Edward, I don't know how you managed to do it, but you were able to make service and engagement in the local church a political issue. Congratulations. That took some skill. That said, if your personal political POV or the perceived political POV of the greater denomination keeps you from participating in your local church (e.g. serving at a local food pantry, participating in a Bible study, or showing up for a night of fellowship of your church), I think there are bigger issues with which one needs to wrestle. Turn off the t.v. and radio and serve someone. One of the forms of the CRC's profession of faith asks, "Do you promise to do all you can, with the help of the Holy Spirit, to strengthen your love and commitment to Christ by sharing faithfully in the life of the church, honoring and submitting to its authority; and do you join with the people of God in doing the work of the Lord everywhere?" One does not have to claim one political affiliation or another to promise this. Louis is calling us as individuals within a local congregation to do our part. If your politics trumps your ability to keep that promise, I would once again say that there are greater issues at hand. As others have said, we need to look at ways we can engage people when the traditional methods (i.e. day Bible study for women) do not work. Bottom line. Join your church at work and serve.
Thanks for replying. I guess you sense you struck a nerve with me. It is encouraging and affirming to hear about your activity in your local church and community. I apologize by calling that into question.
As far as your opinions and choices related to global warming, climate change, or whatever term is fashionable these days, I mourn that care for the earth has been so politicized. Personally, I don't spend a lot of time worrying about Al Gore. I don't know what else to say other than that I will continue to try to be a good steward of the energy I use, recycle, and whatever else I can do to show respect for the gift of God's Creation. I hope that this is not political. I am simply trying to live out in my small part the responsibility given by God to Adam and Eve in the Garden.
As far as submitting to the authority of the church and discipline, I am thankful that you are engaging in the work of the local church. That was my point when I first responded. It seemed that this is what Lou was calling us to do, and it was my impression that you "thread-jacked" his post to take a crack at the faults that you perceive with some of the statements given and activity taken by our denomination in relation to the climate.
I have a lot of sympathy with your final paragraph. If we focused on our love for Lord we would all be better-individually and as a denomination. The struggle is that regardless of the position the denomination takes on one issue or another, there will always be a portion of people who call that position a stumbling block. So, seriously, and not facetiously, I say, "Lord, have mercy. Lord, come quickly."
You'll be alright. There will always be people who you feel you have to push or pull rather than lead. Keep your integrity, so that when people don't "like" what you are doing, they can't fault your intention or what you are calling them to be. Basically most people speak most loudly when they are afraid. Angry voices often are scared voices.
I think the healthiest thing to do whenever I've received a stinging comment or criticism is wait. There have been times when someone has made me angry or hurt me with their words. My best response to them has been no immediate response. Take some time and walk away from the person so that you can take what they said and see if there is anything in what they said that perhaps you need to listen to. It also gives you the opportunity to ask yourself, "What is really going on here with that comment? What makes that person give me such a criticism or complaint?
Secondly, I surround myself with people from inside and outside the church whom I trust. Those people don't always layer me with compliments, but they give me their honest feedback. Most importantly, they want to see me succeed, not fail. So any criticism is done with a desire to see me thrive and do well in ministry.
It all looks so easy typed up on a screen, but its much harder to pull off when you are living it.
That's why I love the saying, "God hits straight with a crooked stick."
I appreciate the post. While I have not followed the lectionary through an entire liturgical year, I have found it particularly helpful during the seasons of Advent and Lent. The collection of texts: OT, Psalm, Gospel, and Epistle follows the moves weaves together the texts that lead us from God's promise to the Incarnation, from ministry in Galillee to the empty tomb on Resurrection Sunday.
What I have particularly appreciated about the lectionary is that it is a faithful guide to lead preacher and congregation through the major themes of God's salvation plan.
I point the finger at myself as I share that the lectionary also keeps me from what I perceive to be the tempation of putting together the gimmick sermon series all done with the intent of keeping things "fresh." As one parishoner shared with me during this past Christmas season, "Sometimes we forget, but it is is the 'old, old story' that we need to hear. Everything else is tinsel and ornaments. It's nice for a while, but after a few weeks, we put it back in a box and forget about it for another year."
While I am glad that I am not bound to the lectionary as some other religious traditions might be, I am thankful that I have the lectionary as a resource to enrich my preaching.
Call your regional BOT representative. I did, and it was helpful.
While staying within the boundaries of confidentiality and the separation agreement that was made with the EDM and the BOT, my representative was able to fill in enough blanks that I think I understand the situation.
I am not saying that I agree with everything, but I think I do understand some of what happened.
I think the article by DeMoor/Postma outlined the main issues well and informs this particular situation. The current model of organization at the denominational level isn't working well. As the article points out, it never really has.
Reading between the lines, this is my informal evaluation of what I think happened: There is a turf war between the ministry offices at 2850. One of the responsibilities of the EDM is to mediate/facilitate so that they all play nice. It was perceived that the EDM took sides. The atmosphere was growing more and more toxic there, so the BOT decided that something needed to change. The EDM was the one to take the fall.
There were no moral or ethical issues involved. It was the BOT determining that the EDM was providing leadership that was detrimental to the long term health of the organization/denomination. It was judgment call. We are free to agree or disagree.
I have commented previously on my opinion or read on what happened with the changes in our leadership, but I have never questioned the integrity of the BOT. Even though I had concerns, I suspected nothing underhanded.
I think Matthew 18 is in effect as well. For those who are quick to chime in their conspiracy theories or cynical message board comments, they need to think seriously about giving their regional BOT representative a call and speak to them directly rather than question their integrity without giving them a chance to respond or answer questions.
I have spoken with my local BOT representative as well as other members of the BOT at Synod, and I am pleased and have trust that they are doing their level best to lead our denomination and its offices with integrity. We might not always agree with their decisions--and agreement is not mandatory; we CAN disagree--but we should give respect.
As members of the CRC, our level of dialogue, while sometimes informal, should be raised to higher level than what we wiitness from many message boards and online editorials.
Posted in: Activating the Inactive
Edward, I don't know how you managed to do it, but you were able to make service and engagement in the local church a political issue. Congratulations. That took some skill. That said, if your personal political POV or the perceived political POV of the greater denomination keeps you from participating in your local church (e.g. serving at a local food pantry, participating in a Bible study, or showing up for a night of fellowship of your church), I think there are bigger issues with which one needs to wrestle. Turn off the t.v. and radio and serve someone. One of the forms of the CRC's profession of faith asks, "Do you promise to do all you can, with the help of the Holy Spirit, to strengthen your love and commitment to Christ by sharing faithfully in the life of the church, honoring and submitting to its authority; and do you join with the people of God in doing the work of the Lord everywhere?" One does not have to claim one political affiliation or another to promise this. Louis is calling us as individuals within a local congregation to do our part. If your politics trumps your ability to keep that promise, I would once again say that there are greater issues at hand. As others have said, we need to look at ways we can engage people when the traditional methods (i.e. day Bible study for women) do not work. Bottom line. Join your church at work and serve.
Posted in: Activating the Inactive
Ed,
Thanks for replying. I guess you sense you struck a nerve with me. It is encouraging and affirming to hear about your activity in your local church and community. I apologize by calling that into question.
As far as your opinions and choices related to global warming, climate change, or whatever term is fashionable these days, I mourn that care for the earth has been so politicized. Personally, I don't spend a lot of time worrying about Al Gore. I don't know what else to say other than that I will continue to try to be a good steward of the energy I use, recycle, and whatever else I can do to show respect for the gift of God's Creation. I hope that this is not political. I am simply trying to live out in my small part the responsibility given by God to Adam and Eve in the Garden.
As far as submitting to the authority of the church and discipline, I am thankful that you are engaging in the work of the local church. That was my point when I first responded. It seemed that this is what Lou was calling us to do, and it was my impression that you "thread-jacked" his post to take a crack at the faults that you perceive with some of the statements given and activity taken by our denomination in relation to the climate.
I have a lot of sympathy with your final paragraph. If we focused on our love for Lord we would all be better-individually and as a denomination. The struggle is that regardless of the position the denomination takes on one issue or another, there will always be a portion of people who call that position a stumbling block. So, seriously, and not facetiously, I say, "Lord, have mercy. Lord, come quickly."
Regards, and grace and peace.
Posted in: Matt 18:15
Brian,
You'll be alright. There will always be people who you feel you have to push or pull rather than lead. Keep your integrity, so that when people don't "like" what you are doing, they can't fault your intention or what you are calling them to be. Basically most people speak most loudly when they are afraid. Angry voices often are scared voices.
TZ
P.S. I'm looking for free stuff too..... ;-)
Posted in: Matt 18:15
Brian,
I think the healthiest thing to do whenever I've received a stinging comment or criticism is wait. There have been times when someone has made me angry or hurt me with their words. My best response to them has been no immediate response. Take some time and walk away from the person so that you can take what they said and see if there is anything in what they said that perhaps you need to listen to. It also gives you the opportunity to ask yourself, "What is really going on here with that comment? What makes that person give me such a criticism or complaint?
Secondly, I surround myself with people from inside and outside the church whom I trust. Those people don't always layer me with compliments, but they give me their honest feedback. Most importantly, they want to see me succeed, not fail. So any criticism is done with a desire to see me thrive and do well in ministry.
It all looks so easy typed up on a screen, but its much harder to pull off when you are living it.
That's why I love the saying, "God hits straight with a crooked stick."
Take care,
TZ
Posted in: “Something Other Than the Lectionary”
Jim,
I appreciate the post. While I have not followed the lectionary through an entire liturgical year, I have found it particularly helpful during the seasons of Advent and Lent. The collection of texts: OT, Psalm, Gospel, and Epistle follows the moves weaves together the texts that lead us from God's promise to the Incarnation, from ministry in Galillee to the empty tomb on Resurrection Sunday.
What I have particularly appreciated about the lectionary is that it is a faithful guide to lead preacher and congregation through the major themes of God's salvation plan.
I point the finger at myself as I share that the lectionary also keeps me from what I perceive to be the tempation of putting together the gimmick sermon series all done with the intent of keeping things "fresh." As one parishoner shared with me during this past Christmas season, "Sometimes we forget, but it is is the 'old, old story' that we need to hear. Everything else is tinsel and ornaments. It's nice for a while, but after a few weeks, we put it back in a box and forget about it for another year."
While I am glad that I am not bound to the lectionary as some other religious traditions might be, I am thankful that I have the lectionary as a resource to enrich my preaching.
Posted in: The 'Resignation' of Our Executive Director
Call your regional BOT representative. I did, and it was helpful.
While staying within the boundaries of confidentiality and the separation agreement that was made with the EDM and the BOT, my representative was able to fill in enough blanks that I think I understand the situation.
I am not saying that I agree with everything, but I think I do understand some of what happened.
I think the article by DeMoor/Postma outlined the main issues well and informs this particular situation. The current model of organization at the denominational level isn't working well. As the article points out, it never really has.
Reading between the lines, this is my informal evaluation of what I think happened: There is a turf war between the ministry offices at 2850. One of the responsibilities of the EDM is to mediate/facilitate so that they all play nice. It was perceived that the EDM took sides. The atmosphere was growing more and more toxic there, so the BOT decided that something needed to change. The EDM was the one to take the fall.
There were no moral or ethical issues involved. It was the BOT determining that the EDM was providing leadership that was detrimental to the long term health of the organization/denomination. It was judgment call. We are free to agree or disagree.
Posted in: Our Attitudes Toward Our Leaders
Thanks, George. I agree.
I have commented previously on my opinion or read on what happened with the changes in our leadership, but I have never questioned the integrity of the BOT. Even though I had concerns, I suspected nothing underhanded.
I think Matthew 18 is in effect as well. For those who are quick to chime in their conspiracy theories or cynical message board comments, they need to think seriously about giving their regional BOT representative a call and speak to them directly rather than question their integrity without giving them a chance to respond or answer questions.
I have spoken with my local BOT representative as well as other members of the BOT at Synod, and I am pleased and have trust that they are doing their level best to lead our denomination and its offices with integrity. We might not always agree with their decisions--and agreement is not mandatory; we CAN disagree--but we should give respect.
As members of the CRC, our level of dialogue, while sometimes informal, should be raised to higher level than what we wiitness from many message boards and online editorials.