(The third in a series)
 Those of us entrusted with the
leadership of the church, both clergy and laity, quickly find that
there are two kinds of Christians in our congregations: those who
evince a deepening maturity in their walk with Christ and those who
seem to settle into routine Christianity.
A Wesleyan Precedent
We can take comfort and encouragement from the fact that John Wesley found the same distinction among the Christians of his day. He reflects on this in a sermon titled "The More Excellent Way," first published in the Arminian Magazine in 1787, in which he gives his seasoned reflections after a lifetime of preaching the gospel and nurturing those who responded in faith. He is clear that all who repent and accept forgiveness and reconciliation in Christ receive God's gift of salvation. But he is also clear that there are "two orders of Christians": the one "conforming in all things, not sinful, to the customs
and fashions of the world"; the other using "all diligence to attain the whole mind that was in Christ."
"From long experience and observation I am inclined to think, that whoever finds redemption in the blood of Jesus, whoever is justified, has then the choice of walking in the higher or the lower path. I believe the Holy Spirit at that time sets before him the 'more excellent way' and incites him to walk therein; to choose the narrowest path in the narrow way; to aspire after the heights and depths of holiness — after the entire image
of God. But if he does not accept this offer, he insensibly declines into the lower order of Christians. He still goes on in what may be called a good way, serving God in his degree, and finds mercy in the close of life, through the blood of the covenant."
(Wesley's Works. Abingdon Press, 1986; 3:266)
This "more excellent way" has never been popular; and in the church of today, it especially means swimming against the tide. Again, we can take comfort and
encouragement from early Methodism, which — contrary to church growth mythology — was not a mass movement. The harvest was ultimately plentiful, but not without years of labor with very mixed results. By contrast, the pressure for quick growth that now governs our ecclesial climate sends us shopping for astroturf rather than allowing the seeds of the gospel to take root. This artificial surface may give a good visual impression, but it is
expensive; it is synthetic; and it smothers the real growth that is germinating below ground from the true seed of the gospel.
Holding Fast
By holding fast to the "method" of Methodism — the patient working out of our salvation in acts of compassion, justice, worship, and devotion through mutual support and accountability — we will forge a dependable and reliable discipleship honored by God. And in the process, we will find that others are prompted to join us. We need to be faithful, watchful, not discouraged, and — above all — not resentful of fellow Christians who do not see things our way. We must remember that we did not choose Covenant Discipleship. We were called to this "more excellent way." Our privilege is to help Jesus
feed the flock that is the wider church, and thence the whole family of God that is the world.
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