BY BISHOP W. EARL BLEDSOE

“Bishop, now that the election is over, do you think things will settle down and get back to normalcy in the world again?” asked a dear layperson and friend.

I had to think about what was behind the question, but I decided to answer it head on. I said, “That really depends on each of us doing our part to ensure that democracy and freedom are living and active words in our lives.”

I remembered a quote by Aristotle which said: “If liberty and equality, as is thought by some, are chiefly to be found in democracy, they will be best attained when all persons alike share in the government to the utmost.”

We have experienced history in the making with the election of Barack Obama as the 44th President of the United States of America. Now we as citizens of a democracy will need to pull together to live out and make known to the world our ideals of freedom and democracy in society. The issues facing us as a nation are great; however, I believe our faith in God and the hope of a better world will rise above our political and social differences.

Those of us who are followers of Jesus Christ believe that our faith in God is much greater than the constraints of political affiliations and differences. I therefore call on all of us as United Methodists to do what we can to “share in the government to the utmost.” I believe we can!

BY BISHOP W. EARL BLEDSOE
North Texas Conference

“Bishop, do you think this economy will get better?” asked my neighbor. I struggled with an answer, because I knew he was a stockbroker and should be advising me as to the economy. But what I think he was asking was how the economy was affecting the church.

I’ve talked with many pastors of large congregations and some of small congregations, and they are doing OK but are anticipating a downturn to occur sometime in the future. A friend of mine who is an economist says that things will get better, but it will take some time; he thinks much longer than any previous recessions in history. I believe most of our churches understand this and are taking measures to make sure they hold down costs and are sensitive to the concerns of those affected by the economic downturn.

Several pastors I’ve spoken to have assured me that they will continue to pay 100 percent of their Conference benevolences. I assure you that we will do all that we can to curtail expenses in the Conference office.

This downturn in the economy does allow us as a church to speak to the issue of money in the church. Many times, because it takes money to operate, we forget that our worth as Christians is defined by God and not by money or the state of the economy. This is the time for us to pull together and help one another through a diffi cult economic time in our world. It does not help in finding blame or accusing one another as to what caused the downturn. It is here with us; thus, let us continue to pray for our leaders and for a solution to the crisis.

In the meantime, remember that our primary function as followers of Jesus Christ is to love God with all our heart, soul, mind and strength, and to love our neighbor as we love ourselves. Some things do not change over time, no matter the economic season.

BY BISHOP W. EARL BLEDSOE
North Texas Conference

Have you ever experienced radical hospitality? I experienced hospitality in a radical way a few weeks ago in the Sherman-McKinney District. I traveled with Joan LaBarr to First UMC, Sherman, for a media conference. Driving into the city I looked up and saw my picture on a giant billboard with the words: “Grayson County Methodists Welcome Bishop W. Earl Bledsoe.” We were then interviewed by two local television stations, the local newspaper editor, presented a proclamation by the mayor of Sherman and two keys to the cities of Sherman and Denison. The mayor of Whitesboro shared with me that I was welcome, too, in Whitesboro but that I did not need a key to the city there because they never lock the place. They presented us with large bas

enlarge>> Grayson County United Methodists extended a big Red River welcome for Bishop W. Earl Bledsoe and wife, Leslie, as they arrived for their Oct. 27 media conference and community luncheon at First UMC, Sherman.

kets of gift items from around the area, most notably Folgers’s coffee and fishing and golf opportunities. They told me the area was also known for its wine-making, but I received no samples of their fruit, red or white.

The time together gave Leslie and me a chance to talk about our lives and what gives us passion and excitement. We also got to know some of the leaders in the area. I want to spend my first year getting to know the Conference, most notably the pastors and key laity. In the beginning of the year I will spend a week in each district learning where the various churches are located in that district and hopefully putting the many faces and names we have met this year with the churches we visit in the spring. Please be patient with me during these first few months. If I ask you to “help me remember your name again” for the third time, it’s because I really want to know you by name. I will learn it eventually as we spend quality time together in ministry.

The amazing thing about the grace of God in our lives is the way in which our lives are intertwined together so that we see the world more clearly and understand things more fully as a result of having been in fellowship and dialogue with one another. I look forward to more opportunities in the future. Praise God for the leaders of the Sherman-McKinney District. Special thanks to Rev. Dr. Clara Reed, District Superintendent; Rev. Dr. Joan LaBarr, Conference Director of Communications; and Rev. Dr. Jim Pledger, Senior Pastor of First UMC, Sherman, as well as the pastors of the district for a job well done in showing radical hospitality.

BY BISHOP W. EARL BLEDSOE
North Texas Conference

What’s up with all this accountability stuff?  That was the question a local pastor asked me a few weeks ago. From the tone of his voice I knew he was not comfortable with the word.

“Accountability” stems from the Latin word accomptare,  which means “to give an account for something.” In essence, as Christians we all are accountable to God for the things of God. The scriptures are full of stories about accountability. The parable of the talents, or better yet, the story of the three servants in Matthew 25:14-30 is just one example of many that Jesus offers to suggest that accountability is the root of faith relationships. We all are ultimately accountable to God. Accountability helps us to get our priorities straight, and it helps us to focus on doing justice and mercy.

“But what about being accountable to one another?” he asked. I believe this is the crux of the matter. It’s noble to say we are all accountable to God, but to live out that accountability as Christians we must be willing to hold one another accountable as well. Several years ago, I found myself going here and there, all over the place, struggling with priorities and being stretched to the limit. I needed some balance in my life. My calendar was 24/7; fun, personal, and family time came after work. With work being 24/7, there was no time for fun, family or rest. I remember praying about it, and a long-time friend by the name of John Drew came to mind. John was a member of my congregation and a banker. He always wanted to know the bottom line. After much prayer and trepidation, I finally asked John to be my “accountability partner.” He was stunned and asked me what that meant. I stated: “I’m giving you permission to ask me about my soul and how I am balancing my church life with my personal life.” From that point up until now he has held me accountable. When we meet, he looks me in the eye and asks the first question: “How is it with your soul?” The second is right behind the first: “Are you spending time with Leslie?” And then the final one: “What are you doing for fun?”

My hope and prayer is that over the next several years in your midst we will come to terms with the word “accountability” and give it a chance to help balance our church lives with our personal lives. If you don’t have someone or a group that will hold you accountable, take the first step. It will make a difference!
 

BY BISHOP W. EARL BLEDSOE
North Texas Conference

Are you tired and feel worn out by church? If so, you need a mission trip!

That’s what I’ve found to be a reliever of stress and boredom. When you invest your life in the lives of others for the cause of Jesus Christ, something amazing happens in return.

In fact, Jesus said it in Matthew 10:39, “If your first concern is to look after yourself, you’ll never find yourself. But if you forget about yourself and look to me, you’ll find both yourself and me.”

I’ve seen so many excited and fulfilled lives in our midst. I believe it is because you are deeply involved and committed to missions outside your congregation. A few Saturdays ago, Leslie and I went into the office to get some reading. There were many individuals from various churches there receiving disaster response training to go into south Texas and Louisiana to help churches and families recover from Hurricane Ike.

This past week we visited the Lovers Lane UMC to see so many of you raising funds to purchase vans for Cameroon and celebrating the ministry of the Rev. Wes and Leah Magruder and their family. There is a force among us that has been doing this work consistently and faithfully for many years – it is the work of the United Methodist Women! Wow! What a work! Leslie and I had the privilege of participating in the installation ceremony of newly elected conference officers of UMW. Their work and support of the Wesley-Rankin Community Center in Dallas, Texas and many other outreach efforts around the world is awesome. UMW is not new to the mission field – mission is their field of work, and they do a remarkable job as a team. At the ceremony, I issued a challenge to all the pastors and district superintendents to join with them in this work. I look forward to visiting all the various places where you are putting the Word of God into action.

In 1999 a member by the name of Carol Post gave me a framed needlepoint quote. I have that quote in my home office to remind me when I get tired and feel worn out. It reads: “Preach the Gospel always, if necessary use words.” Let’s give it all we’ve got for the cause of Christ! We are on a mission!

BY BISHOP W. EARL BLEDSOE
North Texas Conference

 If you had to choose something special in life, what would it be? Would it be family, health, education, riches, fame, good looks (I added this one), talent, and skills?

What is the most precious gift that one can possess in life?

According to the Scriptures, it may include some of these things, but it is not the most precious gift that one can possess. In the book of Proverbs 22:1, the writer says, “A GOOD name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favor rather than silver and gold.”

A good name is a rather special gift. In my ministry I have met many people who have messed up their name. I’ve met others who are ashamed of their name because of things that have happened to them in the past.

I believe the writer of Proverbs had a deeper meaning related to a good name. A good name is not something that we can choose, it is given over a period of time based on the way we live our life. A good name suggests having a consistent relationship with God and with others that the name means something more than just a name.

The name given to those that follow Jesus Christ is called, “Christian.” It was given at the time of our baptism. Within that name is the potential to love God and love others in such a way that faith, trust and hope springs forth into new life.

BY BISHOP W. EARL BLEDSOE
North Texas Conference

As a new Bishop in the church, the question is often asked, “Bishop, what is your passion?”

By that I think they mean, what am I excited about, or what gets my juices flowing? At times I am tempted to respond, “When I see individuals and groups living out the Gospel of Jesus Christ in extraordinary ways, I get excited.” On a more personal note, it is getting involved in the things around us to make a difference in our communities, our nation and our world.  Here in the United States of America, we have many opportunities and resources. I believe how we utilize those opportunities and resources for the cause of Christ ultimately determines the extent of our greatness. Jesus said, “Do you want to stand out? Then step down. Be a servant. If you puff yourself up, you’ll get the wind knocked out of you. But if you’re content to simply be yourself, your life will count for plenty.” [Matthew 23:11-12, The Message].

I believe Jesus teaches us not so much to have passion in the world but to be driven by values. When one is values-driven, the passion comes naturally. Values are those things we care deeply about to the point that we are willing to make a commitment of time, resources and effort. For example, one of my key values is integrity. It’s woven deep within my DNA. It may have been placed there by my parents who taught me to respect others no matter how different they might be.

Thus, what gives me passion is being able to see the goodness and the potential in so many different people. I love seeing persons get it together in life. When a person discovers his or her God-given gift and begins to exercise that gift in positive ways, I get excited. What’s your passion in life? Are you values-driven? Do you want your life to count for something? 
Discover those values that cause you to become passionate about things in life to the point that you want to make a difference in the lives of others. I look forward to seeing and being with you on the journey.

BY BISHOP W. EARL BLEDSOE
North Texas Conference

“Bishop, what is your vision for the North Texas Conference?” The question is often asked of me as I travel around the area. Many times I will give what I call my “hopes and dreams” for the Conference rather than a vision. In some cases, I will say: “I do not know yet, because there is a bigger and greater question that begs to be asked: What is God’s vision for the North Texas Conference?”

Vision is important for everyone. It is the key to maintaining where we are or stepping out in faith to where God is calling us to go. The question of “my vision” and the question of “God’s vision” are very different ones and can lead us down different paths, if we are not careful. Proverbs 29:18 reminds us, “Where there is no vision, the people perish…” [KJV]  A more contemporary translation of the text is, “without a common vision, the people do their own thing…” or as Eugene Petersen in The Message puts it, “If people cannot see what God is doing, they stumble all over themselves; but when they attend to what is revealed, they are most blessed.”

In most, if not all, the congregations and the districts I have had the privilege of serving, I have come to believe the question of God’s vision for my life is a far better one than personal opinions or my limited view of things. For example, in 1996 while serving as senior pastor at one of our fast and growing suburban congregations in Houston, we began praying about a vision for the church. We were doing quite well with our ministries and programs, but they were mostly what I’d call “inside ministries,” or programs that served the needs of the ones who were long-time members of the church. There was not much “outside” ministry or outreach going on. During our prayer time, we caught a glimpse of what God was doing in prison ministries around restorative justice. Personally, I was not in favor of or excited about doing prison ministry – restorative work, maybe, but going into a prison – not me! After continued prayer and many invitations to do so, I finally stepped aside from what I was doing to see what God might reveal to us in prison. I discovered a wonderful mission field. Not only did I go, but the chair of the Administrative Council, the Lay Leader and the President of
the United Methodist Men went with me. Those incarcerated in the Darrington Unit in Rosharon, Texas, were blessed by our presence, and we were blessed by their response to the grace of God in their lives.

Over the next few months, I will be visiting in the districts and in your local congregations. I also will be praying for God’s vision for the North Texas Conference. Our Cabinet and lay leaders have already started the process of praying for our Conference. My hope is that you, too, will be praying about our future together. I can hardly wait to see what God will reveal that will unite us on a path toward the kingdom.
 

BY BISHOP W. EARL BLEDSOE
North Texas Conference

Are you a risk-taker? Risk-taking can be dangerous. In fact, risk-taking is defined as “that which  endangers or threatens life.” There are many situations in life where we see individuals and groups taking great risks.

Are you a risk-taker for Christ? Our tendency in life as we grow older is to play it safe and not risk ourselves for fear of losing something. However, I believe the gift of the gospel is wrapped up in those willing to take risks, to become risk-takers for Jesus Christ. I believe Jesus was a risk-taker. He could have played it safe, stayed with just the religious folks of the day – the people who looked like Him and acted like Him, but that is not what He did. He risked reputation, misunderstanding, popularity and even his own life, to bring forth the message of love and reconciliation with God. I’m convinced that in order for the gospel to move beyond the walls of the church, we must become risk-takers for Christ.

I believe risk-takers for the kingdom of God are those who:

Pray . . . Something great happens when churches begin to take prayer seriously. In his book, Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire, Jim Cymbala says that the true spiritual strength of a church is found not in how many show up for worship on Sunday morning, but how many show up for a called prayer meeting. There is power and transformation when people began to pray. I dare you to become a risktaker and pray.

Participate . . . Years ago, our oldest son wanted to go rappelling with a youth group in England. The thought of going was all he talked about. The day finally came, and they loaded on the bus to go up the mountain to rappel down. However, he fell asleep on the bus and never got a chance to participate. If you want to be a risk-taker for Christ, you must stay awake, sow up when things happen, and participate.

Anticipate . . . Sometimes we want to keep everything just the way it’s always been, because we fear change. Risk involves change; it involves not glorifying in what God has done in the past and now, but anticipating what God will do in the future, if we would open our lives up to God’s spiritual power. I’ve witnessed lots of churches wanting to “freeze a moment” in time when God did some miraculous deed in the life of the congregation. They could not anticipate or refused to look ahead at what God would do next.

If you want to be a risk-taker for Christ, the good news is that there will be lots of opportunities in the future for each of us.I look forward to taking the risk with you.

May God continue to bless!
Bishop W. Earl Bledsoe