Characteristic enthusiasm distinguished the August 6-9 Aldersgate '81 in Indianapolis, Indiana, sponsored by the charismatic UM Renewal Services Fellowship (UMRSF). The 1500 participants responded to the warning of Dr. Morton Kelsey, Notre Dame University, about the lukewarm church attender who has been "immunized against the Gospel and never says 'wow.' We've lost our wowing capacity."
Charismatic Christians are treated as denominational stepchildren in many parts of the UM Church. UMRSF walks a careful line in trying to affirm the denomination and also support its sometimes beleaguered constituency—both in the name of bringing spiritual renewal to United Methodism. So on one hand, speakers were positive about Methodism's past contributions to the charismatic movement, its present openness, and its future. And on the other hand, the UMRSF bard voted to develop more communication with the denomination at all levels and to help overcome a "negative attitude based on inadequate information."
Admitting that he sometimes gets discouraged with United Methodism, UMRSF president William P. Wilson went on to say, "We have the best theology and doctrine" of any mainline denomination and "more laymen who love the Lord and would like to do something for Him." He added, "I believe the United Methodist Church is going to come alive."