Committee on Investigation

I just got back from Tennessee. I was there for three days studying and learning about my role as a member of the conference Committee on Investigation. As you know, there are times when ministers, and unfortunately United Methodist ministers, commit some crime, either against an individual, the church, or the community. Upon the reception of a complaint, the Committee on Investigation must decide the next steps, much as a Grand Jury does in our legal system. Can restorative justice be reached? Is there enough reliable evidence to continue to trial? Is is a daunting task, and one which our committee takes seriously. After all, these are the lives of pastors, congregations, and God's people.

During the training, we performed a mock hearing. I volunteered to be one of the "role players." I was designated as the respondent or defendant. I was playing the part of a pastor who was accused of cheating on his wife. I won't tell you all the details, but I will say that the Committee on Investigation found there was insufficient evidence to continue the charges. The case was dismissed.

That got me to thinking. If we were accused of being Christian, would there be enough evidence to convict? In the case of our role play, there wasn't even enough evidence to have a trial...the case was that weak. I wonder if we would be acquitted or sentenced. I wonder what evidence exits to prove our guilt at being a Christian. Would the evidence be circumstantial? Would it be hearsay? Would it be credible?

Jesus said that the world would know we are Christians by our love. Have you been caught showing your love to others? have you reached out those in need? Can you prove it?

The "courts" of the church would probably say that Christian people worship. Have you been to worship lately? Do you worship in spirit and truth? Have you established a habit of worship?

A guilty Christian would pray. Do you pray? Do you pray with others? Do you have a prayer partner? Can anyone testify to your prayer life? Are there any answered prayer stories that could validate your case?

Christians give. God gave us His Son to show His love for us. Christians give our gifts to God through the church to show our love for God. Have you given enough to prove your commitment to Christ? Would you be convicted by your giving?

My prayer for the people of Hartford First United Methodist church and the people who call themselves Christian is that if it was illegal to be Christian, we would all be convicted in a court of law. If we call ourselves Christian, let's act like it!