A Shared Vision for Shared Life: A Case for a Native and Non-Native Church Partnership Open Access

Abstract

The historical interactions between Native American tribes and non-Native churches reflect a complex narrative of both intentional and unintentional harm, as well as moments of mutual respect and shared mission. This research explores the relationship between Norman First American United Methodist Church and McFarlin Memorial United Methodist Church—two congregations located in Oklahoma—seeking to understand and reinitiate a partnership that has been inactive for over a decade. This project aims to reimagine the relationship through a model of mutual engagement and shared ministry, emphasizing the awareness of history and culture and how those shape the relationship going forward. By examining broader historical tensions between non-Native and Native American Christian communities in Oklahoma and through interviews and focus group data, I find three practices that will help develop a mutually beneficial relationship between these two churches. The goal is to cultivate a relationship grounded in mutual respect, cultural awareness, and collaboration—one that not only strengthens the two congregations but also contributes to the well-being of the surrounding Norman community.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments………………………………………………………………………………... 2

Research Approach……………………………………………………………………………….. 3

Method………………………………………………………………………………............... 4

Historical Context and Background………………………………………………………………. 7

Methodism in Oklahoma: 1830-1888……………………………………………………...... 10

Methodism in Oklahoma: 1889-present……………………………………………………... 12

The Establishment of McFarlin Memorial and Norman First American ………………………. 14

Fruitful Fellowship and Wild Onions……………………………………………………………. 16

The Search for Shared Life in New Ways………………………………………………...…….. 20

A New Approach for Native and Non-Native Relationships………………………………….... 25

Recommendations for a Mutually Beneficial Partnership……………………………………… 31

Conclusion……………………………………………………………………………………..... 37

Bibliography…………………………………………………………………………………...... 39

Illustrations……………………………………………………………………………………… 41

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School	Candler School of Theology
Department	Ministry
Degree	DMin
Submission	Dissertation
Language	English
Research Field	Theology
Keyword	decolonial theology cross-cultural partnerships
Committee Chair / Thesis Advisor	Roger Nam, Emory University
Committee Members	Jehu Hanciles, Emory University

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