Why be a Methodist?

Why would anyone want to pastor in a denomination that holds beliefs contrary to one's own? Some pastors in the United Methodist Church say they will not obey a church rule that prohibits them from officiating at same-sex marriages. Amy DeLong is one of those pastors. Her photo accompanied the article in the newspaper. I must say, having seen that photo, that I think I understand why she supports same sex marriage. Amy has received a 20 day suspension for defying church policy.

At any rate, why would someone who believes he is called by God to preach not just leave the denomination he's at odds with and preach on his own or join a denomination that shares his beliefs? I can think of only one reason -- he'd have to give up a steady paycheck.

One retired Methodist pastor, Richard Harding, has been defying church policy on the issue for years. He says the policy is "out of touch." Well it's certainly not "out of touch" with God! At any rate, as more and more pressure is put upon church officials to abolish the ban, he says that "There are signs that the pole of justice is beginning to lean the proper way. I think we'll see even more of this. We aren't going to go away."

I would remind Mr. Harding of the words of Isaiah the Prophet: "Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter! Woe unto them that are wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight!"

"Pastors flout ban on gay weddings." The Dallas Morning News; June 20, 2011; p. 6A.