A Mandatory Trait for Every Global Methodist Clergy
January 8, 2025
Here was a mandatory trait for British Methodism which needs to be mandatory for all Global Methodist Clergy.
In Kevin Watson’s Doctrine, Spirit, and Discipline: A History of the Wesleyan Tradition in the United States (#ad) he says this about early Methodism:
1785 Minutes (the Methodist Episcopal a Church’s first polity book) repeated language from the British Methodist minutes about a preacher’s potential objection that they did not have a “Taste for reading.”
The response was direct and succinct: “Contract a Taste for it by Use, or return to your Trade.”
In other words, learn to like reading by doing it, or go back to what you were doing before you became a Methodist preacher.
I think it was Timothy Tennent I heard speak about this trend. He talked about how a seminary graduate would occasionally come up to him and brag about not reading a book since they graduated seminary. His response was, “I feel so sorry for your congregation.”
Harry S. Truman is attributed as saying, “Not all readers are leaders, but all leaders are readers.”
Reading will never replace a vibrant personal relationship with Christ and a healthy spiritual life, but it is an indispensable tool and a God-given gift that no Global Methodist minister should neglect. It strengthens the mind, deepens the spirit, and equips leaders to shepherd with wisdom and grace.
If you’re looking to build your “reading muscles,” consider starting with Karen Swallow Prior’s On Reading Well (#ad). You can also explore my interview with her, where she shares valuable insights on the transformative power of reading.
What do you think? As the Global Methodist Church continues its conversation on theological education where does the discipline of reading come in?
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About David Wesley Donnan
I write online about Methodism, devotional insights, and personal reflections. My primary goal is to organize my thoughts and explore meaningful topics. Along the way, I hope my writing inspires and encourages others on their journey.
David Donnan 
[…] “A Mandatory Trait for Every Global Methodist Clergy” by David Donnan. “Reading will never replace a vibrant personal relationship with Christ and a healthy spiritual life, but it is an indispensable tool and a God-given gift that no Global Methodist minister should neglect. It strengthens the mind, deepens the spirit, and equips leaders to shepherd with wisdom and grace.” (Added 1-9-2024) […]