Rebecca Hall

We do have a liturgist who creates the liturgy and then as part of a worship team leads the congregation in worship.  This system was already in place and a well oiled machine when I began ministry here, three years ago.  I find it a great help in the formation of the worship service.  I find the nuances that the liturgist brings out amplifies some of my points in the sermon, and vice versa.  The liturgist's perspective sometimes helps me find the key problem or grace that my sermon needs to share. On the flip side, I miss being able to formulate my own liturgies and lead the different parts of the service.  I am trying to discern whether this is a legitimate reservation, or just my pride getting in the way of sharing this role.

Training liturgists is an act of fellowship and discipleship as well.  I am called out of my study to community and discipling others.  For example, sometimes I need to remind them to use Scripture, not just summaries of Scripture.  Sometimes we reflect on how to lead in worship through our facial expression and tone of voice, that we are worshipful (even if not a giddy happiness).  This all takes time, but I find it is worth it.  As my worship professor, John Witvileit, was wont to say, "Wise is the congregation [fill in the blank]." So in his honor, I would say, "Wise is the congregation that continues to do the hard work of communal preparation and leading of worship, knowing that discipleship is worth the effort."

Those are my reflections!

Thank you, Susan, for this admonition to keep learning.  For me, I feel compelled to continuing learning to see and to point out the work of the Spirit and attest to the power of God to propel us.  May we speak true and hope-filled words that point people to Christ.

Your Sister in Faith,

Rebecca Hall

Jesus said, "Whoever is not against us, is for us."  I think this is a great opportunity for us—not to live in fear or retribution, but to see the campaign as a jumping off point for a conversation about Jesus, the world and each person's need for God.  If there is hollow theology in places, that is an opportunity to fill someone in with truth (graciously)!  

While looking at the "He Gets Us" website and ad "Jesus didn't want us to act like adults", I was was concerned at first about the assumption that "child-like" means innocence, but that is the assumpted starting place of many in our culture.  The article went on to distinguish between the childish or "selfish" quality and the child-like qualities of "receptivity" and "humility" to which we are called to imitate Christ Jesus.

May we have the wisdom to use the cultural icons and even idols with cunning and winsome attention to people where they are at, so that Christ can meet them there!

Thank you for this reminder of the work of prayer.  Your article reminds me that the old name "prayer warrior" shows what an important role prayer plays in declaring God's victory.  God receives glory from our confession, "We prayed for this to happen, and God did it!"  May we declare the glory of God through our prayers!

This is great!  I love your blog.  I was on Resonate Global's website looking for resources to teach my children to pray for global missions and wound up here.  Thank you.  Do you have any reflections on particularly cultivating missional prayer in/with children?

Rebecca Hall

Mom and Calvin Seminary Student, MDiv '22 (Lord willing!)

Dear Norm,

Yes, this is an insightful reality to which I can relate.  In seminary, I am becoming more attuned to the "pastoral identity" to which I am called, but for me also, it is my children, those who know me best, that identify my weaknesses and insecurities.  Thank you for the reminder that hearing God's call to "detachment" from other's opinions is important. 

It strikes me that hearing from their perspective is also important, even a gift.  I might find even better ways of connecting that don't let the "pastor" identity get in the way of really communicating.

Rebecca Hall

Calvin Seminary, MDiv '22 (Lord willing)

Amy L. Sherman's Kingdom Calling: Vocational Stewardship for the Common Good [A beautiful work describing the way God desires us to focus all our activities on being the tzadekim "righteous rulers" of God's Kingdom.  My colleague, Chad and I are reading in preparation for our fall series "Work And"]

Also, loving reading aloud with the family C.S. Lewis' space trilogy.  Right now we're in Perelandra, Lewis' exploration of a world without sin.  I am continually blown away by his ability to put theology in a picture.  Explores obedience based on loving the good and the need for a place to exercise obedience apart from our self-serving desire—very powerful.