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As a matter for understanding United Methodist polity, arguably the most interesting, informative, and significant resolution in The 16 Book of Resolutions is the one entitled, By Water and the Spirit A United Methodist Understanding of Baptism. Though it is the result of an eight year study by the Baptism Study Committee and approved by the General Board of Discipleship and the 16 General Conference, the Judicial Council recently struck down the legislation that enabled its recommendations. The Judicial Council ruled that the distinctions made between baptized membership and professing membership are unconstitutional and invalid, and directed local congregations to return to the pertinent paragraphs of the 1 BOD as the governing cannon of the United Methodist Church. The result is that the categories of preparatory membership and full membership, remain as law. While the enabling legislation of this resolution was rejected, its theological substance was not. It is a tightly woven and theologically nuanced resolution that has as its purpose the recovery and revitalization of the understanding of baptism in contemporary United Methodism (p. 716). Very much a product of the movement begun in the 150s to re-appropriate the heritage of Wesleyanism, this report describes the historical understanding of the Methodist church that, since John Wesley, has contained a blending of both sacramental and evangelical aspects in its theology of baptism. This creative Wesleyan synthesis, it insists, was torn asunder and both its elements devalued (p. 717). Affected, in particular, has been the understanding that baptism is first and foremost a gift from God.
Not only is this resolution/report significant because of its theology and the legislative debate accompanying it, it is also terribly relevant to me because I am, this week, preparing to baptize and confirm a number of persons in two of the churches which I pastor. Included in the report itself are a number of suggestions for ways its contents might be implemented in the life of a local church. Its most obvious use is in a confirmation class to teach candidates the meaning and understanding of baptism. The report suggests that it be used along with The United Methodist Book of Worship and The United Methodist Hymnal as source material for study. I am tempted to suggest copying the report and giving it to candidates, but I suspect that it is too complicated an interpretation for most of the members of the confirmation class. I will be on the look out for a summary statement that can be of more help; in the meantime, will do my own work interpreting and explaining its substance.
Another place at which the resolution/report can be used is in the education of parents who are requesting baptism of their child. I have not heard of classes being offered for such an event. I have made an appointment to talk with parents individually about their understanding and a United Methodist theology of baptism. In a larger church, I would think that such classes might reasonably be offered�perhaps even as a part of a Sunday School program for parents whos infants are entering the nursery.
In addition to preparing for a baptismal service this week, I also have a person who is reaffirming her faith. Originally, she requested a re-baptism. After talking with her about what re-baptism would mean and a United Methodist understanding of baptism as an unrepeatable gift from God, she is gladly participating in a reaffirmation of her faith. Her reaffirmation will, in turn, become an opportunity to teach the congregation about baptism Gods gift of grace.
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A fourth suggestion for implementing the theology contained in the resolution, is to make use of other rites of the church (the Lords Supper, Christian Ministry, Christian Marriage, and a Christian Funeral), as appropriate teaching moments. Using these events to teach an understanding of baptism, is a recognition that the whole of life is an opportunity for learning the efficacy of Gods grace which we experience in baptism. Because, as the report says, Baptism is at the heart of the gospel of grace and at the core of the churchs mission, (p. 74), its efficacy is a central focus of the churchs teaching.
Finally, I would add that the whole debate sparked by the Judicial Councils legislative ruling, offers a unique and concrete opportunity to teach congregations about the polity workings of the United Methodist Church. Not only is the resolution a theological statement, its handling offers a unique case study in United Methodist polity. How does the General Conference work? What significance do resolutions have for United Methodists? What is the role of the Judicial Council? These are polity questions that could be used in a parish-wide class that I am considering offering this summer for persons who are wanting to know more about what it means to be a Methodist.
Bibliography
Balay, Diane Huie. UMCs 'high court strikes down 16 baptism legislation, in The United
Methodist Review, November 8, 17, p. .
By Water and the Spirit A United Methodist Understanding of Baptism, The Book of
Resolutions of the United Methodist Church, Nashville The United Methodist Publishing House, 16, pp. 716-75.
Felton, Gayle Carlton. This Gift of Water The Practice and Theology of Baptism Among Methodists in America, Nashville Abingdon Press, 1.
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