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?
Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This means I may receive a small commission if you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting my work!
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.
More From David
Follow Me on Social Media
My 2025 Bible Reading Plan
January 4, 2025
I’m so excited to see so many pastors and Christians sharing their 2025 Bible reading plans! It’s inspiring to see how others approach spending time in God’s Word. Here’s what I’m planning to do this year.
Historically, I’ve struggled to stick with reading the entire Bible in a year. Falling behind often left me discouraged and tempted to give up. But I’ve been reminded of something I attribute to Brian Russell: “The goal is to fall in love with reading the Scriptures, not just completing a reading plan.”
With that in mind, I’ve been working my way through the Life Application Study Bible in the New Living Translation, book by book. It’s been recommended as a fantastic beginner’s study Bible, and I wanted to experience it for myself. Instead of following a rigid schedule, I choose books as I go, highlighting them in the table of contents when I finish.
Occasionally, I’ll pause wherever I’m at and read a chapter from Proverbs that corresponds to the day of the month—for example, Proverbs 5 on January 5th. When I hit a rut, I’ll turn to listening to Scripture through YouVersion, which often helps reignite my focus.
It’s not the most creative or structured plan—no fancy PDF guides or trackers—but this rhythm works for me. It’s a balance of consistency and flexibility that keeps me engaged.
I typically pair this reading practice with centering prayer, intercessory prayer, and journaling. These practices deepen my time with God and help me stay rooted in His presence.
Would you like to hear more about those other practices? Or perhaps a review of the Life Application Study Bible in the NLT?
I’d also love to hear about your Bible or devotional plan for 2025. How are you diving into Scripture this year?
The Moxie of God
January 3, 2025
In a recent sermon, I shared an intriguing story about a toy that captured my attention—the Moxie robot. Marketed as the first AI companion for children aged 5 to 10, this robot promised to chat, engage, and even befriend its young owners with a touch of artificial intelligence.
Like most smart devices, Moxie relied on an internet connection to function properly. Unfortunately, the company behind Moxie recently announced its closure, leaving these once-beloved robots unable to operate. Without ongoing support or updates, Moxie robots would eventually stop working entirely.
Parents of Moxie owners faced the difficult task of explaining to their children that their robot friends, in a sense, were “dying.” What had become a cherished companion for many children would soon be gone—a poignant reminder of loss that some children experienced for the first time.
This story reminded me of a similar moment from my childhood: watching the opening scene of Bambi and encountering the concept of death. For those children, the end of their Moxie robot was more than a toy breaking—it was an emotional lesson on the impermanence of life.
But here’s the good news. In Luke 18:16-17, Jesus offers us a beautiful contrast:
“Jesus called the children to him and said, ‘Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.'”
Unlike toys, devices, or even the things we cherish most on this earth, God never breaks down. He doesn’t need a software update. He doesn’t run out of power. Nothing can separate us from His love.
God is a good and faithful Father who invites us to trust Him with childlike faith—a faith that knows He will never fail, never fade, and never leave.
As we step into 2025, I pray to embrace this truth even more deeply, trusting fully in the eternal love and presence of our God.
David Donnan 