Church Priorities, Church Future

For those who do not know me, I grew up Presbyterian USA. My wife, Sharon, grew up United Methodist. In God’s good humor, He brought us together to be husband and wife. Although we have very different experiences growing up, we are both very passionate about following Christ and furthering His Kingdom. Upon returning from a long ‘working vacation’ last week, Sharon showed me a newsletter from our church. She wasn’t happy with it, but wanted me to read it before talking with me about how she felt. I read it and, the more I contemplated what was written, the more uncomfortable I felt.

Here’s a quick background… The Syracuse United Methodist Church was founded over a hundred years ago and has been a significant part of Syracuse, NE, throughout the years. According to some articles that I looked up (the main one being here), the current building was dedicated in 1911. However, this was not the original building. But, on January 5th, 2014, a fire essentially destroyed the whole church. Since then, the congregation has been meeting at a different location in Syracuse.

It has been a long and difficult time since then for all involved. Many things have been discussed during that time. The members of the congregation have been going through a very wide range of emotions, especially of anger, fear of the future, loss, etc. My wife, who is on the one of the committees, has been keeping me up to date on what is going on with the church. I am definitely very thankful for this. We have both been very invested in this congregation for many years. I have been a substitute preacher there and taught an adult Sunday School class as my schedule has allowed. Sharon has been a youth group leader for several years and has helped out in many other ways.

Throughout the last few months, my wife and I have been sharing our perspectives on the church’s future. Our greatest concern has been what our focus is to be, and how we were going to live out Christ’s Great Commission. Although having a church building to gather together in is nice, Sharon and I both agree that it isn’t essential. What is more important is why we are gathering together and what our intentions towards the community is. But, more on this in a moment…

The newsletter had an insert alerting the reader to an upcoming church meeting next month. During the meeting, we will be discussing a potential future of the church. Part of it reads, “We are the CHURCH. We need a permanent home. We need to unite and work together to accomplish our goal ~ to see our new church rise from the ashes!!” After reading this article, a song came to mind (from here):

I am the church! You are the church!
We are the church together!
All who follow Jesus,
all around the world!
Yes, we're the church together!

1. The church is not a building;
the church is not a steeple;
the church is not a resting place;
the church is a people.

A Bible passage also came to my mind, Jesus’ Great Commission to His Disciples. Matthew 28:18-20 (NKJV) says: “And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." Amen.” Here we have three commands. They are ‘to go,’ ‘make disciples,’ and ‘to baptize.’ The one that I am to focus on here, though, is ‘to make disciples.’

A ‘disciple’ is essentially someone who is learning from someone else. That is, a student learning from someone more experienced. In a nutshell, a disciple is someone who is being mentored by someone else. In the Christian context, a disciple is someone who is being educated about the Christian faith so that he or she can nurture and grow in their relationship with Christ. This is really an ongoing process that all Christians should be doing. When one becomes a believer in Christ as one’s Lord and Savior, that person has now been adopted by God and has become a disciple (or learner) of Christ. As a person grows in their relationship with Christ, he or she is expected by God to disciple or mentor others.

Years ago I bought a CD, “Promise Keeprs: A Life That Shows.” On it is an awesome song by Michael Card called, “Bearers of the Light.” To my astonishment, I could not find the lyrics listed on the Internet to share with you. But, in a nutshell, Michael Card writes that all people should have three types of Christian friends, a ‘Paul,’ a ‘Barnabas,’ and a ‘Timothy.’ The ‘Paul’ is a person of a more mature relationship in Christ that helps (and challenges) you to grow in yours. The ‘Barnabas’ is essentially a person who is of similar maturity that you walk with, mutually encourage each other, and share life experiences. That is, a ‘best friend’ in Christ. The ‘Timothy’ is someone of a less mature relationship with Christ that you mentor.

I very strongly believe that our primary purpose as the Body of Christ is to develop and train new believers/followers of Christ. This, as per the Great Commission, is to be our vision and goal. All other things are to be in support of this.

I have attended many different churches over the years in many different places. I have worshipped God during vesper services outdoors during a youth church camp, in a church in Europe dating to before we settle in America, to an outdoor Chapel service while deployed to Iraq. Some of these experiences left me feeling spiritually dry and unfulfilled. While others filled me with a sense of awe for Who God is and what He is doing in the lives of others. But, over all, these experiences have helped me to learn that it’s not ‘where’ one worships, but how one worships. That is, the type of building and location is not the important part. What is most important is the how we worship God. And, I firmly believe, that part of how we worship God in our day-to-day lives is how we live out the Great Commission. In following Christ’s charge (as quoted above), we are enlarging and strengthening the Body of Christ for future generations. Is this a priority for you?

Russia's Adoption Ban

(Author's note: I started this article over a year ago. I am just now finishing it up...)

I had heard about Putin's signing of the new anti-adoption ban. As I've been contemplating it the last few days, I heard another article on the local news. A Nebraska family was in the final stages adopting a child from Russia when Putin signed the law into effect. Now, the family is in limbo with the adoption process. A big question is, will Putin honor a treaty that states, according to the news article, that people trying to adopt a child from Russia be given at least a years notice to changes. You can read the article here. This hits close to home for my wife and myself, for several reasons. First and foremost, because we are wanting to adopt at least one child in the future. This stems out of our biblical understanding and personal experiences. Biblically, we read that we are adopted by God through Christ. Because of our sinful nature, we are separated from a holy and just God. But, because of His great love for US, this same holy and just God also provide a way for US to be redeemed and have a personal relationship with Him.

(From 30JUL2014)

Today, while going through draft blog posts, I found this one on adoption. I did a quick web search and found this article here. This appears to be the most recent article on this particular topic, according to Google search. Being adopted myself, this is a very personal issue. I would not be where I am today if I had not been adopted as a small child. Because of the environment that I grew up in and upbringing that I had, I am the mature adult today. From what I had learned about my biological family, things would have been drastically different had I grown up with them.

If one does a search on the Internet concerning adoption, there are many, many sites that they can look up. Three that I have bookmarked are: Adopt Us Kids, Bethany, and Nebraska DHHS Adoption page. If a person does a Web search, he or she will find a plethora of sites that one can look through concerning children available for adoption, local requirements, the process itself, etc.

Believe it or not, adoption is a significant concept in the Bible. Using Biblestudytools.com, I did a word search for 'adoption' in the New King James Version. I came up with three hits for Romans (8:15, 8:23, and 9:4), one for Galatians (4:5) and Ephesians (1:5). I will use the Romans 8 passage (here) for my example here. The Letter to the Church in Rome (Romans) is a letter that Paul wrote, having not ever been there. Because of this, he wrote a long letter to explain the Christian faith. Having explained how, because of the rebellion of Adam and Eve, we are all cursed with a sinful nature. But, although we were now in rebellion against God (His enemies), out of His love, God provided a way for us to be reconciled. Having been born into sin and having a sinful nature, we would have to be 'born again' (see John 3) in order to become children of God. And, through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus, we have that possibility. This spiritual rebirth also meant being adopted by God. One theological dictionary (Baker's Evangelical Dictionary of Biblical Theology) further defines adoption, if you would like to read it.

Just as God chose the Hebrew people to be his heirs and witness to the world, so those who are adopted by God through Jesus Christ become heirs of His Kingdom and ambassadors for Him to the world. To my wife and myself, one way to imitate Christ is to bring someone out of a life of difficulty, loss, etc., and into a new life for of opportunities and experiences that they would not have had in the previous life. Or by bringing them into a life of stability and love that they may have not known otherwise.

I know that there are many stories out there where a child or group of children were adopted, at least on the outside, by a loving family. However, over time, it became apparent that the family adopting the child(ren) had ulterior motives for doing so. Instead of having a new life filled with love and new possibilities, they experienced even more pain, betrayal, etc. However, there are many, many stories out there that tell a different story. A story of a child(ren) taken out of a painful situation and placed into a new one where they not only lived, but were able to thrive and become loving adults who could contribute well to society around them.

Some people adopt because they cannot have children biologically. Others adopt because they want to have a bigger family. Or, they choose to adopted because they want to give a child(ren) who have little hope for a good future a chance to experience hope, love, and a stable life. Some countries have a large pool of people willing to adopt other children. Unfortunately, many countries do not have this. So, people in other countries open their lives and hearts to children from other countries.

For a country like Russia to shut its doors to families of other nations, especially when there are many, many children who need to be adopted, is extremely saddening. Those in power have decided to further abuse those who have little or no hope by preventing them from having a chance. Should they not seek to take care of the widow, the orphan, the stranger, etc., even if it means letting someone from another country do so? I know that God condemned Israel on many occasions for not taking care of such people. Paul and other Apostles challenged the young Church to take care of those who could not take care of themselves. Should we not also do likewise?!

Pentecost

(Author's Note: I started this blog entry over a year ago, but didn't finish editing it until recently.)

I get a regular E-mail commentary from the seminary that I graduated from written by the president.  Some of the commentaries have been interesting and informative.  But, one of the most recent commentaries upset me.  It was about Pentecost and can be read here.  In summary, Michael Jinkins said the main theme of Pentecost was the importance of listening and being understood.  While listening and understanding is always important, it was only part of what Pentecost is all about.

Originally, Pentecost was a Jewish harvest festival, also called the Festival of Weeks.  It was celebrated 50 days after Passover, the celebration of being set free from slavery in Egypt.  It celebrated a time of harvest and when it is believed that Moses received the Ten Commandments.  People would bring their first fruits to the Temple as part of their requirements (see this link on the Festival of Weeks as a basic guide).  Because of all this, many people would be in Jerusalem from all of the known world. That would also mean many people would have another language other than Hebrew or Aramaic as their native tongue.

Also, it is important to know that in the Old Testament, the Holy Spirit (or Spirit of God) would come and rest on a select few. For example, David, some of the Judges, prophets, etc. Though God would listen to people when they prayed, God's Spirit did not dwell in the average person. According to Joel 2:28-32, this is something that would change in the future.

In Acts 1:1-8, Jesus told His Disciples to wait in Jerusalem for the promised Holy Spirit. So, they waited in the Upper Room, in Jerusalem, as per Jesus' instructions. While they were waiting, the Festival of Weeks arrived, which also meant many, many Jews came into Jerusalem from all over the known world. They came to celebrate the harvest, bring in their first fruits, as per Mosaic Law, and celebrate God giving Moses the Ten Commandments. Of course, celebrations like this would include drinking of wine and similar beverages.

Since things happened at about the third hour (the day started at 6 AM, so it would be about 9 AM), the celebrations were just starting. Think about it for a moment.... You are one of tens of thousands of people visiting a major city, with people from all over the world. You're there getting ready to celebrate the bounty of your harvest with many other fellow believers, when you hear what sounds like the roaring of the wind. As you and many others investigate the cause of this very odd sound, a small group of people appear and start talking. You can tell by their clothes and accents that they are probably Galileans and simple people. Even though knowing more than one language is not too uncommon, you soon realize that everyone around you is understanding what they are saying. And you realize that there are many, many nationalities that are around you. And, each of these different groups have a different mother language. It's such an incredible situation that you, and those around you, strain to hear what is being said.

Many, many people from all over the known world are hearing this 'Good News' about Jesus in their native tongue. They become riveted on these common people who are proclaiming this incredible message. God, in His infinite wisdom and timing, waited until such a huge gathering was present to create the 'Birth of the Church.' And, God used an incredible miracle of people speaking in other languages to get people's attention. This was such an incredible miracle, but not the only thing that happened.

What also happened was the birth of the Church. Scripture testifies that at least 3,000 people became followers of Christ that day alone (Acts 2:41). Is that not incredible?! And, this was only the beginning!

People can only learn about Christ when those of us who are followers tell them the Good News. Not just hear, but understand what we are saying. Communication is, of course, always important. There are jobs, like the military and law enforcement, where very clear communication is essential to survival. For something that has eternal consequences, like having a personal relationship with Christ, clear communication is just as crucial. And, that is part of the story of Pentecost. God used a miraculous situation of the Disciples speaking in languages that they had not learned, so that many, many other people could hear and respond. But, that is only part of the story.

The other part is birth of the Church (all believers who follow Christ). This is when God started putting His Spirit (the Holy Spirit) within the hearts of believers. Though the New Covenant started with Jesus' death and resurrection, Pentecost was when the Disciples first started sharing the Gospel with others, and others responded and believed. Pentecost is not just about communication. It's about God giving His Spirit to all who would trust Jesus (the Word of God made flesh, John 1:14) as their Lord and Savior. This was God's New Covenant with us. Though miraculous communication helped get things started, and is always important, Pentecost is the celebration of this New Covenant (the birth of the Church).

RC

Grow Where You are Planted

It has been quite a long time since I posted anything on my blog. On many occasions, I have thought about posting something. This has been because of other priorities, not writing my ideas down at the time and then forgetting them, or for other reasons. Having a full-time job (with occasional or regular overtime), my National Guard duties, wife and two kids, etc., free time is a premium.

I cannot remember if I have mentioned what I do for a living. My full-time job is with the Nebraska Department of Corrections as Custody Staff (current rank is Corporal). With the Nebraska National Guard, I am a 31B (Military Police officer). I am a qualified Traffic Accident Investigator, though I have not done much with that training. Last year, I also completed a 31E reclass school for Military Police Corrections. For those who did not know, that is where the 'Law' aspect of my blog comes into play. Believe it or not, State Corrections is a branch of Law Enforcement. In fact, there are three branches. You have the regular Law Enforcement (local police, sheriff, State Patrol, etc.), the Judicial Branch (the Court system) and you have Corrections. The first apprehends or arrests people accused of breaking laws, the second tries them (guilty or not guilty), and the third deals with their incarceration.

The 'Grace' aspect of this blog comes from the fact that I have studied theology at Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary and have a Masters of Divinity (M. Div.). Although I have all the theological training to be a minister and a lot of pastoral experience (both paid and unpaid), I am not ordained.

This makes for an interesting situation for me. A quandary of sorts… My background is theology and ministry. In fact, that is what comes most naturally to me. I am most Spiritually Gifted in Teaching, Evangelizing, and Pastoring. I love teaching, either in a classroom setting or from the pulpit. However, those primary Gifts are not the focal point of my current employment as a Corrections Professional and a MP with the Nebraska Army National Guard. Both jobs are ones that I can do will and can get some fulfillment from. However, it is not what comes most naturally to me. And, sometimes, it is very difficult for me to do. My work at the prison is very stressful at times. And, quite honestly, I have often wrestled with God concerning why I am He has not called me to full-time ministry. When I felt God’s calling to ministry while at Centre College in 1994, the impression that I had at the time was that God was calling me to full-time ministry. That is definitely not the case here!

To be honest, there have been times where I have been very angry with God concerning my current employment. My work, as I already mention, is sometimes very, very stressful. And, since it is not work that totally comes naturally to me (I often feel like a square peg in a round hole), that makes it even more stressful, draining, and frustrating. And, on top of all this, several people have said, “Grow where you are planted.” Yeah… That has felt like salt in the wound on many occasions.

But, in the last few years, it seems that God has given me glimpses of what He might have planned for me as far as ministry goes. And, it seems that it may, as a matter of fact, not be ‘traditional ministry.’ That is, not in a church setting. Currently, I am a Religious Coordinator Assistant at TSCI. That is, my job is to fill in the Religious Coordinator position when he/she is not there. Although I have not filled this role very often, I have found that it comes to me very naturally. Because my work is more of a facilitator then chaplain, it is not the same kind of work that I have trained to do. But, I still get a lot of fulfillment from it, it comes to me easily, and I do enjoy the work that I do. Unfortunately, I just don’t get to do it very often.

I am seeking ordination in the Evangelical Covenant Order of Presbyterians (eco-pres.org). This ecclesiastical endorsement would fulfill the basic requirements for becoming a Religious Coordinator with the Nebraska Department of Corrections and a Chaplain with the Nebraska Army National Guard. I have already started the process. However, things are really going slow. And, yes, that is very frustrating to me.

And, even though the phrase, ‘grow where you are planted’ still feels like salt in the wound. It is not quite as much so. That is because I am better seeing how my previous experiences and training would better open doors for ministry in a prison setting and in the military. I still often feel frustrated where I am and wish that I had a different job. But, as I focus more on fulfilling the work that God wants me to do right now, it becomes somewhat easier to handle.

Perhaps God’s plan, overall, was fulltime ministry. It wasn’t going to be immediately after leaving seminary like I originally was expecting. And, quite honestly, was hoping. And, it turns out, that though I can do church ministry well, that seems to not be where God will eventually call me. Though I could be wrong, it seems that God is seeking to use me in a fulltime ministry with prisoners. At least, that is where it appears to be pointing to at this time.

One of the things I have had to repeatedly learn is that our plans or often not what God plans for us. It is often very difficult, even painful, when our expectations and dreams do not become a reality because God has something else in store for us. But, I am slowly (and, I admit, stubbornly) learning that God knows what is best for me. And, though where I am currently planted may not be where I am at 5 years for now, God still wants to do things through me, where I am at. As I have slowly accepted this, I have seen God better work through me and touch the lives of others. Even at TSCI, I have more clearly seen God at work through me and impact those around me. It’s still painful and difficult at times working there, and I still feel more like a fish out of water than a fox in its den. But, perhaps God still has things to prepare for me (and where He is calling me) that require me to be where I am at right now. At least, after much prayer, meditating on Scripture, etc., that is the comfort that I have. The Lord only knows, though. God only knows.

RC