Jarena Hooper
That’s Love?
Jarena Hooper
Just after Jesus dismisses Judas from the table, Jesus issues the new commandment: “Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other.” (John 13:34). That is really the foundation for the behavior guide of all believers. Everything that the disciples had seen Jesus do, how he treated others and them, all hangs on this moment. Now, you do it. You love!
As believers who identify as African Methodists, Christ issues the same command in 2021: You love! While this is true, we often find ourselves victims of invasive street committee banter from perpetrators who forget the command to “Love each other.” We must be mindful that every conversation, theory, and rumor impacts another disciple Christ has urged us to love.
Most vividly, this command was abandoned during our General Conference and the subsequent months of adjustments throughout the Connection. As a pastor, it is important to keep loving the flock to whom you are appointed even when you are aware of a pending transition. A demonstration of this love is to preach with even more intentionality and ensure that the impending transition is met with as little hurt as possible. After all, Jesus told the disciples himself that he was leaving them. They did not find this out from strangers or through rumors from the Jewish street committee. They were loved enough by Jesus to get the message from Jesus. Can we love in this same way?
Although it is not within our tradition or even required by The Doctrine and Discipline of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, pastoral appointments outside of the pastor’s existing episcopal district or conference often allow grace from the episcopacy. Pastors and congregations are given the opportunity to say goodbye. Pastors and congregations are given the opportunity to express love. Perhaps this model would better suit our Connectional Church even when the appointment is within a conference and episcopal district. Whether this becomes a standard or not, we must strive to reach the standard of Christ: love one another. Allow the pastor to love his or her congregation enough to say personally, “I will be with you only a little longer.” (John 13:33). That’s love.
