How to renew the church

The latest reports say the membership of the United Methodist Church has dropped below 8 million (it had been 9 million in the 1960s). The church has become grayer and the only skin color it seems able to attract is white. The denomination needs renewal. A loud contingent proclaims, in the manner of biblical Pharisees, that renewal happens through doctrinal rigidity. This writer says we need more than a theological change. The Holy Spirit wants "to change our actions, our allegiances, the systems and structures that govern our society and the entire universe God has lovingly created." Our faith isn't right thoughts and words. Doctrinal recitation won't make it. We need action, such as defending the poor and needy. Doctrinal rigidity maintains the status quo. The Gospel is about change.