Building a bigger table: The task of Methodism today

In Treasures Old and New we reflect on the never-ending task of blending tradition and experience in ways that give life in the present and hope for the future. Thomas Merton described the task as the biggest paradox of the church—that “she is at the same time essentially traditional and essentially revolutionary.”[1]

The same combination is at the heart of Native American wisdom. Edith Woolsey (Eastern Shoshone) writes, “Native American elders often drift freely between current and past events. They may begin a story by saying something like ‘A long time ago …,’ but if you listen carefully, you’ll notice that the behavior or problem they are addressing is likely a current one. Indigenous learning comes through reflected experience. We learn about how to live now by examining what has happened in our history.”[2]

Getting the mix right is tricky but necessary. Too much tradition makes the Church stagnant; too much revolution makes it superficial. John Wesley called the former “dead orthodoxy.” E. Stanley Jones called the latter “cut-flower Christianity.” Too much tradition imprisons the Church in obscurantism; too much revolution holds it captive to trendiness.

In an age of rapid change, political oppression, and growing disconnection, the need for a church that is both rooted and responsive is more pressing than ever. The Wesleyan tradition, with its rich history of renewal, offers a compelling model for reimagining Christian community. By drawing on the treasures of the past while embracing new expressions of faith, we can respond to today’s challenges with a vitality that is both deep and wild, ancient and modern.

The Wesleys’ vision was one of a faith that actively engaged with the world, a faith committed not only to personal transformation but also to social justice, compassion, and empowering the marginalized. This holistic approach to Christianity holds the key to cultivating churches that are alive with purpose and dynamic in mission—churches that can “serve the present age” while honoring the past.

Blending the Old with the New

At the heart of the Wesleyan tradition is the call to faithful incarnational ministry that happens in the everyday spaces and rhythms of life. This resonates deeply with the words of Jesus in Matthew 13:52, where he speaks of scribes who bring out treasures both “old and new” from the storehouse. The kingdom of God is a treasure trove of wisdom, and those who are well-versed in it can offer insights that speak to both the eternal truths of the past and the pressing realities of the present.

Early Methodism was a movement of radical renewal that sought to bring faith to life in practical ways. The Wesleys were deeply committed to “reform the nation, particularly the church; and to spread scriptural holiness over the land”—a spirituality that wasn’t just a set of doctrines to be believed, but a way of living that impacted the world. They focused on practical holiness, social reform, and community formation among the poor and marginalized. The renewal of Methodism in the 18th century was as much about community building as it was about theological reflection, and the same is true today.

The Sacred Circle of Life and the Seven Generations Principle

The call for renewal within the church must also consider the wisdom of Indigenous cultures, which offer rich insights into the interconnectedness of all life. One such principle, the Seven Generations Principle from the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) tradition, teaches that every decision we make should consider its impact on seven generations into the future. This long-term vision aligns beautifully with the Wesleyan commitment to social holiness and care for creation. It encourages us to think beyond ourselves and our immediate needs and instead consider the well-being of the generations to come.

The wisdom of the Seven Generations Principle asks us to evaluate how our actions today will shape the world for those who will come after us. For the church, this means building communities that are sustainable, compassionate, and inclusive. In a world increasingly marked by environmental degradation, economic disparity, and social fragmentation, the church must embody this long-term vision, committing to justice, equality, and shalom—peace for every person and all life.

Incorporating this perspective into church life calls for an understanding that we are part of a larger community—a Sacred Circle that includes not only people of all ages, but also the land, the creatures, and the ecosystems that sustain life. Just as the Wesleys worked to reform the church and meet the needs of the marginalized, today’s church must strive to be a healing, reconciling force for the whole of creation.

Building a Bigger Table

To create communities of wholeness, we must embrace the wisdom of both the elders and the younger generations. Too often, society places undue emphasis on youth or innovation while neglecting the deep wisdom of age and experience. But true renewal requires a diverse and inclusive approach—one that listens to and learns from all voices. In the Wesleyan tradition, there is a rich legacy of listening to the needs of all people, and this must continue today.

The early Methodists’ focus on small group communities, class meetings, and personal accountability was deeply intergenerational. They created spaces where individuals of all ages and backgrounds could share their lives and faith with one another. These groups were places where young and old could learn from each other, pray together, and seek the Spirit’s guidance as they worked to live out their faith in everyday life.

A church that is truly faithful and dynamic must embody the same spirit of unity across generations, weaving together the wisdom of elders with the passion and creativity of youth. Whether in an inherited congregation or a Fresh Expression, this vision of unity can help the church meet the needs of the present while ensuring that its witness remains relevant and transformative for the generations to come.

As people in the United States enter a second Trump presidency, we find ourselves in a perilous situation. Vulnerable, marginalized, and excluded people are in profound danger. The planet itself is being ravaged in an unprecedented way through a merciless cycle of extraction, commoditization, and violence. We have an impending call to be a church that thinks and acts holistically. The stage is set for the reemergence of early Methodism. 

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Treasures Old & New invites all who are part of the Wesleyan faith, whether through the inherited church or through emerging forms of community, to participate in the work of renewal. In a so-called “post-truth” world, that discredits the lessons of history and evidence-based, data-driven science in favor of falsehoods going viral on politically aligned social media platforms, our goal is not just to inform, but to equip individuals and communities to rediscover the wisdom of the past and engage in fresh, innovative expressions of that wisdom today. Whether you are a layperson or a clergy member, this is a time for action. It is a time to reclaim the vitality of early Methodism, drawing on its deep theological and historical foundations while embracing new ways of living out the gospel in today’s world.

We live in a world that is fractured and in need of healing, and the church must rise to meet this challenge. By embracing the treasures of the past—the wisdom of the Wesleys, the example of the early church, and the timeless principles of compassion and justice—and integrating them with fresh expressions of faith, we can cultivate communities that are whole, just, and deeply connected to both the present and the future.

This is our calling: to bring forth treasures both old and new, to serve the present age with a commitment to social holiness, and to participate in the renewal of the church for generations to come. Let us build a bigger table, where all voices, all ages, and all perspectives are welcomed, and let us join together in the sacred work of making the world whole.

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[1] Thomas Merton, New Seeds of Contemplation (New Directions, 1961), 142.

[2] Randy and Edith Woodley, Journey to Eloheh (Broadleaf Books, 2024), 182.

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