Sunday, February 26, 2012

Reflections From Sunday Evening

Lately many people have been talking about the difference in a movement and an institution - especialy as it relates to the United Methodist Church.
A movement has a clear identifying, unifying vision, or purpose. For example: the early Methodists were about "spreading scriptural holiness throughout the land and reforming the nation." A clear, unifying vision.
On the other hand an institution focuses on rules, regulations and structures.
The United Methodist Church as a whole is a perfect example of an institution.
In our Book of Discipline (the book of "ruels" for our church) the word "shall" is used 4,683 times. This means the institution seeks to "mandate" practice by demanding that certain things be done.
On the other hand the word "may" is used 1,382 times. This is permissive language. It gives more freedom to act as a "movement."
I think about how this affects our church. Do we specialize in rules, regulations and structure or do we operate from a clear, unifying vision?
Are we an institution or a movement?
In truth we are some of both. We have structure but we seek to have a simple structure that will not choke life out of ministry.
We have a clear vision. "To build an outwardly focused Christian community of full participants in the life of grace."
The more we actually live into this vision the more we resemble a movement.
We could say the church of tomorrow.....but in truth we need to say the church of today... will resemble a movement more and more.
It's been a good day. I hope you've had a good day too.
Steve

Sunday, February 19, 2012

Reflections From Sunday Evening

We are preparing to read the scriptures as a congregation. The Story is a compilation of the Bible put together in the form of a "story." This is God's story of redemption. We will be reading, sharing in small groups and preaching The Story during Lent (Ash wednesday is this Wednesday!)
I just read one of those stories we come across in the Bible and really had little or no idea they were in there. In 2 Samuel 6 there is a story about King David leading the procession where Israel brings the Ark of the Covenant back home. During the trip one of the oxen that is drawing the cart carrying the Ark stumbles. The Ark tips. A man named Uzzah reaching out his hand to steady the Ark. This incurs the Lord's anger and Uzzah is struck dead.
We generally have looked at this story and said it is a lesson on total obedience to the Lord. They were not supposed to touch the Ark. But do we have an understanding of God that we beleive the Lord kills when we step out of line or error on a technicality?
In our day we could look at a story like this from a different perspective. Our questions come when something bad happens to someone we consider good.
We get the idea that when someone is injured or even killed while doing the work of the Lord that God "took them."
Perhaps Uzzah was simply the victim of an "accident" that occured during his service to the Lord.
When you read the stories of scripture and come across those that cause you to stop and wonder what in the world this means, stop and reflect on your understanding of the nature and character of God. Our clearest picture is seen in the life of Jesus Christ. Always filter your responses to the story through Christ.
You may not have full or even satisfactory understanding of the stories but God will be in the midst of your discovery of faith and faithful living in Christ.
I encourage you not only to read the Story but also be in church each week to hear the Story proclaimed. Furthermore I encorage you to be in a small group during Lent where you will be able to explore the Story.
See you as you discover your story.
steve

Sunday, February 12, 2012

Reflections From Sunday Evening

Being a pastor these days is a multifaceted job. Things have changed since I began ministry some years ago. The roles seem to increase. For instance --- we are
Pastors - we pray for the people entrusted to our care. We visit, we counsel, we build relationships, we enter into the lives of people at significant points in life - and a host of other things - Pastor
We are Administrators - thankfully we have Mike Cole at PWUMC! He takes the brunt of the administrative task from my desk - but even so there is a constant need to administer the life of the church.
We are Fund Raisers - Nobody told me anything about this in seminary! Thankfully (again) you are a very generous people and we have a host of great people working to ensure we have adequate funds to do the increasing ministry God puts before us.
We also have a role of Priest - That is when you lead certain "rites" in the church. We baptize - officiate at Holy Communion - perform weddings - funerals - confirm people in the faith -- what joy
We are Communicators - Week by week we are entrusted wtih the awesome task of opening the Word of God and teaching people God's way.
We are Justice advocates - We have the privilege of being a voice for the voiceless.
Ministry is a joy - it is diverse - it is something to share with a congregation.
Here is an insight I find valuable. (You really don't want me trying to do all those things and more.)
Less is best.
I have some strengths and there are so many of you who are so gifted that I am able to focus on what I do best. That way I can give you my best and not burden you with inferior efforts in areas I am not particularly gifted in. This works when (and only when) the people of God step into their roles of service and ministry. You are so gifted. Together we make a team.
It is a joy to serve Christ and His Church in these days. You make it so.
It's been a good day. I hope you've had a good day too.
steve

Sunday, February 5, 2012

Reflections From Sunday Evening

Something that is relatively new to me is the prompt on my computer that says - "Syncing IPod Do Not Disconnect."
In a way the Christian life is similar to syncing. The Holy Spirit is syncing us with Jesus Christ. We are syncing with the will of God - the plans and purposes of God - a relationship with the Lord.
I am never sure what would happen if I chose to "disconnect" before syncing was complete. I would be likely to lose the material being downloaded. I suppose the computer would not blow up. My IPod would not self destruct. There would be no physical harm to me. But I would lose connection and what I had downloaded up to that point.
See where this is going. God desires to "sync" us with Himself. It would be a good reminder for each of us - Do Not Disconnect -- Sync is in process.
If I choose to disconnect the relationship with Christ that is being synced I lose out. Things do not instantly blow up. Not everything already loaded will disappear. But something is lost - that part of life where the Lord is presently seekig to work redemptively - that progress toward living into the will of God - that steady progress toward perfect love and Christian Perfection.
So I think it best to heed the prompt - Do Not Disconnect - Syncing in Progress.
It's been a good day - I hope you've had a good day too. Now it is on to watch the Super Bowl - but how can that game compare to being synced with Christ?
steve