As usual, I am a "Johnny-come-lately" to the many observations regarding Margaret Aymer's response to the now infamous "Letter to the PCUSA." Many have written well about her main points and the various nuances of her rather remarkable response, so there is little need for me to get too deep into deciphering what she wrote (especially since it is very likely that no one will be reading this anyway). I commend her on her insights and her ability to get a good discussion going, even though I pretty much disagree with her on most everything she said.
There is only one thing that I would like to point out that no one else seems to have noted. According to Ms. Aymer, a major flaw that infects the writers of the "Letter" is their contextual parochialism. They are allowing themselves to be subject to their historical, cultural, and geographical settings, which means they think only within the "northern, US-based, European-American ideals of the 19th century and early 20th century." This, then, causes them to view their concerns and solutions without due attentivenessand considerations for the views of people in the rest of the world, or in other ages and times, especially in the church. The result, says Ms. Aymer, is "...a call back (or forward) to modernist values of separation upon disagreement and radical individualism, and pre-modernist/fundamentalist elevations of all aspects of religion, regardless of changing cultural norms (e.g. slaves obey your masters)." (With language like this, no wonder most of the world considers our intra-church squabbles irrelevant! We are at the least quite unintelligible.)
Okay, so much for that. What is interesting to me is that Ms. Aymer herself employs the same neglect of the views and norms of the rest of the world and ages that she accuses the writers of the "Letter." Most of the church of the past and the present views the Bible as a revelatory book that is inspired by the Holy Spirit, and thus warranting obedience and reverance. She sees this as a outdated idea that should be rejected, but she makes this judgement as a North American 21st century post-modern liberal who is part of a very, very miniscule theologically esoteric "club" in a declining and culturally "out-of-touch" American protestant denomination. She trumps the teachings and views of most Christians of all time and places with her own opinions without providing due justification for doing so.
She mirrors in her own actions the following accusation she makes against the "Letter" writers. Ms. Aymer declares, "What is clear is that their ecclesiology parallels exactly the cultural norms of 21st-century neo-imperialism, neo-colonialism and neo-liberal globalism which purport to bring the Western ideal to the rest of the world without first determining whether that ideal is in fact ideal for (italics hers) the rest of the world or asking what the rest of the world might consider to be ideal." Does she herself follow the rest of the world's views on women's leadership, gay rights, and religious freedom? Does she dare ask the rest of the world what is considered "ideal," especially regarding her own "post-modern liberationist" views? (It seems to me that I hear echos of a Marxist voice in her critique, so that is why I use the term "liberationist.") Of course not. As Christians are more aware than most, the world in its myriad of cultures is still wrong about some important things. Christians of all times and ages have had to contend with a disconnect between obedience to the eternal Word of God and the constantly shifting demands of culture.
Then there is Ms. Aymer's sacred allegiance to the PCUSA as somehow being an entity that embodies all the aspects of the church universal. She audaciously writes, "Instead, with God's help, I will remain in the Presbyterian Church, USA, and with my denomination I will follow the Christ whose followers dwindled from 5000 to zero over the course of three years, yet who calls us still to follow; who has been demonstrated a capable healer of the deathly ill and has revealed himself to be the resurrection and the life." (Of course, whether or not the PCUSA is following Christ is pretty much the question at hand, isn't it?)
What is she talking about here? When did Christ's followers dwindle "from 5000 to zero over the course of three years," and why is this named as her "denomination." I think she is talking about Jesus followers before the Crucifixion, but his followers did not go down to zero ever, and there was a big event called the Resurrection, which enabled the followers of Jesus to explode in numbers throughout the world for over two thousand years! Maybe she missed this because this universal witness of the Church may be more at odds with her views than they are with those she is dismissing with her entertaining sophistry.
THE PCUSA IS NOT THE FULL EMBODIMENT OF THE CHURCH, IT IS ONLY ONE UTILITARIAN STRUCTURAL FORM OF ONE PART OF THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST FOR A CERTAIN TIME IN CERTAIN PLACES FOR CERTAIN PURPOSES, ALL OF WHICH ARE SUBJECT TO THE WORD AND THE SPIRIT, WHO ALONE DETERMINE ITS VALUE AND RELEVANCE IN SERVICE TO JESUS CHRIST.
Anyway, this is my story, and I'm sticking to it.
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Saturday, February 5, 2011
Hope For The Irrelevant
I am perhaps the most irrelevant pastor in a very irrelevant denomination adding more irrelevant comments to the latest emerging "water-cooler" conversation in the ole' PCUSA. (For those of you who have innocently stumbled upon my blog because your search engine has gone berserk, PCUSA is the acronym for a once great protestant denomination called the Presbyterian Church USA.) I haven't been pastoring (or "pestering," as the case may be) a church for awhile, and I sprang for early retired status for no other reason than to meet my monthly mortgage. Most of my preaching and church involvements in the last couple of years have been in non-PCUSA churches, every PCUSA church I've applied to since leaving my last church has decided not to call me (except for one bizarre "twilight zone" case which is grist for another posting), and lately my primary venue for sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ has been to young people and drug addicts (sometimes one in the same). So, my credentials for irrelevancy are quite formidable and beyond question.
Yet, my irrelevance does not dissuade me from being very intrigued and encouraged by the Letter to the PCUSA penned by the "scandalous" all male gathering in "blissful" Scottsdale, Arizona. (Actually, I would think meeting in Scottsdale would be looked upon favorably by the very relevant Robert Kopp of the Kopp Disclosure, as the location has a Harley-Davidson ring to it --- at least it does to me.) The criticism this letter is now receiving is disappointing, although the responses of some groups and persons reveal the ingrained habit they have nurtured in their hearts and minds for being points of contention rather than points of construction.
Yes the early signers are all males, and yes they are mostly well known names, and yes most of them are from big churches. (Would this letter be receiving the same notice if it were formulated by thirty or so male and female small church pastors meeting at the I-70 Inn in Colby, Kansas? I don't think so!) While these are things one can complain about with a good deal of self-righteousness, such complaining only bolsters one's own ego, and does nothing to bridge the conversation with the fruitful exchange of ideas and understandings. As I learned long ago in my marriage, I can press the point when I'm right (a fairly rare occurrence) when arguing with my wife, but winning the argument can make for a less than joyful relationship. Sometimes holding on to a sacred point of correctness can mean missing the opportunity for improving a relationship with love and understanding.
Anyway, about ten years ago when I was more relevant as a PCUSA missionary in Croatia, I had several occasions to work with pastors and congregants from several of the largest and most influential churches in the PCUSA. I don't remember the exact crisis our denomination was facing in 2001 (pre-9/11), but as usual there was something (in all likelihood connected to extolling homosexual conduct and ordination) that was forcing congregations to re-evaluate their place in our constantly contending denomination. It was then I said to several of these pastors that regardless of what controversies the PCUSA faces, nothing will ever really change for the better until most of the bigger churches form an alliance with one another and take the lead in forging a biblically faithful and missionally focused future that the PCUSA official leadership cannot stop with its organisational machinery. This alliance must be clear in its goals, ardently orthodox, passionately missional, trans-denominational in vision, and must be committed to being an umbrella of protection for the smaller churches and less prominent ministers who would follow their lead while being more vulnerable to the heavy handed actions of the liberal presbyteries and the ever vigilant PCUSA bureaucrats.
Of all the congregants in the PCUSA, there are only about 900,000 truly active members (these are my guesstimates based on my research when I was an almost relevant pastor). Of these 900,000 members, over 700,000 are in evangelical and orthodox churches, which virtually makes the PCUSA in its substance and active expressions an evangelical/conservative denomination. However, so little of this reality is ever noted or acknowledged in many of the upper structures of the PCUSA, especially at the General Assembly level.
Therefore, the ideas and sentiments in the Letter to the PCUSA are very hopeful to me. It's a beginning, and I pray that these pastors and others will have the wisdom and resolve to not shrink from the task before them. The journey has begun, and many will follow if those taking the first steps keep their feet from turning into clay. As Mark Brewer of Bel Air Church once told me (yes, I used to talk with Mark Brewer, although I doubt that Mark even remembers me now), "You can't lead if no one is following." A corollary to this is true also, "Don't stop leading when so many are following."
The criticisms being slung (yes, "slung" is the past tense of "sling") at this group of faithful (albeit prestigious) pioneers is mostly out of blindness, ignorance, or just plain demonic spite! In the churches represented on this list of signees are some of most truly diverse, gender affirming (orthodox biblical Christianity truly affirms what it means to be male and female while the liberal humanistic understandings obliterate any true and distinctive affirmation of gender), culturally engaged, missionally innovative, globally involved, socially active, multi-ethnic, youth reaching, and theologically-inclusive (yes, it is possible to be clearly orthodox, evangelical, and Reformed in theology while being open and accepting of other truly catholic theological positions) ministries not only in the PCUSA, but in the whole world-wide church! After all, when Presbyterian churches have their engines biblically tuned, they are the Corvettes of the ecclesiastical world (or the Ferrari's for those of you with a European bent). As the leaders in this journey, all these realities will emerge and be clear distinctives of this ecclesiastical reform.
My prayer is that they just have the guts to keep on going despite the obstacles and the criticisms. After all, the devil does not want a bunch of effective, relevant, God-bearing, heart transforming, society changing, Gospel proclaiming, Christ loving, outcast accepting, Word upheld, Spirit empowered, joyful worshipping Presbyterians to be let loose on this world of deceit and despair. So, with all the dunamis and exousia my one little irrelevant voice can muster, let's get going!
I'm not worth a hoot in effecting these kinds of movements, and no one is going to complain about the unfair advantage my support lends to the Letter to the PCUSA, but I can follow and encourage those who do have the relevance needed to get these things done. After all, in the end it is all about how relevant and effective we are according to the final Arbiter of all relevance and effectiveness, Jesus Christ.
Yet, my irrelevance does not dissuade me from being very intrigued and encouraged by the Letter to the PCUSA penned by the "scandalous" all male gathering in "blissful" Scottsdale, Arizona. (Actually, I would think meeting in Scottsdale would be looked upon favorably by the very relevant Robert Kopp of the Kopp Disclosure, as the location has a Harley-Davidson ring to it --- at least it does to me.) The criticism this letter is now receiving is disappointing, although the responses of some groups and persons reveal the ingrained habit they have nurtured in their hearts and minds for being points of contention rather than points of construction.
Yes the early signers are all males, and yes they are mostly well known names, and yes most of them are from big churches. (Would this letter be receiving the same notice if it were formulated by thirty or so male and female small church pastors meeting at the I-70 Inn in Colby, Kansas? I don't think so!) While these are things one can complain about with a good deal of self-righteousness, such complaining only bolsters one's own ego, and does nothing to bridge the conversation with the fruitful exchange of ideas and understandings. As I learned long ago in my marriage, I can press the point when I'm right (a fairly rare occurrence) when arguing with my wife, but winning the argument can make for a less than joyful relationship. Sometimes holding on to a sacred point of correctness can mean missing the opportunity for improving a relationship with love and understanding.
Anyway, about ten years ago when I was more relevant as a PCUSA missionary in Croatia, I had several occasions to work with pastors and congregants from several of the largest and most influential churches in the PCUSA. I don't remember the exact crisis our denomination was facing in 2001 (pre-9/11), but as usual there was something (in all likelihood connected to extolling homosexual conduct and ordination) that was forcing congregations to re-evaluate their place in our constantly contending denomination. It was then I said to several of these pastors that regardless of what controversies the PCUSA faces, nothing will ever really change for the better until most of the bigger churches form an alliance with one another and take the lead in forging a biblically faithful and missionally focused future that the PCUSA official leadership cannot stop with its organisational machinery. This alliance must be clear in its goals, ardently orthodox, passionately missional, trans-denominational in vision, and must be committed to being an umbrella of protection for the smaller churches and less prominent ministers who would follow their lead while being more vulnerable to the heavy handed actions of the liberal presbyteries and the ever vigilant PCUSA bureaucrats.
Of all the congregants in the PCUSA, there are only about 900,000 truly active members (these are my guesstimates based on my research when I was an almost relevant pastor). Of these 900,000 members, over 700,000 are in evangelical and orthodox churches, which virtually makes the PCUSA in its substance and active expressions an evangelical/conservative denomination. However, so little of this reality is ever noted or acknowledged in many of the upper structures of the PCUSA, especially at the General Assembly level.
Therefore, the ideas and sentiments in the Letter to the PCUSA are very hopeful to me. It's a beginning, and I pray that these pastors and others will have the wisdom and resolve to not shrink from the task before them. The journey has begun, and many will follow if those taking the first steps keep their feet from turning into clay. As Mark Brewer of Bel Air Church once told me (yes, I used to talk with Mark Brewer, although I doubt that Mark even remembers me now), "You can't lead if no one is following." A corollary to this is true also, "Don't stop leading when so many are following."
The criticisms being slung (yes, "slung" is the past tense of "sling") at this group of faithful (albeit prestigious) pioneers is mostly out of blindness, ignorance, or just plain demonic spite! In the churches represented on this list of signees are some of most truly diverse, gender affirming (orthodox biblical Christianity truly affirms what it means to be male and female while the liberal humanistic understandings obliterate any true and distinctive affirmation of gender), culturally engaged, missionally innovative, globally involved, socially active, multi-ethnic, youth reaching, and theologically-inclusive (yes, it is possible to be clearly orthodox, evangelical, and Reformed in theology while being open and accepting of other truly catholic theological positions) ministries not only in the PCUSA, but in the whole world-wide church! After all, when Presbyterian churches have their engines biblically tuned, they are the Corvettes of the ecclesiastical world (or the Ferrari's for those of you with a European bent). As the leaders in this journey, all these realities will emerge and be clear distinctives of this ecclesiastical reform.
My prayer is that they just have the guts to keep on going despite the obstacles and the criticisms. After all, the devil does not want a bunch of effective, relevant, God-bearing, heart transforming, society changing, Gospel proclaiming, Christ loving, outcast accepting, Word upheld, Spirit empowered, joyful worshipping Presbyterians to be let loose on this world of deceit and despair. So, with all the dunamis and exousia my one little irrelevant voice can muster, let's get going!
I'm not worth a hoot in effecting these kinds of movements, and no one is going to complain about the unfair advantage my support lends to the Letter to the PCUSA, but I can follow and encourage those who do have the relevance needed to get these things done. After all, in the end it is all about how relevant and effective we are according to the final Arbiter of all relevance and effectiveness, Jesus Christ.
Monday, January 31, 2011
Sharing Messiah's Work
During worship yesterday it was announced that my good friend, John Dieter, had suddenly and unexpectedly passed away the night before. John was an extraordinary person who had overcome much in his life through his walk with Christ. For those interested in knowing more about his life and work, this is detailed in the book, The Gift Of Encouragement. There are also many video clips posted on YouTube of him speaking at various conferences .
While most of us are satisfied volunteering in the church or even helping in special outreach events, John was compelled by his faith to be a help and comfort for thousands of persecuted Jews throughout the world. His work has been recognized and honored by the governments of Israel and the United States. This work has taken him into very precarious situations in many countries, and he has met with many heads of states in order to promote his mission to assist Jews in their immigrating to Israel.
However, for me there will always be the cherished memories of how passionate John was in praying for and encouraging my family when my son, Seth, was paralyzed in a surgical accident. His "righteous anger" at the surgeons for showing so little care for what they had inflicted upon a ten year old boy was clear and present. Yet, at the same time, he was just as expressive regarding his desire for God to bring healing to Seth, and to use this "accident" in ways that will help Seth grow in Christ and bring glory to God.
I invite any who may read this little note to pray for John Dieter's family, especially his wife who lives in the Ukraine. Pray also for the continuing work of assisting persecuted Jewish persons through out the world.
So long, John. It seems far too early for you to leave us, but we know that even death will not keep you from sharing the Messiah's work.
While most of us are satisfied volunteering in the church or even helping in special outreach events, John was compelled by his faith to be a help and comfort for thousands of persecuted Jews throughout the world. His work has been recognized and honored by the governments of Israel and the United States. This work has taken him into very precarious situations in many countries, and he has met with many heads of states in order to promote his mission to assist Jews in their immigrating to Israel.
However, for me there will always be the cherished memories of how passionate John was in praying for and encouraging my family when my son, Seth, was paralyzed in a surgical accident. His "righteous anger" at the surgeons for showing so little care for what they had inflicted upon a ten year old boy was clear and present. Yet, at the same time, he was just as expressive regarding his desire for God to bring healing to Seth, and to use this "accident" in ways that will help Seth grow in Christ and bring glory to God.
I invite any who may read this little note to pray for John Dieter's family, especially his wife who lives in the Ukraine. Pray also for the continuing work of assisting persecuted Jewish persons through out the world.
So long, John. It seems far too early for you to leave us, but we know that even death will not keep you from sharing the Messiah's work.
Thursday, November 25, 2010
A Thanksgiving Faith
I had prepared for what certainly would have been an incredibly profound and moving (for those who do not know me, I'm kidding) lesson for a Thanksgiving service. However, as is wont to happen in Iowa this time of year, weather intervened and the service was cancelled. Still, let me state the main point of my punditry here as a commemoration of this Thanksgiving Day 2010.
In St. Paul's second letter to the Corinthian Christians, he makes a clear and certain statement that thanksgiving is not just something we do ourselves, but it is the result of our deeds of service to others. In fact, Paul goes so far as to say that it is our "obedience that accompanies" our "confession of the gospel of Christ" that causes others to praise God and give thanks.
In St. Paul's second letter to the Corinthian Christians, he makes a clear and certain statement that thanksgiving is not just something we do ourselves, but it is the result of our deeds of service to others. In fact, Paul goes so far as to say that it is our "obedience that accompanies" our "confession of the gospel of Christ" that causes others to praise God and give thanks.
- This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of the Lord’s people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God. Because of the service by which you have proved yourselves, others will praise God for the obedience that accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity in sharing with them and with everyone else. (II Corinthians 9:12-13)
This is right down the line with what James declares in the canonized sermon that bears his name, "faith without deeds is dead." (James 2:26) Of course, Jesus said it first and best in his Sermon on the Mount, "In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven." (Matthew 5:26)
So on this day of Thanksgiving in which Americans take time to thank God for all the blessings and opportunities bestowed so graciously upon this great nation, it is important for all followers of Jesus to remember that our influence and effect upon our families, our friends, our neighbors, and our country are all based on a faith in Christ that expresses itself in tangible and sacrificial acts of service.
When our faith is a reflection of God's mission to us in Jesus Christ, then we and others can proclaim with St. Paul (in II Corinthians 9:15), "Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!"
So on this day of Thanksgiving in which Americans take time to thank God for all the blessings and opportunities bestowed so graciously upon this great nation, it is important for all followers of Jesus to remember that our influence and effect upon our families, our friends, our neighbors, and our country are all based on a faith in Christ that expresses itself in tangible and sacrificial acts of service.
When our faith is a reflection of God's mission to us in Jesus Christ, then we and others can proclaim with St. Paul (in II Corinthians 9:15), "Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!"
Friday, November 19, 2010
Fire In The Bones
I shocked myself yesterday!
I had interviewed for a job several months ago that I thought I wanted. The job would have demanded a huge amount of time and a commitment that would have effectively kept me from ever serving as a pastor in a church again. It also would have meant a substantial increase in my income, which, of course, is very attractive right now.
Well, after not hearing from the interviewer for many months, and naturally assuming the opportunity was gone, I received a phone call yesterday asking me if I was still interested in this position. This call came a few days after I had been eliminated from consideration for a pastor position at a congregation I deeply desired to serve. It also came at the greatest point of discouragement in my search for a new pastoral call after over two years of seeking. And this came at a time that finances are getting tighter, and family needs are getting greater.
Of course, I would take this position. Right? Well, I shocked myself by immediately saying, "No, I am no longer interested." When I disconnected the phone, I thought, "What did I just do?" Even more mysterious, "Why did I just do what I just did?"
Then it hit me --- I did not want to put myself in a position where I cannot find a new call to serve as a pastor! Despite everything, this call still is strong, even an overwhelming priority. As Jeremiah so graphically paints it (in Jeremiah 20:9):
His word is in my heart like a fire,
a fire shut up in my bones.
I am weary of holding it in;
indeed, I cannot.
This is my call. The "staff is still in my hand." This is what I must seek to do, as long as God so wills. So, my search continues for a congregation with which I can share this "fire."
I had interviewed for a job several months ago that I thought I wanted. The job would have demanded a huge amount of time and a commitment that would have effectively kept me from ever serving as a pastor in a church again. It also would have meant a substantial increase in my income, which, of course, is very attractive right now.
Well, after not hearing from the interviewer for many months, and naturally assuming the opportunity was gone, I received a phone call yesterday asking me if I was still interested in this position. This call came a few days after I had been eliminated from consideration for a pastor position at a congregation I deeply desired to serve. It also came at the greatest point of discouragement in my search for a new pastoral call after over two years of seeking. And this came at a time that finances are getting tighter, and family needs are getting greater.
Of course, I would take this position. Right? Well, I shocked myself by immediately saying, "No, I am no longer interested." When I disconnected the phone, I thought, "What did I just do?" Even more mysterious, "Why did I just do what I just did?"
Then it hit me --- I did not want to put myself in a position where I cannot find a new call to serve as a pastor! Despite everything, this call still is strong, even an overwhelming priority. As Jeremiah so graphically paints it (in Jeremiah 20:9):
His word is in my heart like a fire,
a fire shut up in my bones.
I am weary of holding it in;
indeed, I cannot.
This is my call. The "staff is still in my hand." This is what I must seek to do, as long as God so wills. So, my search continues for a congregation with which I can share this "fire."
Monday, November 15, 2010
Lamenting The PCUSA Search Process
I have never really been a fan of the process used by most churches in the Presbyterian Church USA for selecting new pastors. It is long, generally impersonal, given to mis-impressions, overly analytical, not prayer oriented enough, too secretive, and in the end not very effective. Most congregations are not satisfied with the pastor they have chosen, and most pastors are not particularly thrilled with their congregation. While the 2000 plus ministers seeking a new call partly indicates this, I am very aware that most pastors when they gather without their parishioners present commence to complain about their charges. Rarely in almost 30 years of ministry have I heard a minister speak about their church with fondness and respect. When I have, it has stood out clearly and refreshingly. I resolved years ago to not kvetch about the people I serve, even if there was good justification (as I saw things) for doing so.
Anyway, the PCUSA selection process is geared to the candidate who can present the best appearance in a limited, short-term process --- kind of like going on a date and then deciding whether or not to get married! O yes there are references, which, while helpful, are obviously going to be favorable since they were selected by the candidate. The weekend interview is very illuminating, but only the few on the pastor nominating committee get to meet with the potential new leader of their congregation, and most any minister can muster a pleasant personality and decent sermon for one 2 to 3 day encounter.
Personally, I'm getting tired of the PCUSA selection process. Of course, I've been stuck in these ecclesiastical doldrums for nigh on to 2 years now, so my inability to escape this process has certainly colored my perspective. But after interview after interview, conversation after conversation, phone call after phone call, and being told for the umpteenth time that I was the next choice after the one who was called, I'm ready for a whole new approach to selecting a pastor in the PCUSA. Here are my suggestions for a new approach that I think would make for better matches and more lively ministries. Of course, I know no one will take any of these seriously, but permit me to indulge this cathartic rant.
First, get rid of the matching services of the PCUSA offices in Louisville. Let pastors freely contact pastor nominating committees and pastor nominating committees freely contact pastors --- even those pastors who are not actively seeking another call. Most of the churches I have been matched with are far from what I am seeking and I am usually far from what they are seeking. In fact, I, an ardent biblical conservative who makes my evangelical orientation very clear in my Personal Information Form, have been matched at times with liberal More Light congregations! Let's save the waste of paper when these congregations send out their "Dear Pastor" letters to all the matched candidates who they would never consider in this age or the age to come.
Second, ban phone interviews! They are useless, and no one can really get a read on another person just through listening to a person speak to the air from miles away. All interviews should be face-to-face. Computers make it very easy to set up face-to-face encounters, and if possible, do an interview in person. Give each candidate the opportunity to come and meet the pastor nominating committee in person. Since those who do this would do so at their own expense, the committee would get an idea of how sincere the candidate's interest really is. So what if this gives an advantage to local candidates. It all evens out because it is also far easier for the committee to do more in depth research on a local candidate's ministry and character.
Third, take away the secrecy. Yeah, yeah, yeah, this will create complications for candidates who currently are serving churches. But what is so bad about a minister being open and honest about the possibility that they may be moving on? This can be a great opportunity for a pastor and their church to deal with issues, understand one another better, and maybe even make the need to move unnecessary. And what if it does still happen? At least then the congregation losing a pastor can be more prepared, and will have dealt with the leaving in some fashion directly with the departing pastor, thus lessening the grief issues in the interim period. Genuineness and authenticity among ministers and churches --- what a concept!
Fourth, make the on site interview at least a week long with the involvement of the whole congregation. Have the candidate start the week on Sunday with a sermon, and then meet with people throughout the week in a variety of situations, from question and answer meetings to one-on-one conversations. Make sure the candidate does a teaching series during the week, maybe even a "revival" week. When the next Sunday comes around, do the worship service according to the ideas of the candidate, thus revealing the emphases and preferences this minister would bring to the church if they were called to be the "permanent" pastor.
After this week, the people would have a far more authentic and reliable experience of the style, personality, skills, and character of the candidate. Sure, there may be some disagreement among the people regarding which candidate would be best, but at least the disagreements would be based on a truer and more complete knowledge rather than just illusionary impressions. Plus, this kind of disagreement happens anyway in the present "neutral pulpit" process, except that there isn't any opportunity to process the disagreements in reconciling, maturing ways that increase the spiritual health of the congregation.
Fifth, never ever under any circumstances even begin to entertain the slightest possibility of interviewing a candidate who has not personally shared the Gospel of Jesus Christ with at least 5 people in the last 3 months! And give priority consideration to those who have actually led someone to Christ in these same months! Our PCUSA congregations are literally held back by the ineptitude of pastors who either don't or won't do personal evangelism. If a pastor doesn't share the Gospel on a regular basis, there is no way on God's earth that this same pastor can lead a church in healthy spiritual growth!
And sixth, don't ever continue considering a pastor who doesn't pray with the search team. I don't mean some mealy mouthed recitation of some nice platitudes, but the heartfelt passion that comes from a soul who is in constant and intense communion with God as friend, lover, and sovereign Master! We are talking "deep calling to deep" kind of praying. If a pastor is not a person who "walks with the Lord in the cool of the evening," then they are not the kind of pastor who will be able to walk with a parishioner or a whole congregation in their time of trial. As the prospective pastor prays, the nominating committee members need to ask themselves if this sounds like a professional clergy person who is seeking a hired position, or a loving shepherd who will serve the sheep with a servant's heart!
Well, there it is. I feel a little better. Now, back to preparing for this evening's phone interview....
Anyway, the PCUSA selection process is geared to the candidate who can present the best appearance in a limited, short-term process --- kind of like going on a date and then deciding whether or not to get married! O yes there are references, which, while helpful, are obviously going to be favorable since they were selected by the candidate. The weekend interview is very illuminating, but only the few on the pastor nominating committee get to meet with the potential new leader of their congregation, and most any minister can muster a pleasant personality and decent sermon for one 2 to 3 day encounter.
Personally, I'm getting tired of the PCUSA selection process. Of course, I've been stuck in these ecclesiastical doldrums for nigh on to 2 years now, so my inability to escape this process has certainly colored my perspective. But after interview after interview, conversation after conversation, phone call after phone call, and being told for the umpteenth time that I was the next choice after the one who was called, I'm ready for a whole new approach to selecting a pastor in the PCUSA. Here are my suggestions for a new approach that I think would make for better matches and more lively ministries. Of course, I know no one will take any of these seriously, but permit me to indulge this cathartic rant.
First, get rid of the matching services of the PCUSA offices in Louisville. Let pastors freely contact pastor nominating committees and pastor nominating committees freely contact pastors --- even those pastors who are not actively seeking another call. Most of the churches I have been matched with are far from what I am seeking and I am usually far from what they are seeking. In fact, I, an ardent biblical conservative who makes my evangelical orientation very clear in my Personal Information Form, have been matched at times with liberal More Light congregations! Let's save the waste of paper when these congregations send out their "Dear Pastor" letters to all the matched candidates who they would never consider in this age or the age to come.
Second, ban phone interviews! They are useless, and no one can really get a read on another person just through listening to a person speak to the air from miles away. All interviews should be face-to-face. Computers make it very easy to set up face-to-face encounters, and if possible, do an interview in person. Give each candidate the opportunity to come and meet the pastor nominating committee in person. Since those who do this would do so at their own expense, the committee would get an idea of how sincere the candidate's interest really is. So what if this gives an advantage to local candidates. It all evens out because it is also far easier for the committee to do more in depth research on a local candidate's ministry and character.
Third, take away the secrecy. Yeah, yeah, yeah, this will create complications for candidates who currently are serving churches. But what is so bad about a minister being open and honest about the possibility that they may be moving on? This can be a great opportunity for a pastor and their church to deal with issues, understand one another better, and maybe even make the need to move unnecessary. And what if it does still happen? At least then the congregation losing a pastor can be more prepared, and will have dealt with the leaving in some fashion directly with the departing pastor, thus lessening the grief issues in the interim period. Genuineness and authenticity among ministers and churches --- what a concept!
Fourth, make the on site interview at least a week long with the involvement of the whole congregation. Have the candidate start the week on Sunday with a sermon, and then meet with people throughout the week in a variety of situations, from question and answer meetings to one-on-one conversations. Make sure the candidate does a teaching series during the week, maybe even a "revival" week. When the next Sunday comes around, do the worship service according to the ideas of the candidate, thus revealing the emphases and preferences this minister would bring to the church if they were called to be the "permanent" pastor.
After this week, the people would have a far more authentic and reliable experience of the style, personality, skills, and character of the candidate. Sure, there may be some disagreement among the people regarding which candidate would be best, but at least the disagreements would be based on a truer and more complete knowledge rather than just illusionary impressions. Plus, this kind of disagreement happens anyway in the present "neutral pulpit" process, except that there isn't any opportunity to process the disagreements in reconciling, maturing ways that increase the spiritual health of the congregation.
Fifth, never ever under any circumstances even begin to entertain the slightest possibility of interviewing a candidate who has not personally shared the Gospel of Jesus Christ with at least 5 people in the last 3 months! And give priority consideration to those who have actually led someone to Christ in these same months! Our PCUSA congregations are literally held back by the ineptitude of pastors who either don't or won't do personal evangelism. If a pastor doesn't share the Gospel on a regular basis, there is no way on God's earth that this same pastor can lead a church in healthy spiritual growth!
And sixth, don't ever continue considering a pastor who doesn't pray with the search team. I don't mean some mealy mouthed recitation of some nice platitudes, but the heartfelt passion that comes from a soul who is in constant and intense communion with God as friend, lover, and sovereign Master! We are talking "deep calling to deep" kind of praying. If a pastor is not a person who "walks with the Lord in the cool of the evening," then they are not the kind of pastor who will be able to walk with a parishioner or a whole congregation in their time of trial. As the prospective pastor prays, the nominating committee members need to ask themselves if this sounds like a professional clergy person who is seeking a hired position, or a loving shepherd who will serve the sheep with a servant's heart!
Well, there it is. I feel a little better. Now, back to preparing for this evening's phone interview....
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
God's Politics (abbreviated version)
As we all engage today in that great American privilege of voting, we do so amidst a cacophony of voices that are accusatory and condemning of those who disagree. Sure, this is not the case with every person involved in the American political process, but clearly there is little humility or grace exhibited in the political conversation in our nation this day. With great discredit to the Gospel of Jesus Christ, many in the Christian community are vociferously making their ideology supreme over their theology. Those on the ideological "Right" accuse those on the "Left" of everything from being uncaring to conspiring maliciously to destroy the United States. And there are the incredible attacks those on the "Left" make on the "Right." From vicious ad hominem ridicule (as in the case of Sarah Palin) to attacking conservatives as the "enemy," as our own President Obama did when speaking to a Latino group recently.
Now, I'm not trying to be cute here. I am politically conservative, and I believe in the superiority of capitalism over socialism, and of a free society over a managed society. However, I am also quite aware that I have brothers and sisters in Christ who sympathize and support "left-of-center " political causes and candidates. As I read the Bible, being the simple Kansas farm boy that I am, it seems pretty clear that my relationship as a fellow disciple of Jesus Christ is far above and far more permanent than anything in the political realm. God wants my theology always to trump my ideology! The Apostle Paul drives this truth home in his letter to the Romans (who, appropriate to this discussion, were very much like us Americans in so many ways).
It seems God works with whatever political systems are in play in any society of people. All economic and governmental systems tend toward corruption, since human sinfulness is inherent in all systems no matter how well planned or how well intended. This does not mean that God is (or that we should be) totally neutral about politics and governing institutions. Clearly, occultic racist Nazism and soulless Marxism are to be deplored and fought against, while democratic and egalitarian practices in governing are to be rightly preferred. The more a political system works against the significance and dignity of humans as made in the image of God, the more it is to be opposed. The more a system affirms these basic realities of humans, the more we should embrace it. This is a biblical view that Christians of all cultures, politics, and countries can affirm together.
I will vote today for those candidates that I believe will help the most in keeping the United States a nation of free men and women who can enjoy economic opportunity with the least government interference. Yet, the Christian writer who impresses me as one of the most insightful followers of Jesus Christ I know of is Jacque Ellul, who while espousing an "anarchist approach," was a very passionate and active French socialist. Clearly, there are things in my life that are far more important than who I vote for and what kind of government I want. Quite literally, thank God for that. What a bleak existence it would be if my highest aspirations and most meaningful actions were merely political.
As we exercise our rights today and vote for what we believe are the best candidates for our society and government, I pray that those of us who count ourselves as followers of Jesus Christ will remember who we really are, Who really makes our lives worthwhile, and what kingdom we are really committed to. In so doing, we will be able to see our political adversaries first and foremost as persons who we love and pray for because of Christ and his sacrifice for us all. Hopefully, we can pray with love for those we vote against, and pray with humility for those we vote with. Let the world see something that transcends the fury and ferociousness of human-centered politics. Let the world see a God-centered people, and in wonder see again the work of God described in Acts 4:32, "All the believers were one in heart and mind."
Now, I'm not trying to be cute here. I am politically conservative, and I believe in the superiority of capitalism over socialism, and of a free society over a managed society. However, I am also quite aware that I have brothers and sisters in Christ who sympathize and support "left-of-center " political causes and candidates. As I read the Bible, being the simple Kansas farm boy that I am, it seems pretty clear that my relationship as a fellow disciple of Jesus Christ is far above and far more permanent than anything in the political realm. God wants my theology always to trump my ideology! The Apostle Paul drives this truth home in his letter to the Romans (who, appropriate to this discussion, were very much like us Americans in so many ways).
- If we live, we live for the Lord; and if we die, we die for the Lord. ...You, then, why do you judge your brother or sister? ...For we will all stand before God’s judgment seat. ...Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another. ...For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.... (Romans 14:8a, 10ac, 13a, 17)
It seems God works with whatever political systems are in play in any society of people. All economic and governmental systems tend toward corruption, since human sinfulness is inherent in all systems no matter how well planned or how well intended. This does not mean that God is (or that we should be) totally neutral about politics and governing institutions. Clearly, occultic racist Nazism and soulless Marxism are to be deplored and fought against, while democratic and egalitarian practices in governing are to be rightly preferred. The more a political system works against the significance and dignity of humans as made in the image of God, the more it is to be opposed. The more a system affirms these basic realities of humans, the more we should embrace it. This is a biblical view that Christians of all cultures, politics, and countries can affirm together.
I will vote today for those candidates that I believe will help the most in keeping the United States a nation of free men and women who can enjoy economic opportunity with the least government interference. Yet, the Christian writer who impresses me as one of the most insightful followers of Jesus Christ I know of is Jacque Ellul, who while espousing an "anarchist approach," was a very passionate and active French socialist. Clearly, there are things in my life that are far more important than who I vote for and what kind of government I want. Quite literally, thank God for that. What a bleak existence it would be if my highest aspirations and most meaningful actions were merely political.
As we exercise our rights today and vote for what we believe are the best candidates for our society and government, I pray that those of us who count ourselves as followers of Jesus Christ will remember who we really are, Who really makes our lives worthwhile, and what kingdom we are really committed to. In so doing, we will be able to see our political adversaries first and foremost as persons who we love and pray for because of Christ and his sacrifice for us all. Hopefully, we can pray with love for those we vote against, and pray with humility for those we vote with. Let the world see something that transcends the fury and ferociousness of human-centered politics. Let the world see a God-centered people, and in wonder see again the work of God described in Acts 4:32, "All the believers were one in heart and mind."
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