The Mission of the Church: Whatever the church is, whatever we are supposed to do and be, there is one thing for certain- the church is supposed to have an impact on the world. Christ did not say to his disciples, “Huddle up together and weather the storm.” Instead he expected his disciples to be a light unto the world. He expected his disciples to feed the hungry, heal the sick, fight for those who cannot fight for themselves, and above all, MAKE MORE DISCIPLES! He expected those that follow him to not only grow in their relationship to God and one another, but also to help others find God, and grow in their own relationships, embarking on their own journey with other disciples. This is the basic mission of the church. It is why the church exists.
But how is this best done? Obviously the church is struggling in this area. Fewer new people are becoming part of the church every year, and more and more Christians are only claiming their faith in a superficial way. Among those that do attend church, it seems like fewer and fewer are experiencing real life change.
In addition, American communities are decaying. In fact, the very idea of community seems to be fading from American life. Family structures are crumbling. Drug and alcohol abuse (especially among young people) is rampant. Neighborhoods are being abandoned, along with the children and youth that are stuck there. Violence is everywhere. And let’s not even talk about materialism. In America it seems that somehow individual freedom, choice, and financial success have become our only goals, replacing ideas like ‘the common good’ and ‘community’ and ‘faith.’ How is the church supposed to react? How are we to be a light and make disciples in all this mess? How do we participate in God’s redemption of creation?
Please don’t think I am picking on America. I speak of America not because it is worse than other places, but because this is my home. America is the place where I live, and if the church cannot be a light here, then what is the point?
I think, if we only look to our scriptures and our theology, we can find a simple answer. Note I say ‘simple’ rather than easy. I don’t think being a light in the darkness has ever been easy. Surely it wasn’t for Jesus. But it was fairly simple- immersion.
God, in love and grace, decided that redemption required immersion. In Jesus God entered our mess. He chose to immerse himself in the human condition, with all its pain and frailty. He chose to give up his status as God to become low, a servant to all. In order to communicate God’s love, Christ immersed himself in our lives, and God joined us in our struggle. And through this, redemption began.
Perhaps it is our role to live with the mind of Christ (I think that was written somewhere). Could it be that the best way to be a light in the darkness is to follow Jesus’ example, and become immersed in the places that need God’s love. Perhaps we need to live where the hurting live. Maybe we need to become part of those neighborhoods that the world abandons. I truly believe that to have an impact on the world, to be a light in the darkness, the church must begin to reclaim the desert places, whether inner city streets or corporate board rooms. God, in wisdom and grace, chose to immerse himself completely in the human condition, being in the world and not of it. This sacrificial act was and is the key to redemption. How might we (I) live in Christ’s image and follow that example in the world today? And how might this sort of ‘following’ help us mature in our own spiritual walks?
Sunday, April 22, 2007
Tuesday, April 17, 2007
Substance Abuse and Spirituality
Here is an interesting study from Columbia on the connections between spirituality and substance abuse. Click Here
Redemption
This week I get the opportunity to teach Sunday School. I know, it sounds funny to say that I get the 'opportunity.' After all, as clergy, you would think this would be sort of 'routine' for me. Unfortunately, in my current job, I actually have very little opportunity to jump into scripture, and unfold it in conversation with others. I am really excited... plus... I have a great passage.
I am looking at Revelation, chapters 4 and 5. When taken as a unit (a piece of scripture meant to be read all at once) this passage unfolds as a powerful glimpse into the nature of redemption.
John has had a vision, one in which he is taken into the very throne room of God. And there is this scroll there, what sometimes is thought of as the Scroll of Destiny. This is God's scroll, and contains God's plan for the world! Unfortunately, as in all good stories, there is a problem. The scroll can't be opened by anyone on earth- no one is worthy. So it sits there, waiting.
Then a new character comes on the scene, one who CAN open the scroll. The angel announces the presence of the Lion of Judah, the Root of David!! Wow! Now, if I were a first century Jew, I would hear exactly what I wanted to hear. This is the Messiah, the all powerful one sent by God to set the world right, to return Israel to her place of glory, and vanquish the oppressors. Finally... vindication.
But like all great stories, there is a twist- the sort of 'plot turn' that captures the imagination, and forces the hearer into new ways of thinking.
As John turns to view this Lion of Judah, what he finds is actually one in the form of a slain lamb, with the bloody scars to prove it. It is not a regal king, or a powerful lion, but rather the humble, self- sacrificing, Son.
It seems the key to God's plan, the very revelation of God's nature, is not the sort of majesty and power we expect at all. Instead, the key to God's re- creation of everything, of God's redemption of the world, is a way of love, peace, humility, and sacrifice.
I don't know about you, but I like the idea of following a triumphant, world conquering messiah much more than the idea of following in the way of the real Jesus. But maybe that is because I still see through a clouded glass. I pray God will help me see more clearly.
I am looking at Revelation, chapters 4 and 5. When taken as a unit (a piece of scripture meant to be read all at once) this passage unfolds as a powerful glimpse into the nature of redemption.
John has had a vision, one in which he is taken into the very throne room of God. And there is this scroll there, what sometimes is thought of as the Scroll of Destiny. This is God's scroll, and contains God's plan for the world! Unfortunately, as in all good stories, there is a problem. The scroll can't be opened by anyone on earth- no one is worthy. So it sits there, waiting.
Then a new character comes on the scene, one who CAN open the scroll. The angel announces the presence of the Lion of Judah, the Root of David!! Wow! Now, if I were a first century Jew, I would hear exactly what I wanted to hear. This is the Messiah, the all powerful one sent by God to set the world right, to return Israel to her place of glory, and vanquish the oppressors. Finally... vindication.
But like all great stories, there is a twist- the sort of 'plot turn' that captures the imagination, and forces the hearer into new ways of thinking.
As John turns to view this Lion of Judah, what he finds is actually one in the form of a slain lamb, with the bloody scars to prove it. It is not a regal king, or a powerful lion, but rather the humble, self- sacrificing, Son.
It seems the key to God's plan, the very revelation of God's nature, is not the sort of majesty and power we expect at all. Instead, the key to God's re- creation of everything, of God's redemption of the world, is a way of love, peace, humility, and sacrifice.
I don't know about you, but I like the idea of following a triumphant, world conquering messiah much more than the idea of following in the way of the real Jesus. But maybe that is because I still see through a clouded glass. I pray God will help me see more clearly.
Sunday, April 8, 2007
Validation of the Life Lived
This Easter Sunday has me thinking about the significance of the resurrection, an event central to the Christian experience. Paul wrote that without the resurrection, our preaching is in vain. Even today we still think of ourselves as Easter People, people for whom the resurrection represents promise and grace.
For me personally, the significance of the resurrection is its validation of a life lived. Jesus came into the world announcing the coming of God’s kingdom. He embodied the kingdom, being led by the Spirit to teach, heal, love, and sacrifice. He entered into relationships with those on the margins of society, and challenged the religious beliefs of the day. In fact, his humility and grace challenged the very powers and principalities that govern our world. He rejected the violence, greed, and segregation of the world and lived a different way, a way of humble obedience, peace, and love. His power was one hidden in what the world calls weakness. He was poor in spirit, meek, and pure of heart. He was a peacemaker, and joined in relationship with those who mourn. He was merciful, and thirsted for righteousness. He was the very kingdom of God incarnate, and taught others that they could live the same way, in fellowship with the Father. In short, he was the light that came into the darkness. And the darkness tried to snuff it out.
In seminary I had a professor who was fond of saying that the inevitable conclusion of a life lived in complete abandonment to God is a cross! The world doesn’t understand God’s economy. The world doesn’t understand the life of grace and peace. And so, the world does what it knows how to do- it crucifies.
If the story had ended at the crucifixion, we might say that Jesus was foolish. We might claim that the world was right- that meekness and grace and peace making are no more than a false hope, a utopian dream. But the story did not end in a tomb. Instead, the Father made a grand statement, forever putting his stamp of approval on the life lived by Jesus. Once and for all, in resurrection the Father said, “Yes, this is my Son! Follow his way and my kingdom will come.”
On this Easter day, let us remember the validation and the promise of the resurrection. And with Jesus let us pray, “Father, your kingdom come, to earth as it is in heaven!”
For me personally, the significance of the resurrection is its validation of a life lived. Jesus came into the world announcing the coming of God’s kingdom. He embodied the kingdom, being led by the Spirit to teach, heal, love, and sacrifice. He entered into relationships with those on the margins of society, and challenged the religious beliefs of the day. In fact, his humility and grace challenged the very powers and principalities that govern our world. He rejected the violence, greed, and segregation of the world and lived a different way, a way of humble obedience, peace, and love. His power was one hidden in what the world calls weakness. He was poor in spirit, meek, and pure of heart. He was a peacemaker, and joined in relationship with those who mourn. He was merciful, and thirsted for righteousness. He was the very kingdom of God incarnate, and taught others that they could live the same way, in fellowship with the Father. In short, he was the light that came into the darkness. And the darkness tried to snuff it out.
In seminary I had a professor who was fond of saying that the inevitable conclusion of a life lived in complete abandonment to God is a cross! The world doesn’t understand God’s economy. The world doesn’t understand the life of grace and peace. And so, the world does what it knows how to do- it crucifies.
If the story had ended at the crucifixion, we might say that Jesus was foolish. We might claim that the world was right- that meekness and grace and peace making are no more than a false hope, a utopian dream. But the story did not end in a tomb. Instead, the Father made a grand statement, forever putting his stamp of approval on the life lived by Jesus. Once and for all, in resurrection the Father said, “Yes, this is my Son! Follow his way and my kingdom will come.”
On this Easter day, let us remember the validation and the promise of the resurrection. And with Jesus let us pray, “Father, your kingdom come, to earth as it is in heaven!”
Thursday, April 5, 2007
Two Models of Church
In America today there is one dominant model for ‘doing church.’ Some call this the ‘Membership’ model, or the ‘homogeneous’ model. The idea goes something like this.
In order to create and sustain a ‘successful’ church, defined as a church that is growing in membership and financial stability, the church should ‘find its niche.’ The idea is based on the fact that clearly America is the land of choice. People have a variety of different tastes and preferences, whether we are talking about fast food or worship services. In order to grow a congregation, one needs to find out what people like, whether you are thinking of worship style, dress codes, or even theology, then provide that in a way that attracts. Of course, there are limits (at least in theory), but the bottom line is providing what people want in order to get them in and help them find what they need.
In a sense, this seems to be biblical. After all, Paul emphasized ‘meeting people where they are.’ In addition, it also seems effective. It has, at least in the short run, grown congregations, and provided a measure of stability. But there is a big downside to this approach as well. At its core, it is based on a consumer mentality. The end result is that people ‘shop for a church’ just as they would shop for a house, or shop for a coat. When they find one that fits, they put it on, and wear it until it doesn’t fit anymore, or goes out of style. This approach to churches feeds the rampant consumerism in America, not to mention that it divides us, one from another, each Sunday according to personal preference. This model of church unfortunately has the end result of promoting self segregation, which violates a core value of the church and sign of the kingdom, namely Unity of All Under the Cross.
There is a second, emerging model of church in America- one that I believe is more true to biblical theology and heritage. This is sometimes called the ‘Discipleship’ model, or the ‘Emerging Church,’ or even the ‘Acts 2’ church. This model begins with the assumption that each local congregation should be a reflection of the kingdom. It de-emphasizes numerical growth (though certainly expects it) and emphasizes life together, unity of all regardless of ethnicity and other differences, and maybe above all forming people into those who follow the way of Christ, wherever that way might lead. In short, it emphasizes true discipleship, which is more about growth in maturity of the community than growth in numbers.
Of course, the discipleship model can be a bit frightening, particularly in a country that is so caught up in consumerism. What happens when people who chose our church don’t like it anymore because it is changing? They may leave, reducing our numbers and leading to financial insecurity. Do we really want to risk all that we have built up to follow this sort of model?
I think that is a question that congregations will have to ask themselves. Obviously I have my opinion, and others will have theirs. But in the end, whatever congregations decide, one core value must remain- the church is not in the business of sustaining itself above all else. The church is first and foremost the community that lives in such a way that people see the love of God, and over time become disciples of Jesus Christ, living together and with neighbor out of love and grace.
In order to create and sustain a ‘successful’ church, defined as a church that is growing in membership and financial stability, the church should ‘find its niche.’ The idea is based on the fact that clearly America is the land of choice. People have a variety of different tastes and preferences, whether we are talking about fast food or worship services. In order to grow a congregation, one needs to find out what people like, whether you are thinking of worship style, dress codes, or even theology, then provide that in a way that attracts. Of course, there are limits (at least in theory), but the bottom line is providing what people want in order to get them in and help them find what they need.
In a sense, this seems to be biblical. After all, Paul emphasized ‘meeting people where they are.’ In addition, it also seems effective. It has, at least in the short run, grown congregations, and provided a measure of stability. But there is a big downside to this approach as well. At its core, it is based on a consumer mentality. The end result is that people ‘shop for a church’ just as they would shop for a house, or shop for a coat. When they find one that fits, they put it on, and wear it until it doesn’t fit anymore, or goes out of style. This approach to churches feeds the rampant consumerism in America, not to mention that it divides us, one from another, each Sunday according to personal preference. This model of church unfortunately has the end result of promoting self segregation, which violates a core value of the church and sign of the kingdom, namely Unity of All Under the Cross.
There is a second, emerging model of church in America- one that I believe is more true to biblical theology and heritage. This is sometimes called the ‘Discipleship’ model, or the ‘Emerging Church,’ or even the ‘Acts 2’ church. This model begins with the assumption that each local congregation should be a reflection of the kingdom. It de-emphasizes numerical growth (though certainly expects it) and emphasizes life together, unity of all regardless of ethnicity and other differences, and maybe above all forming people into those who follow the way of Christ, wherever that way might lead. In short, it emphasizes true discipleship, which is more about growth in maturity of the community than growth in numbers.
Of course, the discipleship model can be a bit frightening, particularly in a country that is so caught up in consumerism. What happens when people who chose our church don’t like it anymore because it is changing? They may leave, reducing our numbers and leading to financial insecurity. Do we really want to risk all that we have built up to follow this sort of model?
I think that is a question that congregations will have to ask themselves. Obviously I have my opinion, and others will have theirs. But in the end, whatever congregations decide, one core value must remain- the church is not in the business of sustaining itself above all else. The church is first and foremost the community that lives in such a way that people see the love of God, and over time become disciples of Jesus Christ, living together and with neighbor out of love and grace.
Wednesday, April 4, 2007
John Wesley, On Social Action:
"The Gospel of Christ knows no religion but social, no holiness but social holiness.
"You cannot be holy except as you are engaged in making the world a better place. You do not become holy by keeping yourself pure and clean from the world but by plunging into ministry on behalf of the world's hurting ones."
"You cannot be holy except as you are engaged in making the world a better place. You do not become holy by keeping yourself pure and clean from the world but by plunging into ministry on behalf of the world's hurting ones."
Camp Hope dedication is April 15
Bishop Hope Morgan Ward and Mississippi United Methodist Katrina Recovery will soon celebrate the completion of the first of three facilities meant to house volunteers and store building materials.
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Zimbabwe United Methodists turn to Social Principles
Facing desperate social conditions, United Methodists in Zimbabwe are looking at the church's Social Principles as an instrument for change in a nation burdened with systemic economic, medical, and political challenges.
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