I just attended our Detroit Annual Conference this past week. In the process, we elected our delegates to General Conference and Jurisdictional Conference for 2008, voted for resolutions, and petitions to the General Conference.
As the author of several resolutions and petitions, naturally, that draws some attention. What I was struck by was the dichotomy of the covenant in which we live. We say in our churches that we are to live by Matthew 18 and to speak to one another to resolve our differences. Yet some of my colleagues refused to do so who clearly identify with one particular side. I obviously share a different view and as a result there are some who would not even look at me. I thought to myself is this what the body of Christ is about? Is this what Holy Conferencing is about? Talking at someone or through someone, but not talking and sharing honestly to someone.

I was however also struck by others who said to me, "Steve, I don't agree with you but I appreciate what you do." Another person also took time to say to me, "I don't always like what you say, but I like how you say it." While another person said "I'm not with you, but I also need you."

This is the model I believe that the church is built on, to love one another as Christ loves us. That doesn't mean we always have to agree, but it does mean that we love and learn from one another, as we seek to do the will of Christ. What do You Think?