And are we yet alive?

I must admit that one of my favorite moments every year at our Annual Conference occurs during the clergy session.  Every year we sing the old Charles Wesley Hymn And are We Yet Alive.  The song has been in used to open meetings since the early days of Methodism in America.



John Wesley made this hymn the first song in a section entitled “For the Society at Meeting” in the hymnal that he produced in 1780.  Given the circumstances which engaged the lives of the early circuit riders, the question which they asked in the opening line of the song as they met each year was far from a mere hypothetical question: And are we yet alive?

The early preachers in America often slept out in the woods and traveled on foot or horseback, they went from town to town and even door to door with the Message of God’s love and grace.  They even inspired a popular saying of the time that suggested that during any particularly heavy rainstorm there would be “nobody out tonight except crows and Methodist preachers.”

Due to the harsh living conditions which the early circuit riders endured, the average life expectancy of a Methodist circuit rider was only 33 years.  Half of them died before even reaching that age. Of the first 672 Methodist preachers, two-thirds perished before even serving a dozen years.  By 1828, over 2,500 men had served as Methodist preachers in America. 

When they gathered for their Annual Conference, you can bet those circuit riders glanced anxiously around the room, searching for their friends and comrades.  That opening line was an all too real: And are we yet alive and see each other’s face? Glory and thanks to Jesus give for His Almighty grace! 

The song continues: What troubles have we seen, what mighty conflicts past, fightings and fears within, without, since we assembled last!  Even if we can’t relate to the hardships of those early preachers, we can relate to the hardships of daily ministry in the 21st century. The hymn concludes with an exhortation that is also worth remembering: Let us take up the cross till we the crown obtain, and gladly reckon all things loss so we may Jesus gain.

So each year as we gather and sing, I am reminded of those courageous and faithful preachers who took up the cross in this new land.  They did so with little regard for the personal cost, but complete regard for the cause of Christ.

Maybe that’s why the longer I have been a Methodist pastor, the more powerful and meaningful this song becomes to me. As I sing the song, I look around the room and I can’t help but be aware that not everyone is with us this year – some are missing – many are long gone – including some of the pastors who helped teach me as a young child. Thinking of them and those early circuit riders and I sing the hymn with more gusto and with a few tears in my eye.

Blessed is the man who perseveres. For when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised.   James 1:12