Home > Be A Leader > Reflections on Wesleyan Identity

Reflections on Wesleyan Identity and World Social Forum
by Theon Johnson III

In January 2005, Sarah Johnson and I, representing Young People's Ministires, attended the General Board of Global Ministries Leadership Seminar: Wesleyan Identity and World Social Forum in Porto Alegre, Brazil. At the Forum, participants engaged in discussion about numerous topics, including "Human rights and dignity for a just world and egalitarian world," "Struggle against racism," and "Peace and demilitarization and struggle against war, free trade, and debt."

I participated in this event because I believe in learning about the individual stories of other members of our global community. It is easy to sit in the comforts of my surroundings and reflect upon the people and events of the world, but to stand face to face with someone who may have experiences that are somewhat different from my own is entirely different.

I became increasingly aware of many problems that continue to plague our world — poverty, hunger, disease — and these realizations reminded me that another world is possible.

I believe that my greatest experience of God came through simply being around other people who were actively working towards creating a world that is sustainable for every member of the human family and every other form of life.

I would like for others to be aware that there are groups of people working towards creating a world in which the lives of all can be fully lived. Even though we have experienced times of war, disease, and poverty, the voices of 230,000+ individuals stood as witnesses that we can make a difference. God is calling us to step out on faith through love to change the world for the better. Some people may not believe that this can be done; however, I believe that anything is possible. All we need is a simple reminder that our labor is not in vain. I saw over 230,000+ reminders as to why I should stay in the race.

Words cannot describe the joy that flooded my soul as I beheld the manifestation of God's plan for a better world through the hearts, desires, and actions of people gathered from around the world. It is during the time that I spent in the midst of 230,000+ people that I was reminded of the hope that all is not lost. At least for a small amount of time, people were willing to put aside their differences in search of commonality. People were willing to renounce hatred in favor of unconditional love. People were willing to repudiate war in favor of acknowledging the power that lies in peace.

The space occupied by the U.S. delegation to the WSF provided me with an opportunity to gather with young leaders from across the country and constantly think about what it means to take part in the Wesleyan identity. What does it mean to be in relation with God and our fellow man? What relationship should exist between members of the human family? What does the Lord require of me?

Issues ranging from economics to human rights, religion, and enterprise dominated the arenas of the World Social Forum. These lectures, discussions, and tables were established primarily by grassroots organizations that were geared toward raising awareness about the positive progress along with concerns about specific topics. I believe that these workshops were very helpful because they provided grounds upon which people could peacefully gather to discuss some of the large issues that plague the individual, political, and governmental systems of the world only with the intention to offer solutions that are in the best interest of all people. What does the Lord require of me?

It was through spending time with members from the Brazilian, World, and U.S. Methodist delegations at this event that I was able to gain a greater insight about what it means to be an active part of a genuine global church. For a few moments in time, I was privileged to view a snapshot of what God is calling people to do. The significance of the faith that we shared together in the life of Jesus Christ did not come necessarily through an eloquent liturgy or a fiery sermon — it sometimes came through trouble in communication with someone who spoke a different language. It sometimes came through sharing a smile and hug with another person. Other times, it came through realizing that we were charged to continue working on behalf of people in the world who continue to lack a voice in the greater society. Then again, it was made manifest through lifting our voices to heaven in song with members from all of the Methodist delegations in worship. What does the Lord require of me?

In closing, I am reminded of the hope that lies in the teachings of Jesus Christ. The teachings of Jesus provide exemplary examples of how love, peace, commonality, and united support can make the world a better place. I firmly believe that another world is possible and it will come into existence only through a true appreciation and understanding of what God is calling each person to be — seekers of love, justice, mercy, and truth. This event provided many attendees from the Methodist delegations with the renewal necessary in order to continue fighting on behalf of Truth. Why so? Because God requires that this is done. (Micah 6:8) It is through actively seeking justice, loving mercy, and walking humbly before God that I was able to realize that the life of service is the life of Christ. Thus to be steadfast, unmovable, and always abounding in the works of God is a privilege because our labor is not in vain.

What does Theon's experience say to you? Tell us at YoungPeople@GBOD.org

Theon Johnson III is a rising senior at Millsaps College, in Jackson, Mississippi, U.S.A. Theon also serves on the Steering Committee of the United Methodist Student Movement.