United Methodists are not the largest denomination in our community.  We are not even the second largest.  In fact, in Wilson County, Methodists are a distant third.  It doesn't bother me that we are not one of the predominant religious group in Lebanon.  In fact, I rather like it.  It means that we have important Methodist distinctives to offer the people of our community.
 
I certainly don't want to overstate the differences between us and other churches.  We have much in common with the majority religious traditions in our community.  For example, we have many similar beliefs.  And, like all churches, we exist to worship God, reach people, disciple believers, minister to others, and love and support one another.  However, as United Methodists, we carry out our mission somewhat differently than the majority faith groups in our community.  Let me give three examples of what I mean.
 
First, we offer a historic worship style rather than an evangelistic worship style.  The predominant religious groups in our community center their worship around an evangelistic sermon, followed by an extended, sometimes emotional, altar call.  This pattern of worship developed during the evangelistic camp meetings of the early 1800's in the American West, and is a perfectly valid expression of worship.  However, we offer a different approach.  Our worship follows the ancient five-fold worship pattern of the early church: gathering, proclamation, response, Communion, and departure.  And, even in our contemporary service, we observe historic worship elements such as a processional, the lighting of candles, the Apostles' Creed, clergy vestments, frequent Communion, the prayer of Great Thanksgiving, the Lord's Prayer, responsive readings, historic hymns, pastoral prayer with anointing, and a high sacramental theology.
 
Second, we offer theological diversity rather than theological conformity.  The predominant religious groups in our community tend to be extremely conservative in their theology.  There is certainly nothing wrong with conservative theology.  In fact, a lot of United Methodists, myself included, hold many theologically conservative positions.  However, our church allows far more theological diversity than most other denominations.  United Methodists welcome theological conservatives, theological moderates, and even theological liberals.  We are truly a church of "Open Minds" and "Open Doors."  There is room in our congregation for all theological persuasions, and that theological diversity greatly enriches our church.
 
Third, we emphasize God's grace rather than God's judgment.  The predominant religious groups in our community put a lot of emphasis on God's law and judgment in God's dealings with humanity.  The Bible certainly has its share of law and judgment, so this approach is perfectly valid.  However, the Methodist church has a different focus.  We put a greater emphasis on God's grace, love, and forgiveness than on God's judgment.  We recognize that all persons have failures and flaws and desperately need God's grace.  We try to love people into the Kingdom of God rather than scare them into the Kingdom.  As a result, we tend to avoid a "hell fire and damnation" approach to doing church.
 
Other illustrations of United Methodist distinctives could be given.  For example, unlike most churches, United Methodists encourage women to serve in key leadership roles, including ministerial positions.  And, unlike many churches, we recognize, affirm and accept baptisms from other denominations.  We are also dedicated to issues of social justice such as racial equality and environmental stewardship.  Further examples could be given, but my point is that the United Methodist Church offers a different approach to doing church than the predominant religious groups in Wilson County.  I'm certainly not suggesting that we are better than these other groups.  We are not!  The majority religious groups in our county are full of wonderful, God loving people who deeply enrich the life of this community.  We are blessed to have them as fellow believers and as neighbors. However, there are a lot of people in our community who, for various reasons, are not comfortable in these traditions.  Therefore, part of our unique mission is to offer an alternative religious option for these folks.  So, if you know people who are looking for a different expression of Christian faith, invite them to First United Methodist Church.  We may be exactly what they are looking for!