Commitment and Accountability

I had attended a meeting at church last night and we were discussing what does it take to continue to grow in our faith.  Actually we didn't so much talk about that in particular but as I had time to think about the topics that we were talking about it appeared to be focusing on our personal transformation and our corporate transformation.  We were talking about covenant agreements and also about what type of process we need to be able to grow the faith.  There has been some members of the church who are interested in seeing that we can reach out to those around us and share our faith journeys.  Maybe not so much to recruit members but rather to invite others to walking with Jesus Christ in their lives.

The work of the church had come up with some suggestions that our leadership would agree to do.  Apparently there has been so concern about some of these suggestions.  As we were talking last night, we realized that we as a church and as leaders have not been consistent in our commitment and accountability and want to implement ways that we can grow in those areas.  What has been reported to me was that there were concerns about two areas that were in the suggested covenants.  One being attending worship weekly and the other being doing a mission project.  As I think about my life prior to being a pastor, I know that I did not attend worship services weekly every week of the year.  So I can empathize with the concern about what is meant by attending worship weekly.

At the same time, we are about worshiping our Creator and giving praise to him.  We are about loving one another and loving the stranger in our midst.  What may be an issue is not that we don't do this but now we are being accountable for doing this.  Most of us do attend services regularly.  Many of us do reach out to support one another and serve those who are in need.  Maybe the issue is stating that we will do this to others much like saying out loud that I am going to lose weight or do any change in my life.  Much like blogging when I stated I wanted to blog daily.  I have had people hold me accountable to times that I have been lax in doing so.

I believe that if we are going to make any difference in this world we need to do what we state that we hold dear.  I marvel at some of what President Obama has stated especially about the need to rebuild trust in our government.  He pointed out that the budget has been hidden by design regarding the expenditures of the war and in other areas.  I agree that something needs to change to have people once again believe in our leadership.  The concern I have is that congress allied themselves with the previous administration to hide these costs and that President Obama was part of that congress.  I am pleased that now he is willing to speak truthfully about these costs that have driven our deficit to the highest levels ever seen and has happened over the last eight years.  It would be easy to blame either party or both parties but in reality we, including myself at times, choose not to live an accountable life.  The buy it now and pay it later lifestyle that many of us live has also created the economic problems that we are facing today.  And it is more than just financial, it is all areas of our lives including our spiritual lives.  So it is no wonder that people might be unwilling to commit themselves to change that is needed and to be held accountable for doing what we know we need to do.

As I continue to examine my life, I realize more and more how I have bought into the buy it now pay it later mindset.  I see hope in that many younger people are beginning to look at their lives differently.  I pray that as they do they also take time to remember God and take time to thank God for the blessings that they have.

Ash Wednesday

I have just finished our Ash Wednesday services. I was pleased that we had so many show up and I look forward to our journey together in this season of Lent. I am pleased that as a community of disciples we take the time to re-member what Jesus has done for us and to support one another in this sacred time.

I was asked about whether or not the United Methodist Church celebrated Ash Wednesday all the time or was it just something recent. John Wesley would have celebrated Ash Wednesday as part of the Church of England. The tradition goes back to the early church and has continued to the present. The service is included in our Book of Worship though not all churches celebrate this beginning of Lent. So it is not unusual for some people not to have gone to services on Wednesday much like in some churches there is no services during Holy Week or Passion Week. I remember the first Ash Wednesday service that I did as a student pastor that some of the members of the congregation were concerned that it was too liturgical reminding them of the Roman Catholic Church. I believe in liturgy and I believe that certain rituals are important in our disciple journeys. So I will continue to offer the service and I am not concerned if people find it too catholic. In fact there are many services that I find helpful in my journey that are directly from the Roman Catholic tradition.

This Lent I feel called to emphasize our growing as a disciple. That is why I will be preaching on spiritual disciplines. I know that I need to continue to grow and as I talk to people I recognize a similar desire to grow in them. Not everyone will be willing to grow in the same way. We are all own a journey that is individual and communal. Some are working to mature their faith, some have matured their faith, and some are still in their infancy of faith. It makes do difference where one is but what does make a difference is the willingness to continue the journey. I celebrate all who are willing to make the journey and will do what I can to help those who desire to grow as I look forward to those who would help me.

I wanted to share with you two emails that I get that talk about the economic concerns that we are facing. One comes from the United Methodist Board of Christian Social Action from Jim Winkler. The other is a subscription that I signed up for Serving Strong. I found the articles interesting and wanted to share them with readers. I do believe that panicking is not the answer. coming together remembering God is present and maybe this being the time for us to look at our life style and make some informed decisions. At the same time we know people who have been laid off or their hours cut. We need to not only keep them in our prayers but begin to look at what are the ways that we can reach out to them during these difficult times.
Here are the articles:

I hope we will avoid pushing that near mania into outright panic, though, and making hasty decisions we will soon regret. Some lines of Rudyard Kipling’s poem, “If,” come to mind.

If you can keep your head when all about you
Are losing theirs and blaming it on you,
If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you,
But make allowance for their doubting too; …

If you can force your heart and nerve and sinew
To serve your turn long after they are gone, And so hold on when there is nothing in you
Except the Will which says to them: “Hold on!”

We should all take these words to heart. God does not deal in scarcity, but rather in abundance. This economic crisis is a human construct. If you have faith that God will provide abundant life, and realize that doesn’t mean big houses and fancy cars or private jets, then you can look forward, and won’t have to turn back.

Jim Winkler

Date: 2/23/2009
©2005-2009

February 23, 2009

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Serving Strong eNews A Tuesday morning minute just for you because you care for others.

A Financial State Of Mind

Last week I asked for input and you really came through! Above issues such as stress, energy management, and email overload, the most frequently mentioned issue? Finances. The message seems loud and clear - the world economy is in crisis. But amid the uncertainty you still have a choice. Actually two choices. First, you will always be able to choose your attitude. Second, you can choose what to feed that attitude. ATTITUDE Consider this: The American Fitness Professionals & Associates says, "Your attitude totally affects your experience of life; it is all about how you take it. When we look for the good in any given situation we will find it and it is in every situation no matter what." I'm not advocating a head-in-the-sand ignorance. Rather, a world view big enough to make room for hope. I know. You're asking, "But how can attitude really help my particular situation?" Valid question. Attitude is not going to make money magically appear in your checking account. But it WILL free your mental space. With this space, you can recognize solutions and opportunities. Dave Gibbons says, "Scarcity brings clarity." Go ahead and follow the news reports. But choose your attitude. Don't let others choose it for you. ATTITUDE FOOD So you've chosen to stay optimistic about the future. How do you maintain it? By nourishing it. Here are 2 basic food groups for your consideration (something to try over the lenten season): First, surround yourself with a COMMUNITY of others who have chosen a similar attitude of hope. If forced to interact with a "downer", balance it with a conversation with someone from your Community. Second, seek OPPORTUNITY. We are in an unprecedented era. No one can fully predict what will happen. This is good news. With all this change taking place, things are shaking up. This means new ideas will begin popping up for the person willing to stay alert. Will that be you? Now, if you are taking steps to strengthen your financial picture, I have compiled a list of some top-rate websites and resources for you. Visit the following link and start your journey: www.servingstrong.com/finances Our ability to serve strong depends on the strength we have to give. When we are victorious over financial pressures, we are able to give our best to those we are called to serve. I'll "see" you right here next week.

I had stated to several people that I would blog on a daily basis.  Now I have found that I have not been following through with that and need to get back on track.  As I have thought about the reasons that I have not been writing, I find that all I have are excuses.  So here I am late on a Monday night writing.

I have been thinking a lot about where I am in my journey of faith.  As Lent approaches, one of the things that I reflect on is how would I react to the journey that Jesus approached in those last days of his pre-resurrection ministry.  Sometimes it is easy to judge the disciples who seemed to never get it.  but if I am honest there are many times that I never get it.  Sometimes I feel that I am trying to do things on my own and in so doing crowd out the Holy Spirit.  An example is when I am tempted to think that I am in control of what I am doing.  When I think about how the disciples tried to control Jesus to conform to what they believed to be true, I know that I do that also.  Letting go is so difficult in our lives and especially in my life.  I want to control what happens even if what I want is for the glory of God.  I know that it is only in surrender that what God wills will happen.  In bible study, we were looking at the entry into Jerusalem and according to the gospel of John when the Greeks wanted to see Jesus he talked about that those who love their life will lose it and those who hate their life will have life everlasting.  It is in the letting go and allowing God in that will make life bearable.  I have been working on that surrender in my eating, my exercise, my finances, and now working on that same attitude with my spiritual life.

When I give up control (which I really don't have), I can actually do more and be more effective in using the gifts that God has bestowed on me.  The struggle is to remember.  Maybe that is why I am emphasizing so much the need for me to be accountable and to employ the spiritual disciplines.  By prayer, scripture, small groups, communion, fasting I find that I am able to continue to be faithful and fruitful.  So here I go once again to work towards using my blog as a journal and to reflect on my journey.  I hope that in that process others may find some insight into their journeys also.

live as if you were dying

I am not much of fan of country music.  So it is with great apology I have to own up to a song by Tim McGraw that I heard at a leadership conference that I attended.  I had been doing a series of reflections on the book "One Month to Live."  The focus was how would we live our lives differently if we knew we had only one month to live.  The song that Tim McGraw sang was "Live as if you were dying."  Apparently it came out over a year ago.  One can find it on youtube and also itunes. 

The chorus talks about going skydiving, rocky mountain climbing, ride a bull for 2.7 seconds named Fu Manchu.  I would love deeper, speak sweeter, and forgive what I had been denying or something like that.  Watch the video or listen to the song.  He also mentions about reading "the Good Book."

What spoke to me about this was how it seemed to sum up my reflections.  I began to think about  how I could love deeper, be willing to speak softly and without so much bitterness, and find ways to forgive not only others but also myself.  I think about all the time that I have spent carrying my anger, my hurts and never letting them go.  I would hate to go to my grave without trying to do something about them.

Commitment, Choices, and Community

Last Sunday I reflected on what is it that I am committed and what is it that forms the foundation that I try to live by. I was talking with other pastors this afternoon and we decided that we are definitely weird. At least weird according to the standards of the world around us. I am not saying that I don't enjoy nice things, the latest technology, new cars and gadgets. I do enjoy them but they really are not what moves me. So if I don't have the latest and greatest whatever, somehow I will live. Maybe as I continue to pray about living a more simple life that will help with this change of attitudes.

What we came to the conclusion was that we rather be concerned about what will move us. To a person it was God's Will expressed through scripture and the Holy Spirit. I find it interesting that the group that I attend as a covenant group contains mostly fundamental believers with myself and another pastor being the more progressive Christians. Despite the differences with theology and beliefs, we have found some essentials that we all agree on. For the non-essentials whether or not important to each of us, we can respect the diversity of each of us.

One of the many debates we have is what are some of the essentials. I fall back on the Methodist roots as found in much of what John Wesley wrote. I look to that source as helpful in understanding where we are at in our society. For me scripture is primary and outweighs tradition, experience, and reason. Those three are helpful in understanding and applying scripture in my daily life. I still make the choose to follow scripture. One reason I believe we can never study the bible enough. Every time I open the book and read even the familiar passages something new will come out. I never grow tired of reading. So when it comes to what am I willing to commit myself to, I will find that in the scripture I read and the choices that I make. For me, it is through Jesus Christ I find my salvation.

I also believe strongly in community. We are better if we exist in communal relationships rather than depend so strongly on the illusion of individuality. As I look at the problems that we face in our nation, I see that much of that falls from the insistence of entitlement many people feel and demand. Our national value is individuality which most want to have the government take care of them without regard of others. I have always felt that individual rights have been so emphasized that societal rights are diminished. One of the reasons that our society has a great problem looking beyond one's own needs to look at what might be best for the nation at large.

The church needs to examine how we can provide an alternative to this me first society. Tonight I spoke on the One Month to Live about legacy. I hope that the legacy that I can leave would be that as imperfect as I am that I reached out to another person and shared with them what they needed for daily bread and for God's love.

Turning towards promise

We have just completed a bible study that focused on the prophets Isaiah, Ezekiel, and Jeremiah. What we were using was a 6 week study done by Indermark. What was interesting was that the study could have been used as a Lenten study and ending at the Passion week. The author suggested thinking about the promises that we had been studying for the past six weeks and how that would have helped sustain Jesus during those days in Jerusalem. What was a coincidence was that we are going to study what the gospels say about those seven days. We will be studying each day and looking at the gospel account as well as some of the Hebrew Scriptures that helped inform what happened.

I hope that as we do this study that we can have a better understanding of the passion of Christ more in depth than skipping over the week going from Palm Sunday to Easter Sunday. I believe what we can encounter in this week can help us become more aware of the choices that Jesus made on our behalf and also the choices that we make as a disciple.

Lent is a time for us to reflect on our lives, our choices, and our willingness to do things differently. Often one can think about sacrifice compared to the sacrifice that Jesus made. Too often one can make the decision to give something up for 40 days knowing that after Easter one no longer needs to sacrifice. I would rather focus more on what I am willing to do rather than what I am willing to not do. I would rather focus on my need to be disciplined as far as pursuing spiritual formation. That is why I want to continue to work on my accountability. I feel blessed that there are people in my life who are willing to love me enough to hold me accountable. It is that agape love that can sustain us especially for me.

I hope that you have those who love you enough to hold you accountable in your life choices. Sometimes it can be hard to hear honesty from someone, but I know that I would rather people confront on my failings than to keep secrets or to talk to others about them. I look forward to the journey that I am on and want to continue to grow as a disciple.

On what does one stand on

There is a famous old hymn that generally is loved by many traditional congregations called Standing on the Promises.  I was struck by that as I was reading in both the bible study and One Month to Live about what do we hold onto during times of trials.  In One Month to Live, the authors were talking about sand castles.  I remember times that I would go to the beaches on either the Atlantic or Pacific coasts when I was younger.  I would spend time building sand castles.  Nothing quite as elaborate as some sand sculptures but I still enjoyed doing it.  The first time that the tide changed and the water came up to and over my creation, there was a moment of sadness as a child only knows.  Yet there is something about the tides of our lives the ebb and flow.  Where change comes and life begins anew.  Much like building sand castles knowing that the tide will soon come in and wash the castle away.  Yet we are called to continue to build sand castles in our lives.  What we have to learn is not to worship sand castles and make them the promises that we stand on.

I often reflect on what is important in my life.  I know that fame, fortune, being famous can come and go like the tide.  I find that the most important things in my life are my relationships with God and others.  What I need to remember is to take time with those things that are important and not spend all my energy, all my time, and all my effort on what amounts to being sand castles.  While there are times and efforts that I can choose to do regarding earning a living and enjoying what that can bring but to spend more time of that and less on the relationships that are important in my life will often leave my feeling like something is missing.

As I approach Lent, rather than give something up, I plan to take a look at the way I spend my time, effort, and life.  I want to be more intentional in the relationships that the tide will not take away.  Only I can take them away.  If I say, I believe my relationship with God is important I need to spend time in honoring that relationship.  If I say family is important, then I need to take time to be with them.

What might you depend on in your life?  What promises do you hold to and do you actually live that life?

Touching the untouchable

As I was reading the gospel for this Sunday, it comes from Mark 1:40-45. What struck me most about this lectionary reading was the following verses:
"A leper came to him begging him, and kneeling" he said to him, "If you choose, you can make me clean." Moved with pity Jesus stretched out his hand and touched him, and said to him, "I do choose. Be made clean!" Immediately the leprosy left him, and he was made clean. (Mark 1:40-42 NRSV)

Sometimes what we may miss is exactly what Jesus did. To touch someone with a skin disease according to the Torah would make that person unclean like the one who has leprosy. Even for the one who was ill to come to Jesus was forbidden. Often those who were sick had to announce their illness long before anyone approached them so that they would not contaminate others. They were isolated from their families, their friends, and even could not participate in their religion. This person had faith and trust in Jesus knowing that in him he could be healed. The other part of these verses is that Jesus did not need to touch him for the healing to take place. Jesus was moved and reached out to someone in need without regard to violating the taboo.

I have found in my life that there are many seeking Jesus for healing. Sometimes it is difficult to know when to reach out and to offer a healing hand to someone. As a therapist, I was very much aware of the power of a touch to either heal or harm. There were times holding someone's hand as they opened up to the intense feelings they were having or holding someone in midst of grief is a powerful connection. For Jesus to touch someone who was untouchable, demonstrated the power of acknowledging the person there before him. To touch him, one could no longer walk by and deny his need. He or she becomes a person not a condition or someone who is not quite a person.

I know that there are times in my ministry that I am called to reach out to the untouchables that somehow society has marginalized. When I was in seminary, I would do work with a church in the inner city. There were many times that I would sit on the curb with someone who was homeless, battling addictions, who was struggling with their faith. I would not only pray with them but also take the time to listen. And when they were ready to offer healing advice.
We are called to reach out to the marginalized and the untouchables in our communities. We can only do this if we have faith and trust in Jesus Christ and in our merciful God.

Moving out of the box

istockphoto.com

Today has been one of trying to start preparing for this Sunday and also at the same time trying to start planning for Lent and Easter. I have never been one accused of being a multi-tasker but I try. Of course when I try to do so much it seems that I am inundated with phone calls asking for information or having to find out from others information. Sometimes I can get so distracted that I find it hard to get back to what I was working on in the first or maybe second place. Actually if I am honest, that fits in so well with my personality type. I am a great starter but I have to work to be a great finisher.

This is what got me thinking about the need that I have to move out of the box. I need to at times stretch myself creatively. Otherwise, I feel stale and spiritually dry. In bible study last night, we were talking about the passage in Ezekiel of the valley of dry bones. I was thinking that when I feel my creativeness becoming stale that is exactly a description of myself, dried up. I need at that time to find time to open myself up to the breath of God. Then I am able to feel alive once again. I need to move out of the box that I create for myself.

It is interesting to think about what we tend to box up. At a meeting at the Church of the Resurrection in Kansas City, there was a short play about trying to box God up. "Ronco God in a box. For just $19.95, we can send you God in a box. We guarantee that God in the box will meet your every need. Hurry and we can offer for just the shipping and handling Jesus on a cross." I have a picture of Jesus in a box that I used as a sermon illustration. It is not only ourselves that we tend to box up but also our expectations of Jesus and God. As long as God does what I want, that is ok. But the minute that I have to do something hold the horses.

Jesus constantly thought and moved out of the box of traditions and expectations. He did things that constantly pushed the limits of religious orthodoxy. He ate with sinners, he healed on the Sabbath, he performed miracles, he touched the untouchable, he treated women with dignity and equality, and he spoke of a Truth greater than any of us. When I feel uncertain or tired, I remember what Jesus did for me. In that remembering, the breath of God comes to me and I can move out of the box I find myself in. I pray that is true for you as well.

Monday afternoon thoughts

There are times when I take time to contemplate where I am in my life and where I appear to be going.  I often think about what life would have been like if I had made different choices.  No matter what I could have done or the choices that I could have made, I am very content with where I am and what I am doing.  Not saying that there are not challenges and days, but I am thankful for what God has given me and the opportunities to use those gifts both as a social worker and as a pastor.

Sometimes life can be lived with so many regrets about what could have been or even what should be, that one stops living altogether.  Then life becomes a burden and sometimes a person can be a burden to others.  Regrets never serve any real purpose especially if one hangs onto them.  Rather use the regrets as a way of learning and letting go.  That is why repentance is so important to all of us.  It is in that willingness to admit what we have done and seeking forgiveness that releases us to continue to live more fruitfully.

I also wanted to share from one of my devotional books, "Disciplines."  This is based on the scriptures from 2 Kings 5:1-14.  It is the story of Naaman.  Naaman has leprosy and is told to seek out a prophet from Israel who will cure him.  The gist of the story is that Naaman first goes to the king of Israel who is unable to help him and finally Elisha tells him to wash in the Jordan River.  Naaman at first is disgusted and begins to walk away but a servant encourages him to do what Elisha tells him.  When he does, he is cured.

Johnny Sears commenting on that quotes from Thomas Merton, "What is the use of praying if at the moment of prayer, we have so little confidence in God that we are too busy planning our own kind of answer to prayer?"  Sears states that we also spend much time trying to figure things out in the way we are going to do it rather than opening up to what God would do.  He states that "Prayer is about trust.  Without trust, our prayers are nothing more than self-help exercises."

I know that for myself that is so true.  There are times that when I pray, I am expecting God to answer the prayer in the way I want God to answer.  Much like Naaman, I expect some miraculous event rather than something so simple as washing in a dirty river.  Yet, what is required is that trust in God.  Maybe that is why when I look at my life and the many twists and turns, it has been when I have more fully trusted in God's direction that life has gone more smoothly for me.  I need to continue to place my trust in God and not others or in the worldly things so that I can continue my journey.

That is why I am planning on trying to do something different not only for myself but also in being more faithful to God with the church.  I continue to pray for God's Will be done not mine.

Facing the storms of change in our lives

I have been reading a variety of books.  One that I have talked about has been "One Month to Live."  Another that I am reading for a leadership development is Deep Change by Robert Quinn.  What is interesting is when the two books intersected on the concept of change and facing our fears regarding change.

In Deep Change, Quinn talks about that we face a choice either we do incremental change where we delude ourselves in thinking that we are in control and we do deep change both within the organization and within ourselves.  Incremental change reacts to outside forces by reinforcing the status quo and does not disrupt our past patterns.  This leads to a slow death of an organization as it no longer is adaptable to changes externally and internally.  Deep change distorts existing patterns of action and involves taking risks and means surrounding control.  His concern that there are four prominent common characteristics in organizations that are dying (which we could include mainline churches).  The first is that this is pervasive and common in the conservative "don't rock the boat" cultures.  It has little do to with experienced, competent, and well-intentioned people.  Change is needed but this need is denied.  The second characteristic is the violation of trust.  Leaders may recognize that change is needed but end up doing something else.  Self-interest triumphs over collective responsibility.  The third characteristic is a thirst for vision.  Leaders try to hide the need for change despite everyone knowing that it needs to happen or they cope by withdrawing or by staying overly busy with insignificant issues.  The last characteristic is burnout.  A lack of energy is shown by the leaders and I would include the lack of accountability themselves and for others.

Where the books intersect is on immaturity in facing life's difficulties.  In Deep Change, he tells a story of a young boy and a swing.  The gist of the story is that the young boy so enjoys swinging on the swing set that he will not let go despite that fact that the parents are about ready to leave.  The point is that we often hang on to what we know rather than risk letting go and going into the unknown.  When we do that Quinn states we act out of our own selfishness and immaturity because of our fear.  He states "we must confront our own immaturity, selfishness and lack of courage.  In a sense, life is all about our forceful, often overpowering need to take journeys, yet our tendency is to grip the swings ever more tightly (37)."

The authors of One Month to Live use the scripture from Acts regarding Paul's journey at sea and the storms that came up.  The sailors initially tried to sail into the storm but that did not work and they ended up sailing with the storm.  The point they try to make is that change is inevitable and one can waste a lot of time and energy trying to fight against it.  "If you don't learn to adapt to life's unexpected situations and move along with them, your ship will be destroyed.  In the midst of life's worst blows, you can be tempted to cling to the past and romanticize the way things used to be... Change is frightening, uncertain, and threatening, but it also can be healthy, refreshing and necessary (136-137)."

What both books imply for both the individual and the church is that we face a choice in our lives about how we are going to adapt to change around us.  Do we cling to the past or do we let go?  Jesus points us to a new understanding of what we are to do and it is not found in continuing to cling to past rituals but to open ourselves up and commit ourselves to something new.

Another nightly reflection

I cannot believe that another day went by without my updating my blog.  I was so caught up in getting caught up that I found myself not doing anything until now.  Friday's are usually my day of rest though today has been one on many tasks.  I met with my district superintendent and spent some time at an art show of 9 women artists.  Nancy and I enjoyed that time and it was helpful to spend time together and to appreciate the talents of these women artists.

I also have been spending time reading my new bible.  I had ordered the Wesley Study Bible.  I have to say it is well written.  Not only does it have study notes on the scripture, but it also has notes on life application and Wesleyan core terms.  It adds an unique view of the scriptures and makes use of applications in living a more connectional life.  I wanted to share with you one of the entries and may continue to do so in the future.

This is a Wesleyan Core Term on Evil speaking that came from his notes on Psalm 34.13.  "Wesley defines evil speaking in his notes on Ps 34.13 as that which in injurious, false, and deceitful.  In particular, evil speaking is the relating of a faulty of an absent person to others, even if the fault is real.  Sinful pride often motivates this vicious activity, and talebearers often feel entitled to repeat the sins of others because they mistakenly believe they are being godly in doing so.  In order to avoid this harmful practice, believers must carefully follow the counsel of Christ (Matt 18.15-17) in three steps: (1) point out the fault to the persons privately; (2) if they still will not listen, bring along one or two others as witnesses; (3) if they remain stubborn, then, and only then, tell it to the church.  And if they will not listen even to the church, then treat them as the sinners they are and remain."

Somehow when I first got the bible, this was the first page that I turned to.  I got to thinking how often people spread gossip, rumors, and even concerns not directly to the people involved but involve others to the detriment of the church.  When this happens too often it destroys the church as no one trusts one another.  Sometimes even if the people feel justified in their complaints or grievances people have difficulty in doing what Jesus stated.  I know that sometimes one may be afraid or don't want to offend but in telling others we do more harm and actually cause more disruption and even sin by breaking our relationship with one another.  That is why gossip, half-truths, and the unwillingness of being willing to confront one another in love destroys church.

I know that I needed to read this once again and to be willing to face those to whom I feel I need to confront about what is happening directly.  So I ask God to guide me in ways of not being critical of another person without first talking to that person directly.

Finally at home

I am finally back home. This week was exciting and exhausting at the same time. I enjoyed my opportunity to get to know some of the pastors and helping discern their call. At the same time, I now have to try to get caught up with my work and sometimes that is a challenge. I wanted to continue to share what our ordinands had to answer especially about church.

The scriptural basis of my thoughts about the importance of church come from Romans 12 and 1 Corinthians 12. Paul talks about the importance of seeing that community and everyone working together provides the church with the opportunity to follow through what Jesus commanded. Paul uses especially in 1 Corinthians the image of the parts of the body. That for the body to work requires that everyone contribute their gifts to the whole. Too often churches neglect to see their individual responsibility to be part of a greater whole or what I call the gestalt of God. When we work together, we are able to accomplish more for God. Scripture, both Hebrew scriptures and Christian scriptures, speak to the fact the God not only redeems each of us but also redeems everyone and all of creation.

There are two Greek terms that speak to church. One is ecclesia which speaks to the gathering of people to learn and praise God. The other term is kioninia (not sure of the spelling) which speaks of the community coming together to care and support one another. Church is both. For me, church is to be a place to worship God and a place to provide for one another. DIY Christians are not effective nor are what God intends. Watching services on television or listening on radio can be informative and moving but that is not church. And God wants us to be present to one another and to the world through community.

I continue to pray that everyone begins to realize that we are not in this alone and "it is not about my will but God's Will." Church when it is worshipping and caring for one another is vital in keeping perspective. Unfortunately sometimes church becomes an in group that demands everyone do what the in-group wants and not pay much attention to what is contained in Scripture or in prayer. Than church becomes like a dysfunctional family and can do more harm than good.

Tuesday night reflection

I have just returned to my motel room after spending 13 hours with those who are seeking ordination as an elder.  This discernment process is intense and at the same time edifying.  What I find interesting as being part of the credentialing committee is that it gives me time to reflect on my own theology and ways that I practice my ministry.  As I was ordained just a short time ago, I was reviewing the answers that I gave both for my commissioning and for my seeking ordination.  I always find it interesting that changes that have occurred in my theology over time. In many ways the basic foundation has not changed but has become more refined.  I believe that we all are theologians.  Sometimes people will not claim that.  But if we have a belief in God and Jesus Christ than we are a theologian.  Also by claiming our theology (belief about God), we are more able to share that with others.

As a result of looking at others theological statements and reviewing my own, I wanted to share where I am today with some of the doctrinal questions that are asked.  I wanted to start with the Lordship of Jesus Christ.  I stated in 2006 that I thought that the concept of Lordship was archaic and maybe of limited value today.  Since that time I have reflected on that concept and even though I would not describe my Savior in the terms of Lord, I do believe that Jesus is instrumental in my salvation and I seek to be a disciple of Christ bowing before him.  In the Disciplines Journaling through the Days for Monday, quoted from Isaiah 40:25-26. "To whom can God be compared?  Is there anyone else like Him?  Look up at the sky!  Who created the stars you see?"  God is instrumental in all that we see, all that we experience, all that we relate too, and in all of creation.  He is Lord of all.

Also in the men's small group that I belong to, we are beginning to study Galatians.  One of the members emailed me from the first chapter a verse that spoke to him.  As I read it, I found that it was informative for myself as well especially in dealing with the issue of Lordship.  Galatians 1:10, "Am I now trying to win human approval, or God's approval?  Or am I trying to please people?  If I were still trying to please people, I would not be servant of Christ (TNIV)."  These are the questions that I need to remember.  I am not in ministry to please others but only to do what God directs.  If I submit my life to God as Lord, I am willing to do His Will.  It is a part of to whom is my master, the world or God.  As Joshua stated, choose this day whom you will serve, but for me and my family I will serve God.  How would you answer this question?

Monday musings

Yesterday as I was going to prepare for services at the church, we had a spectacular morning sunrise here in Nebraska. The colors were rich and vibrant. I was so caught up in just taking time to look at the sunrise and spending just those few moments appreciating the wonders of God's creation. What struck also today was looking at some of the blogs that I follow and seeing from Chase Images a photo of a sunset in Wyoming. Once again it is great that we remember to take time to be in nature and to remember that we are to care for it in whatever way we can.

I am about to leave to attend a meeting in Lincoln. I am part of a committee in the church that oversees the ordained pastors in our denomination as far as determining their fruits and to recommend to our bishop for ordination. As part of that I am reviewing a sermon, bible study, and answers to our traditional theological questions. As I am reading these papers, i am reminded on the tremendous responsibility that we have and not just ordained pastors but all the ministry of the church. Each person is called to share of themselves. I would love to have members spend time also reflecting on the theological questions that our Book of Discipline requires of ordained pastors.

Some of the questions deal with the Lordship of Jesus Christ and what that means to a person. How does the Holy Spirit work in your life? Why do we need Divine Grace? What is the purpose of you to participate in the means of grace particularly the sacraments? What is church? As pastors we are to spend time reflecting on some of these questions and to determine after years of serving the church if any of these change. Over the next few days, I will take time to share with you my answers to some of these questions. I will also reference the section of the Discipline for one to reflect on their answers. What a perfect way of preparing for Easter.