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Commentary
REFLECTIONS: In times of financial crisis, church must offer real hope Bishop Woodie W. White, Mar 12, 2009
Bishop Woodie W. White
By Bishop Woodie W. White UMR Columnist
I’ve been singing an old hymn again: “In Times Like These.”
Every morning, the news headlines seem to remind us that these are challenging times. These are times unlike any I have seen in my lifetime.
The financial challenges are changing the American landscape and perhaps that of the world. It seems we have daily reminders of the people, institutions, organizations, communities and families that are being impacted by the changing economic order.
I am reminded of a line from the play, Green Pastures, when a character comments on the impending biblical flood sent to destroy the world: “Everything that ain’t nailed down is coming loose!”
It is indeed a time of uncertainty and anxiety. To be sure, some of us are impacted more severely than others, but it appears that everyone is touched eventually.
You know the litany: venerable old institutions that were once considered financially indestructible are collapsing, time-honored newspapers are disappearing, once-thriving communities have become new ghost towns, and families thought to be secure in retirement are suddenly destitute. Dreams we thought were certain to become reality are disappearing. The lament goes on!
In times like these, those of us who tend the lives and souls of people—the church, pastors and faith leaders—must step it up a notch! We must not “fiddle” while so much is threatened.
It is digging-deep time. It is time to be reminded of those enduring values that are not determined by the latest stock reports or dividend calculations. It is time for more than budget-cutting and belt-tightening, as essential as these might be.
I suspect that many people are turning toward faith, or at least church attendance and Sunday worship. I hope so.
I pray that what they find there is up to the test: that sermons are more powerful, hope-filled and relevant to times like these; that choirs sing with a new passion and meaning; and that prayers are more than clichés and gibberish.
Challenging times demand the best from the church.
To be sure, the faith is equal to these times; I want the church to be also! It is not a time for business as usual. Though some people will attempt to camouflage their pain and distress, be assured that no congregation or community is immune.
Spiritual discernment must be at its sharpest. Just because we do not see pain does not mean pain—or at least anxiety—is not present! Times like these call for special attention to what our United Methodist congregations sing, pray and hear.
Frankly, these are times meant for the church. When all else seems unstable, people need a sense of security. When greed seems to have dominated, generosity must emerge. When it appears that our ultimate value is in earthly things, we must be pointed to that which is more enduring. When many are feeling utterly alone, they must be assured that they are not.
A financial crisis is more than a financial crisis! It can soon become a crisis of the spirit and the will, a crisis of hope and faith.
I am trusting that the church will do what it has always done in times like these: to be a redeeming, empowering and transforming fellowship. But just in case, I will also remember and share the words of that old hymn I have been singing:
In times like these you need a Savior In times like these you need an Anchor Be very sure, be very sure, your Anchor holds and Grips the Solid Rock. That Rock is Jesus; yes he’s the One, That Rock is Jesus, God’s only Son. Be very sure, be very sure, your Anchor holds and grips the Solid Rock.
Retired Bishop White is bishop-in-residence at United Methodist-related Candler School of Theology in Atlanta, Ga.
Bishop Woodie W. White
