My good friend Mark Wilson, published this post in response to another blog and I thought I would share his points and then expand on some of the thoughts and maybe add one or two of my own. Visit the above link to see Mark’s comments. My comments will be in the blue.

What do Wesleyans DO well? From the vantage point of a lifelong Wesleyan, I’d like to take a shot at answering that question.

1. Wesleyans do Stewardship Well.

2. Wesleyans do College Well.

As I shared in my last post, I am a product of the Wesleyan university/college system. So is my wife, although the college she attended has been closed for over 15 years. While my college degree is not in Christian Ministries, I have great respect and loved the teaching of many of the religion professors at Indiana Wesleyan. Dr. Bence, Dr. Lennox, Dr. Williams are some of the great professors I did have at IWU. Like I said yesterday, I owe a great deal to my music profs who took the raw clay of talent and molded it into the musician I am today — Dr. Guy, Dr. Lessly, Dr. Maher, Dr. Kindley (now semi-retired), Prof. Rickey and Dr. Bell (who is now at Olivet Nazarene.) This fall we will be sending our oldest daughter to Southern Wesleyan. I enjoyed our visit there last fall. Reminds me of IWU 12 years ago. I have heard great things about all of our colleges and universities.

3. Wesleyans do Latin America Well.

4. Wesleyans do Children’s Homes Well.

Like Mark said, we only have one, but Hephzibah is a quality organization. I was quite impressed with the latest issue of their ministry update. They are making a difference and they are living out missional ministry. It is amazing to see Wesleyans from all over the United States and Canada support this ministry.

5. Wesleyans do Non-Traditional Ministerial Education Well.

I was responding to Mark’s blog, when I realized my comment was as long as his post, so I decided to come back over here and take up my space. Not only I am a product of Indiana Wesleyan, but I received the bulk of my ministerial training at FLAME. My good friend Wayne heads up this program. I was a student at the third FLAME and was so impressed. I had a revival in my own heart just by being there. Those early FLAMEs were quite different, but in a way the guiding principles that made those early FLAMEs so powerful are still part of the process. Where else can you get Dr. Melvin Deiter (Mr. Wesleyan Church History) to teach your class. He taught the Wesleyan Church History part of my class at that first FLAME. The man didn’t need any books or notes. It was amazing. I had great professors like Pat Bennett, Phil Bence, Jim Dunn, Lenny Luchetti, Lloyd Moore, Mark Weeter, Jerry Pence, Kerry Kind, and Mike Walters. Somehow, I never had a Mark Wilson class — which now seems like a mistake!

In addition to the great academics, there are the awesome times of worship, fellowship, and prayer. The first FLAME did not have the worship aspect, but the fellowship and prayer were awesome. Not only did I play supporting roles in the FLAME worship bands, but several FLAMEs in I started leading worship for FLAMEs as a student. Now as an alumni, I invest back in FLAME. Several alumni are doing this, serving in various capacities.

Can you tell I’m big on FLAME? Thank you Wayne for your vision and friendship!

6. Wesleyans do Youth Conventions Well.

7. Wesleyans do “The In-Between” Well.

8. Wesleyans do “Safe Haven” Well.

9. Wesleyans do “Autonomy” Well.

This one depends on who you ask, but I believe Mark is on the right track. The local church has a great deal of autonomy to minister as it sees fit in the local community. Our District Superintendents aren’t looking over our shoulder at every move. I appreciate that we don’t have cookie cutter churches. The local congregation makes the decisions how to minister in its community.

10. Wesleyans do Mix Well.

I love the connectional, family nature of The Wesleyan Church. Many are surprised at the “connections” we have with other Wesleyans. I remember attending our first district conference here in Shenandoah. Our lay delegate was amazed at the number of connections we made by the first rally. We were there for about 1 1/2 hours. The Wesleyan Church is a small denomination and we quickly met friends and family of friends of ours from other states. There is a wonderful family atmosphere to most Wesleyan events. I find many of our leaders are more than willing to talk. I remember being at FLAME last November and several professors were having an animated discussion. It was so cool to be part of that discussion.

Like Mark also said, we are free to “fish” from different ponds of curriculum. Although lately I have been sticking to ponds close to my denominational and theological roots. I try to stay with what I can purchase from our publishing house. Speaking of great books — thanks to Dr. Drury for two excelent books on the spiritual disciplines. I really can’t wait for The Apostle’s Creed book.

11. Wesleyans do Max-well.

At the moment, I can’t think of anything to add to the list, but it’s getting late. Before I close, I want to take a look at two of the five comments that were the reason for Mark’s post.

What Wesleyans Don’t Do Well? Click here to see Justin’s full article
1. Don’t Communicate Well
3. Don’t Multiply Well

In the other three points that I didn’t mention, there are some valid points we need to look at as a church.

But one points one and three I disagree at least in part.

1. Communication depends on the district you are in. At least three district superintendents now have a blog that they update on a regular basis. I know several other district superintendents, send a weekly e-mail to their district pastors. I know I have started using this blog, our church website and email updates for our congregation. I think people like feeling in the loop of information. My own feeling is I’d rather err on the side of too much than not enough information. I like to keep the congregation in the know rather than keep them in the dark.
2. Multiplication also depends on the district — some districts like West Michigan, Southwestern, and Penn-Jersey seem like they are planting churches all the time. In other districts you barely hear of it.

There’s enough to think about in these posts, both Mark’s and Justin’s. To end this post on a light note. I have been listening to something called www.CCMmix.com while posting my comments. It’s based out of the great state of Wisconsin and plays from three decades of Christian music. It’s interesting to hear Farrell and Farrell or old DeGarmo and Key “When He Comes Back” next to “Welcome Home” by Brian Littrell or Bebo Norman. It’s time to say good night.