Joining Together in Times of Crisis
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Crises abroad get much support,
but United Methodists must not overlook our own peril.

By Jessica Vargo, CPA, Treasurer for the East Ohio Conference

How does the East Ohio Conference join hands in crises? Together, we have such impact in the world. At a time of disaster such as Sept. 11, Hurricane Katrina, the 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami and most recently, Haiti, we respond to those in need with such great abundance. It is truly amazing how we respond with money, service and prayers!

We have much to celebrate in the denomination around our ability to reach out to the hurt. However, it is the more subtle crises that we aren’t as amazing in our response. To lose 25 percent of our worship attendees in 10 years in East Ohio could be termed a crisis and to lose an entire generation in the pews definitely would be considered a crisis.

These crises have not happened overnight but rather over a span of decades. We have been lulled into an “it’s not about the numbers” or “it will get better” attitude and as a result, no response of any consequence has been initiated. Yes, we have pockets of promise and growth but they are the exception and certainly not the norm. As many of our congregations get older, the next 25 percent loss in worship attendance will happen with a much greater acceleration. If we reach that point, it will be next to impossible to turn the denomination around in East Ohio.

Churches must take a hard look at their reality. They must step back and be prepared to step away from their building. They must decide how they best can do ministry and outreach. Our pastors need to find a way to be rejuvenated and think about doing ministry differently than they have ever done before.

The laity of the church needs to take a hard look at what they can provide to the church. No more sitting back and letting someone else handle it. What are they passionate about? What ministry could they offer to the church and their community? The crisis we find our denomination in is so huge that not one thing, program, person or group is going to fix it.
We all need to find the fire again! We feel the fire and sense of urgency to respond to those impacted by disaster. Why can’t we find that same urgency and fire to bring people to Christ?

We need each other to keep us accountable, to keep the fire going and to transform the world. East Ohio joins hands in crises. Absolutely! I just hope that we are able to work together in the crises that we find ourselves in as a denomination.