Optimistic state of the church projected: “Much to build upon”
Photo by Derek Leek
By Jessica Brodie
LAKE JUNALUSKA, N.C.—The Southeastern Jurisdiction embodies a paradox, but one that offers an opportunity for God’s church to live into a bold, vital, and hopeful future.
That’s the word on the state of the church offered by Bishop Ken Carter, resident bishop of the Western North Carolina Conference, before a crowd of 400 delegates and guests at the 2024 SEJ Conference Wednesday morning.
“We’re in the midst of profound change,” Carter said, noting how the SEJ has the strongest core of local churches in the United States yet the most severe human problems, many impacting society’s most vulnerable people.
“We have the highest rate of infant mortality, the greatest degree of anger, the highest amount of domestic violence, the most severe poverty, the lowest access to medical care, and the shortest life span of people,” Carter noted, ticking off what he called a “humbling” list that also includes the largest percentage of losses in the denomination to disaffiliation at 42 percent.
As God’s people consider the state of the church amid these realities and a changing denomination, Carter reflected on the challenges and opportunities facing The United Methodist Church in this jurisdiction.
While some of the news seems dire, it’s important to understand the SEJ has an opportunity to become stronger.
“We have tremendous assets, strong churches, strong institutions, and deep long-term relationships,” Carter said. “Even with losses, we have much to build upon.”
He lifted up four key marks unique to the SEJ, urging delegates to contemplate these as they work to move forward to the next phase of what God calls us to do in God’s church.
First, he noted that the SEJ is blessed with vital congregations. We must acknowledge this and truly begin to see these churches, name them, invest in them, and multiply them so real growth can occur.
Second, he said the SEJ is marked by a commitment to racial justice, discipleship, and justification, important work that we must continue no matter what.
“This is our language to reckon with,” Carter said, calling it “a lifelong journey” that must endure.
“There cannot be a crisis followed by a catharsis followed by the status quo,” Carter said, urging United Methodists to learn from the civil rights museums scattered across the region. “We can pay attention to the racism within us and among us by working on three things—metrics, public witness, and the beloved community—and doing it from the ground up.”
Third, Carter acknowledged the importance of considering the well-being of our spiritual leaders, both lay and clergy.
“We’re asking more of people at a time when they’re telling us they have no time left to give,” he said, noting our people are exhausted, demoralized, and traumatized.
Finally, he lifted up the core United Methodist identity we share, which is marked by grace, connection, and holiness.
We have come to model a flawed definition of holiness, often seeming to believe we can function as heroic solo leaders.
“But holiness is the love of God and neighbor,” Carter said.
He closed by urging all gathered to contemplate how we can be the church God needs us to be.