“…and one in ministry to all the world.”
We had pondering sessions at Englewood UMC when I first arrived. The goal was to learn more about one another and cast a vision for our ministry together. One of the questions I asked of those participating was, “What brought you to Englewood UMC?” Responses varied, but they were all woven together by a common theme. Somebody personally invited them. Almost everyone claimed that a relationship with someone at Englewood brought them into the fold. One name became a refrain in each session, and that name was Bobby Meers.
Bobby Meers owned a grocery store that many within the community would frequent. You could not shop there without knowing him. He was intentional in speaking to you, befriending you, and bringing a smile with a joke. He was intentional about inviting you to be a part of his church. As the new faith community of Englewood took shape, it was the simple offering of Bobby Meers that brought much of its growth.
During a recent coaching call, I was asked about a hope I had for Englewood UMC. I knew of their great heart and their hospitality, but I knew they could grow even further in their witness and connection to the community around them. My coach ventured a suggestion. Find someone at Englewood folks could imitate. I thought of Bobby Meers. Every time we gather around the communion table, we hear how ordinary elements are transformed into God’s very presence and grace. Towards the end of that liturgy is the prayer to “make us…one in Ministry to the world.” By saying, “Be like Bobby,” we realize that God doesn’t just use ordained ministers. God can use all of us for witness in ordinary places, our homes, with our friends, and at our workplace. If we’re intentional like Bobby, we can lead somebody to a deeper relationship with Christ.
Gracious God, you use ordinary folks to bring us into your fold and change the world. Take our everyday offering and use it to connect people to your life-giving love.
Rev. Nathan Wittman serves as the pastor of Englewood UMC and St. Paul UMC, both in Rocky Mount, NC.
Our theme for this year’s Lenten reflections is Graceful Hospitality. 2023 marks the 70th anniversary of the Ten Dollar Club, now known as the New Room Society. We give thanks for our Conference’s ongoing commitment to co-creating new places for new people to gather in communion with Jesus Christ and extending graceful hospitality to all of God’s children.