The mission of God, the missional church and the United Methodists by MADDOX

By Admer D. Ortinez Jr and Bernard M. Bulosan

Maddox outlines in Modern American Methodism that have led to the fracturing of how the denomination understand discipleship.

Maddox cites is the way in which Methodist have increasingly viewed ministry to and with the poor as a specialized tasks for a seeker group of properly gifted and trained persons, rather than a mission for all Christians. This article seeks to explore this development in greater detail and to argue alongside Maddox that the appointment of specialized groups to ministries to and with the poor fails to embody the scriptural imperative for all Christians to care for those on the margins.

It will begin with an overview of groups that Methodists commissioned to serve as ambassadors to the poor in the early and Mid-Twentieth century. Wesley’s thoughts concerning the call for all Methodist to engage in the ministry and practices that these groups embraced, including a commitment to live communally, visit the poor, advocate on their behalf, and engage in evangelical economic practices.

                An examination of Wesley’s life and work reveals a deep rooted commitment not only to ministry to and with the poor, but to the wide range of commitments that accompany it, including communal living, regular visitation, advocacy, and a willingness to engage in evangelical economic practices.

                Christians are therefore called to steward those gifts by earning all they can just means, serving all they can by living simply, and giving all they can to those who are in need.