 1 Comment