Harold Camping Prediction: 2007

We're back!

Our Christmas celebration in Rochester was wonderful. Gracie is growing so much. When I finish my current roll of film, I'll post some pictures. We attended church with them Sunday. Sarah and Grace belong to an amazingly warm, wonderful community of faith. Here is the url to the church's website: http://www.messiahlutheranchurch.net/.

If you ever find yourself in Greece, NY, that's the church to visit. The new senior pastor, Pastor Eileen, remembered our names after just a brief chat before the service. She communed us by name. Even Sarah was amazed.

On a different train of thought, but not really, are we theologians of glory or theologians of the cross? Read this article by Jill Briscoe at Gifted for Leadership. You'll find it at: http://blog.christianitytoday.com/giftedforleadership/. It's a reminder we all need as God's people, no matter our vocation.

Peace!

Quiet Blog

Things will be quiet for the next few days until we return from Rochester. Have a blessed Christmas!

Today's Scripture Texts

Today's texts are so rich. It was difficult to decide what to meditate on. Here is the link to today's readings: http://bible.oremus.org/?ql=64520793.

I was really torn, but did lectio divina with Ezekiel 47:12, "On the banks, on both sides of the river, there will grow all kinds of trees for food. Their leaves will not wither nor their fruit fail, but they will bear fresh fruit every month, because the water for them flows from the sanctuary. Their fruit will be for food, and their leaves for healing.”

I meditated on the underlined portion, which brought many thoughts to mind, such as Psalm 1:3, "They are like trees planted by streams of water, which yield their fruit in its season, and their leaves do not wither. In all that they do, they prosper," refering to the godly in Psalm 1.

So if we are being refreshed by God through Word and Sacrament, daily in his presence in prayer and the scriptures, receiving God's watering, we too can have fruitful lives that will be food and healing for the hungry and hurting.

Imonk does it again

Michael Spencer, the infamous Internet Monk or Imonk once again is cutting right to the heart of what it means to be a follower of Jesus Christ. Please read "No Big Thing" at his blog. The url is http://www.internetmonk.com/.

You will not regret it.

Interner Monk and Advent

Read what Internet Monk has to say about Advent our need of a savior. http://www.internetmonk.com/archive/the-mood-of-advent-we-all-need-a-savior

Spiritual Reinvention

Yesterday, I read on the Lutheran Zephyr's blog (http://www.lutheranzephyr.com/main/) about a Journal of Lutheran Ethics article that is thought provoking. The title is "Spiritual Reinvention and the Andrew Greeley Principle." It is sobering, calling us to deeper relationship with the God who loves is. The link is: http://www.elca.org/jle/article.asp?k=769.

The Journey of Faith part 7

The Journey goes on forever and ever

Our journey with Christ does not end in a specific destination; it always continues in yet another direction. The spiritual journey is about taking a step, even when we are unsure where that will take us. An Hasid story asks the question, "When did the Red Sea part?" According to the Jewish storyteller, the waters separated not when Moses commanded them, not when he waved his staff over the waters. The waters parted when Moses put his feet in.

Faith is a journey that is often formed in our weakness. So it is right that we seek safe places to ask questions that lead us forward...questions about death, about life, about Jesus, about tragedy and pain.

This concept of journey as an on-going process was beautifully captured in a prayer attributed to Martin Luther sometime in the 16th Century:

This life is not one of righteousness,
but growth in righteousness.....
Not health, but becoming...not rest but exercise.
We are not yet what we should be, but we are growing toward it.
The process is not yet finished but it is going on.
This is not the end, but this is the road.
Everything does not yet gleam in glory, but everything is in
process of being purified. Amen.

This was taken from:
http://www.explorefaith.org/steppingstones_journey.htm
[28 November 2007]

A More Soulful Religion

There are many outside the church that see it/us as irrelevant. Take a look at what Sally Morgenthaler's thinking about it this regard. The url to her post is: http://blog.christianitytoday.com/giftedforleadership/2007/12/a_more_soulful_religion.html#more

Shifting Paradigms

Left-Hand Column Cases distinguish mental models from actual conversation. The Ladder of Inference show mental models formed if rungs are skipped. Both are tools “to uncover, test, and change your mental models and those of others” (Erickson, p. 8).

The Lutheran Seminary in Philadelphia is my next stop after Regent; I thought. My confidence came from God’s past leadings. I deemed excellent public transportation essential for my husband. Preconceived notions came from trips up the Ladder of Inference.

The Left Hand Column Case applied when asked why I chose Philadelphia. My unspoken belief was Philadelphia was superior to Gettysburg. Some of the church’s best theologians and musicians taught at Philly. Gettysburg has two academic options: grades or pass/fail, making some doubt the academic standards. “Instinctively making sense of a situation is a valuable survival skill … this process of inference also describes the structure of prejudice and stereotyping” (Erickson, p. 8)

I will attend Gettysburg because I listened to Philadelphia’s then Director of Admissions who said to visit both schools. My husband said to choose what was right for me and he would adapt. I listened and God guided.

In Matthew 6 perceived piety and riches are compared to true ones. The left hand column needs aligning with the right. Ladder of Inference: data=needs, select data=God’s provision, the added meaning=God’s love, conclusion=seek God, have everything.

References

Erickson, R. Ladder of Inference. Unpublished paper, Regent University.

Holy Bible (2005). Today’s New International Version. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan.

Trapped by Assumptions

Discuss how one who is certain that Matthew 12:30, John 14:6 and Revelation 3:15-19 are true might be able to "suspend their certainty" in order to dialog with one who holds that all religions point to the same God. This was the question presented to us and this is my answer. “We become trapped in the theater of our thoughts … losing touch with the larger reality …” (Senge, 2006, p. 225). Spiritual pride and arrogance further hinder honest communication. Laying aside attitudes of certainty and pride, truly listening to another, we are much more effective witnesses. Bohm’s step three is challenging when the conversation only involves two people, unless we listen to God’s voice through the Holy Spirit. “…the Father … will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever— the Spirit of truth … you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you John 14:16-17 (Today’s New International Version). God does not need defending. Ministering to Muslim university students in the Holy Land taught me the validity of the above, which simply involves good listening skills, humility and openness to others. Initially, I prayed against the spirits binding Muslims when (five times a day!) I would hear the prayer call from the neighboring mosque. Six and a half years later, I was reminded to commune with God. Much can be learned from traditions that differ from ours. I no longer see the issue as paradoxical. God is faithful as we live incarnationally giving “the reason for the hope that [we] have ... with gentleness and respect” 1 Peter 3:15 (Today’s New International Version). Resources Senge, P. M. (2006). The Fifth Discipline: The Art and Practice of the Learning Organization. New York: Currency Doubleday. Holy Bible (2005). Today's New International Version. Grand Rapids: Zondervan.

The Journey of Faith 6

Prayers and readings

Here is a link to the lectionary readings and prayers for this week in preparation for the 2nd Sunday in Advent. It's from the Lutheran Zephyr blog.

The link is http://www.lutheranzephyr.com/main/2007/12/daily-prayer-ar.html

Suspending Assumptions

I don't know about anyone else, but I find it so easy to go into a situation with preconceived ideas, assumptions, what are called mental models in systems theory. Here's a short post about that.

Hold biblical assumptions suspended. Otherwise, you will be stuck in defense mode and not really hear what the other person is debating...listening to their contradictions to your beliefs, you may learn something new. Holding your assumptions… just means that you are exploring other possible meanings. (Stewart, 2007, Para 5)

Imagine…we could even be wrong in our assumptions and preconceptions. I blush when I consider my dogmatism of thirty years ago regarding truth and those issues/beliefs that determined who was in or out of God’s kingdom.

“In dialogue people actually feel as if they are building something, a new deeper understanding…Choosing to view adversaries as ‘colleagues with different views’ has the greatest benefits”(Senge, 2006, p. 228). Bridge building rather than wall building is a crucial tool. Jesus said, “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another” John 13:35 (Today’s New International Version).

References

Holy Bible (2005). Today’s New International Version. Grand Rapids: Zondervan.

Senge, P. M. (2006). Fifth Discipline: the Art and Practice of the Learning
Organization (Rev. ed.). New York: Currency Doubleday.

Stewart, H. L. (2007, November 22). Suspending Assumptions. Retrieved November 27, 2007, from https://regent.blackboard.com/webapps/portal/frameset.jsp?tab=courses&url=/bin/common/course.pl?course_id=_42110_1

It's official!

Yesterday I received my letter of acceptance from the Lutheran Theological Seminary at Gettysburg. I will begin Fall 2008 in the MDiv. program. Here is an aerial view of the campus that will be our future home.

Journey of Faith 5

Each fall for 15 years, up to 100 people gathered every Wednesday night at Calvary Episcopal Church in Memphis, Tennessee, to explore the meaning of the Sacred Journey. Led by the Rev. Dr. Douglass M. Bailey, the participants in the class listened and talked about their own journey and the journey of others. The class affirmed the individual nature of each journey and each person's need to explore the questions that can shape their path. The people who journeyed together each fall learned about prayer, community, death and resurrection. They heard questions and reflections from others, and through them came to a better understanding of their own spiritual growth.

We have included an overview of the Journey material here in hopes that some of the ideas may help you on your own Spiritual path. The questions are meant for you to ask yourself and those traveling with you. Use those that are meaningful to you as guideposts, pointing down a road you may not yet have explored.

Prayer
Prayer is food for the journey. Many times we think of prayer as public prayer, and that makes us uncomfortable. Yet prayer can also be a deep and personal conversation with God. Prayer gives us time to acknowledge God's presence in and around us, to acknowledge our place in the world that God has created, and to stop and wait on Jesus. There are no experts on prayer, only beginners. It is not something we learn in a book, but something we must learn by doing over and over again...a practice we must adjust as our journey continues.

Prayer can be expressed in many forms. The starting point for our prayers may be simple one-liners; later we may progress to fuller conversations with God. Some people pray by facing a 'Jesus chair'...a chair where they can visualize Jesus sitting and listening to their deepest concerns. Other people organize prayers using the ACTS acrostic: adoration, confession, thanksgiving, supplication. Adoration is expressing our love for Jesus. Formulating prayers of adoration can be difficult and unfamiliar. If you have trouble expressing adoration, you might try referring to Psalms and hymns, which often contain the words to express our feelings.

While we understand the meaning of confession and thanksgiving, these may not be part of our prayers. When we pray, if we pray, we most likely say words of supplication. These are our petitions or requests to God to address our needs and to intercede on the behalf of others. Incorporating all of the elements of ACTS in our prayers provides a simple way to broaden our conversations with God.

Another form of prayer is repetitive prayer. The most common is the Lord's Prayer, which also contains all the elements of the ACTS acrostic. Other repetitive prayers include the Serenity Prayer from Alcoholics Anonymous—God grant me the serenity to accept those things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference—and the Jesus Prayer—Lord, Jesus Christ have mercy on me, hasten to help me, rescue me and save me, do your will in my life. These are
prayers that can be committed to memory and repeated when we need food for the journey but just don't know how to be more specific.

The Journey of Faith part 4

Each fall for 15 years, up to 100 people gathered every Wednesday night at Calvary Episcopal Church in Memphis, Tennessee, to explore the meaning of the Sacred Journey. Led by the Rev. Dr. Douglass M. Bailey, the participants in the class listened and talked about their own journey and the journey of others. The class affirmed the individual nature of each journey and each person's need to explore the questions that can shape their path. The people who journeyed together each fall learned about prayer, community, death and resurrection. They heard questions and reflections from others, and through them came to a better understanding of their own spiritual growth.

We have included an overview of the Journey material here in hopes that some of the ideas may help you on your own Spiritual path. The questions are meant for you to ask yourself and those traveling with you. Use those that are meaningful to you as guideposts, pointing down a road you may not yet have explored.

Journey with the Eternal Christ: Experiencing the post-Easter Jesus

In John 20:19-29, the risen Christ appears to the disciples, who are meeting behind locked doors.Thomas is absent then and doubts what the others have seen. A week later the disciples meet in the same place, and Jesus again stands among them. Thomas, now present, is able to touch the wounds of the risen Lord.

This scripture describes a 'sacramental moment' for Thomas. Sacraments are physical activities that help us experience the spiritual. Thomas touched the risen Jesus and immediately saw Jesus as the Christ. It is Thomas' Easter story....the wounded Jesus returns and Thomas is forever changed.

Sacramental moments are not limited to Biblical stories...we all have them, we just may not recognize them. Sometimes these sacramental moments are called 'thin places'; they're where the world of the spiritual and the world of the physical meet. Thin places may be what some call mountaintop experiences. These special moments of closeness to God can happen outdoors as we experience the grandeur of nature, or occur when we, like Thomas, have retreated to a closed room in fear.

Can you recall a sacramental moment or a thin place? It may be a moment frozen in your memory.Who was there? Can you remember the sounds, sights, smells? The key questions is how do we experience Christ today? One answer is that we experience Christ in these thin places.

Advent has begun! Online Advent Calendar

Yesterday was the first Sunday of Advent, the beginning of the new church year. I have come across an online Advent calendar. This is the URL http://www.markdroberts.com/htmfiles/resources/adventpictures2007.htm.

"The people living in darkness
have seen a great light;
on those living in the land of the shadow of death
a light has dawned" (Mt 4:16).

The Journey Continues

Each fall for 15 years, up to 100 people gathered every Wednesday night at Calvary Episcopal Church in Memphis, Tennessee, to explore the meaning of the Sacred Journey. Led by the Rev. Dr. Douglass M. Bailey, the participants in the class listened and talked about their own journey and the journey of others. The class affirmed the individual nature of each journey and each person's need to explore the questions that can shape their path. The people who journeyed together each fall learned about prayer, community, death and resurrection. They heard questions and reflections from others, and through them came to a better understanding of their own spiritual growth. We have included an overview of the Journey material here in hopes that some of the ideas may help you on your own Spiritual path. The questions are meant for you to ask yourself and those traveling with you. Use those that are meaningful to you as guideposts, pointing down a road you may not yet have explored.

The Journey with the Human Jesus

Jesus is at the center of the community of the forgiven. It is Jesus who offers forgiveness to us all. The human Jesus is God incarnate, God with us. The word incarnation literally means "has human characteristics." Jesus is both human and holy, earthly and divine. We can see Jesus' humanness in Biblical accounts of his anger, his highs and lows, his loneliness, and choices. Oftentimes, our greater challenge is to see our own holiness...God within each of us.

Jesus is also the one who asks us to change. The Greek word metanoia is often translated as "repent," but the more correct understanding is probably "deep change." The community of the forgiven includes those who have accepted Jesus' invitation to a deep, abiding change.

In Mark 8:27-36, Jesus asks his disciples "Who do people say that I am?" and "Who do you say that I am?" How do you respond to those questions. Who is Jesus? What attracts us to him? What are his compelling characteristics? Honest answers to these questions express our faith.

Yet, there is a catch. With faith also comes doubt. If you had the opportunity to speak directly to Jesus, what would you ask? What are the doubts and uncertainties that trouble you in your faith. …. Why do so many bad things happen? Why don't I hear God when I pray? Why do so many people interpret your words so differently?

We cannot have faith without some doubts, without questions...otherwise no faith would be required.

Journeying into the Heart of God

The Shack by William P. Young is a must read for anyone who has ever struggled with the problem of loss and pain. It is an allegorical journey into the very heart of the God who loves us so much and grieves over the pain of his people. It deals with the issue of theodicy, which is the attempt to reconcile the bad things that happen in this world with the idea of a loving, benevolent God. Here is a link to the website for The Shack. It gives you an opportunity to even read the first chapter. The link is: http://theshackbook.com/. Enjoy!

On Dialogue

Please take a look at the article at this link

http://www.generousorthodoxy.net/thinktank/2007/11/the-thoughts-of.html?cid=91559088#comment-91559088 entitled The Thoughts of One Signatory to "Loving God and Neighbor Together." This is regarding Christian-Muslim dialogue.

The Journey of Faith II

Each fall for 15 years, up to 100 people gathered every Wednesday night at Calvary Episcopal Church in Memphis, Tennessee, to explore the meaning of the Sacred Journey. Led by the Rev. Dr. Douglass M. Bailey, the participants in the class listened and talked about their own journey and the journey of others. The class affirmed the individual nature of each journey and each person's need to explore the questions that can shape their path. The people who journeyed together each fall learned about prayer, community, death and resurrection. They heard questions and reflections from others, and through them came to a better understanding of their own spiritual growth.
We have included an overview of the Journey material here in hopes that some of the ideas may help you on your own Spiritual path. The questions are meant for you to ask yourself and those traveling with you. Use those that are meaningful to you as guideposts, pointing down a road you may not yet have explored.

The church as the community of the forgiven

Ask yourself:

What is your spiritual background?
What do you most value from your spiritual / church background?

If you share your response with others, you will find that everyone's journey has been different. Yet it is in the sharing of our experiences that we start the process of becoming a community...a community of the forgiven.

Our experience with the church usually begins with someone caring enough to invite us into the community...a friend, a family member, an associate at work. Some might call this 'evangelism,' while others would view this as simply expressing Christian love. D. T. Niles, a Methodist missionary in India, once said, "Evangelism is one beggar telling another where bread can be found." We never know what impact we'll have when we share our spiritual food, one with another. When asked, "Why are you a Christian?" Phillips Brooks, a noted theologian, responded, "probably because of my aunt Geneva."

In Acts 2:41-47, we see Peter preaching at Pentecost, telling the story of his own faith journey. The 'community' of the early church grew as the apostles shared their experiences, spent time together, broke bread together and praised God. The early believers were 'doing church' as the people of God...participating first-hand in the preaching, fellowship, worship, and evangelism in a close-knit community that is sometimes lacking in today's more organized churches.

What word or phrase comes to mind when you hear the word church? Is it a place, a feeling, or something else? In reflecting on these questions, try to remain open. Discuss your experiences with others and listen to theirs. A church can be as close as family. Particularly for those who may be separated from their loved ones, the church can be a place to celebrate good times and cry during life's difficult times, a place where others will look to you for fellowship and support. Church can offer guidance on your spiritual path and the company of fellow travelers.

The Journey of Faith

I'm beginning a series on the Journey of Faith, taken from explorefaith.org. The article is lengthy, but nicely divided up for daily posting. Enjoy and begin the journey to which he has called us!

The Journey of Faith

Each fall for 15 years, up to 100 people gathered every Wednesday night at Calvary Episcopal Church in Memphis, Tennessee, to explore the meaning of the Sacred Journey. Led by the Rev. Dr. Douglass M. Bailey, the participants in the class listened and talked about their own journey and the journey of others. The class affirmed the individual nature of each journey and each person's need to explore the questions that can shape their path. The people who journeyed together each fall learned about prayer, community, death and resurrection. They heard questions and reflections from others, and through them came to a better understanding of their own spiritual growth. We have included an overview of the Journey material here in hopes that some of the ideas may help you on your own Spiritual path. The questions are meant for you to ask yourself and those traveling with you. Use those that are meaningful to you as guideposts, pointing down a road you may not yet have explored.

Introduction: The Sacred Journey

Our Spiritual Journey is not like most trips. There is not a set starting point, designated route and predetermined destination. Rather, the Sacred Journey is about broadening our image of God, about 'becoming' rather than being, about asking questions, about always moving forward toward the heart of God. The labyrinth, the symbol of the heart of God, is also the symbol for the Journey. The labyrinth is not a maze but a path along which we travel in search of an understanding of life and faith.

Fortunately, there are 'guides' for our journey...the Bible, of course, and other faith-formation writings, like The Sacred Journey by Frederick Buechner. Movies and music can also help us experience the world around us. Films such as A River Runs Through It, Pay It Forward, or The Hurricane are stories of individuals experiencing life as a journey.

And there are examples of journeys taken by those before us. Scripture describes Peter at three different points in his life. In Mark 14:26-31 and Mark 14:66-72, we see a fearful, embarrassed Peter denying Jesus three times immediately following his arrest in Jerusalem. A different Peter is seen in Acts 4:5-20 after Jesus was crucified. This much-changed, empowered Peter healed the lame and boldly proclaimed Jesus before the Jewish authorities. John 21:1-19 provides yet another view of Peter's journey. In this scripture, Peter and the other disciples encounter the Risen Lord at the Galilean seashore, the third time Jesus had appeared to the disciples after being crucified. Three times Jesus asks Peter, "Do you love me?...then feed my sheep."

Our path, like the path Peter walked, is often equally confusing. For that reason, the presence of others can help us find our way.

Positive Decision on Entrance to Candidacy

What does that mean? In order to go forward in pursuing a call to ministry in the ELCA, one must be entered into the candidacy process. "The committee assesses the applicant's sense of call, potential for leadership and spiritual, psychological, and situational readiness to begin the process of preparation. In consultation with the candidacy committee, the applicant applies for admission to an ELCA seminary or plans another course of study." (http://www.elca.org/candidacy/process1.html).

They said yes! I have already applied to the Lutheran Theological Seminary at Gettysburg and they are processing my application. God willing, we will move there to begin studies in the Fall of 2008. "For surely I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for your welfare and not for harm, to give you a future with hope" (Jer 29:11).

Systems Theory and Church Health

Quick, easy fixes are the antithesis of systems thinking. It is challenging, “because it is

much harder to integrate new tools than simply apply them separately” (Senge, 2006, p.

11). This is an all encompassing discipline: the individual disciplines being like

instruments in an orchestra, the fifth discipline being the orchestra. “By enhancing each

of the other disciplines, it … reminds us that the whole can exceed the sum of its parts.”

(Senge, p. 12).

This process of systems thinking parallels “Natural Church Development” (Schwarz,

2006, p. 10). Senge writes, “…vision without systems thinking ends up painting lovely

pictures of the future with no deep understanding of the forces that must be mastered to

move from here to there” (Senge, 2006, p. 12). Natural Church Development call this

“passionate spirituality” (Schwarz, 2006, p. 28) without “effective structures” (Schwarz,

p. 30). Healthy churches are characterized by strength in eight earmarks.

This discipline is useful in current and future church leadership roles; otherwise, one is

always putting out fires rather than effectively managing. The goal is, “to equip his

people for works of service” Ephesians 4:12 (Today’s New International Version) and to

bring them to maturity.

References

Holy Bible (2005). Today’s New International Version. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan.

Schwarz, C. A. (2006). Natural Church Development: A Guide to Eight Essential

Qualities of Healthy Churches (7th ed., Rev.). St. Charles, IL: ChurchSmart

Resources.

Senge, P. M. (2006). Fifth Discipline: the Art and Practice of the Learning

Organization. New York: Currency Doubleday.

Pneumatalogical Approach to World Religions

God’s Spirit in Creation

Moltmann describes the Holy Spirit as the “Spirit of life.” [1] and “suggests that every experience ‘can possess a transcendent, inward side … grounded theologically on an understanding of the Spirit of God as the power of creation and the wellspring of life.’”[2]

Religion as a Response to the Holy Spirit

This may be, but sometimes it may be a fearful response to demonic activity, trying to appease evil spirits etc. Following discussion of Gunton’s position that “the Spirit allows for the Spirit’s work in creation outside the church”[3] Lord stresses, “we need to deal with the Fall and the need for discernment.”[4]

Recognizing the Spirit’s Presence

He is recognized by “’experiences of awakening and disclosure,’ annunciation experiences.”[5] One Muslim young man in Bethlehem related that while walking, looking at the grass, the sky, enjoying the day, he saw Jesus. He said it casually as if it was an everyday occurrence. Sometimes the evidence of the Spirit’s work is more subtle, such as an interest in God.

Discernment

Lord suggests asking the question, “What characterizes the work of the Spirit?”[6] Through scripture and our faith experience, this is a good reference point. Yong suggests one approach revolving around “divine presence, absence and activity”[7] and another based on “foundational categories … more appropriate to a consideration of other faiths.”[8]

Which Position?

Inclusivists … balance the biblical emphases on …universal intent of God’s salvific action in Christ (1 Tim. 4:10; 2 Pet. 3:9) …the Old Testament covenant economy (Gen. 9:8-19; 12:3), and the fact that a balanced view of Scripture reveals God at work in all peoples and in all cultures, in blessing and in judgment.[9]

Inclusivists believe in unlimited atonement, more congruent with God’s love.

This view resonates with me, after working with Muslims in the Holy Land. Opportunities to share the faith abound if one is willing to build bridges, not walls. Colin Gunton’s “understanding of the Spirit allows for the Spirit’s work in creation outside the church—whatever ‘enables the creature … to join praise of the Creator’ is the work of the Spirit.”[10]

Inclusivism facilitates ecumenism, evangelism and the church, helping in outreach without attacking, recognizing God’s work in people’s lives before we meet them.

Religions, Response and the Spirit

Fisher sites similarities among religions in religious response:

(1) It is an experience of what is considered Unseen Reality; (2) It involves the person’s whole being; (3) It is the most shattering and intense of all human experiences; and (4) it motivates the person to action, through worship, ethical behavior, service, and sharing with others in a religious grouping.[11]

[1] Andy Lord, “Principles for a Charismatic Approach to Other Faiths,” Asian Journal of Pentecostal Studies 6:12 (2003): 237.

[2] Jurgen Moltmann, The Spirit of Life in Andy Lord, “Principles for a Charismatic Approach to Other Faiths,” Asian Journal of Pentecostal Studies 6:12 (2003): 237.

[3] Ibid.

[4] Ibid.

[5] John V. Taylor, The Go-Between God: The Holy Spirit and the Christion Mission in Andy Lord, “Principles for a Charismatic Approach to Other Faiths,” Asian Journal of Pentecostal Studies 6:12 (2003): 238.

[6] Lord, 242.

[7] Ibid.

[8] Ibid.

[9] H. S. Horton-Parker, “Three Perspectives of the Salvation of the Unevangelized,” TMs [photocopy], 2002, Regent University, Virginia Beach, VA, 2.

[10] Lord, 237.

[11] Mary Pat Fisher, Living Religions: Sixth Edition (Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice-Hall, 2005), 5.

Understanding is Redemptive

Here's a little post I did connected with systems thinking which relates to our life together as church.

Unwillingness to listen, to reach a point of understanding is devaluing. Though tarnished by sin, people are still made in God’s image, behooving us to endeavor to understand their viewpoint. “Genuine engagement in the process of learning from and with others will require you to be ready to change ... for the good” (Brennan, 2002, p. 19).

Entering into dialogue, “with a spirit of inquiry and openness” (Sapp, 2002, p. 3) is crucial. Reaching a point of understanding was intrinsic to our ministry to Palestinian college students in the Holy Land. Sapp’s term, “suspending assumptions” as crucial to effective dialogue resonates with the friendship evangelism or incarnational model we followed. Rather than treating them as Arab terrorist heathens, we took interest in them and in their faith. Mutual respect and inquisitive learning about each other’s culture, language and faith resulted. “God wants us to use our intelligence, to seek to understand as well as we can” 1 Corinthians 12:1 (The Message).

Systems thinking, “looks at wholes, rather than parts” (Goodman), enabling better
understanding and communication. Western thinking is fragmented: our work life, church life, home life etc. Conversely, eastern peoples’ thinking is better integrated, more holistic, a powerful lesson.

References

Brennan, P. (2002, December). To Beginning Law Students. First Things, 19.

Goodman, M. (n.d.). Systems Thinking as a Language. The Systems Thinker, 2.

Holy Bible (2002). The Message. Colorado Springs, Co: Navpress.

Sapp, C. (2002). An Abridged Primer on Discourse: Discussion, Dialog, and

Productive Conflict. Unpublished paper, Regent University.

The Continuing Seminary Saga--It's Gettysburg!

Last week, Friday through Monday, was spent at the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago. I was there with approximately 12 other prospective students for their fall Seminary Sampler. It was a wonderful time and the group of us stayed in the same place and really built community together.

There were panel discussions, tours of the campus and student housing, meals together and classes. Several decided by the end of our time together that Chicago was indeed the place for them to continue their studies. As for me, it was great, but I could not see myself there. It confirmed that Gettysburg was the place for me to go.

Yesterday I filled out my application to Gettysburg, sent off my transcript request to Regent and sent out the various reference forms to the appropriate people. On Saturday, the 10th (Luther's birthday!) I meet with the Synod Candidacy Committee, God willing, to move forward with the process. "I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you" (Ps 32:8).

Quaker Plain Speech and Independent Catholic Clergy

John Plummer has an interesting post, which I heartily recommend reading, criticizing the excess of clericalism in our movement, particularly all of the grand titles which people insist on using.

I work for a Quaker organization, and Quakers have a tradition of "plain speech" in which, among other things, they refuse to use titles of any kind, even to the point of children addressing their parents as "John" or "Mary" rather than "Dad" or "Mom". When we send out fundraising letters, they go to "John Smith" or "Mary Jones", not "Mr. John Smith" or "Dr. Mary Jones" or "The Right Reverend Anastasia Beaverhausen" (which begs the question of who might be the Wrong Reverend . . . ). The envelope will include a middle initial, with the salutation being the first and last names.

The practice has much to commend it. Although there is a time and a place for titles, I wonder what would happen if more Independent clergy would introduce themselves without titles most of the time, and let their ministry speak for itself, than insisting on being called "Father Zophar the Nephite" or "His Beatitude Alexander the Coppersmith, Patriarch of Sodom and Gomorrah and All Canaan"? Perhaps we could add this to John Plummer's Advent discipline.

And the Lord's Servant...

Last week I visited two seminaries, The Lutheran Theological Seminaries at Philadelphia and Gettysburg. In speaking with administrators, seminarians, and other prospective students, the subject of call invariably came up. We told our stories of God's call and how we envision that.

After returning home, my sense of the significance of call and God's preparation for that increased. I have a new awareness of being in a time of preparation. I know God called me at 15 to serve him. That service has taken on numerous forms: wife, mother, missionary, employee, student. But there is now a renewed sense of call, that God is working something special in my life. And then I read today's scripture from the lectionary.

2 Timothy 2:24-26 (Today's New International Version)

24 And the Lord's servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. 25 Opponents must be gently instructed, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth, 26 and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will.

I can see there's still lots of room for work in my life. I kind of like to argue, especially if I am right. So, if I want to be a worthy servant, no place for being quarrelsome. Kindness, gentle instruction is what is called for. Now the interesting thing about this text is that Paul is not saying we should let people continue in false beliefs, but gently engage them in the truth.

Then I thought of an old song Nancy Honeytree sang in the 70s, "I am a Servant." The lyrics are below. I found myself weeping my way through them as I heard the song again in my mind. If we are the Lord's servants, we are to do his bidding, not our own.

I Am A Servant

I am a servant, I am listening for my name
I sit here waiting I've been looking at the game
That I've been playing and I've been staying much the same
When you are lonely you're the only one to blame

I am a servant, I am waiting for Your call
I've been unfaithful so I sit here in the hall
How can You use me when I've never given all
How can You choose me when You know I quickly fall

So You feed my soul and you make me whole
And you let me know You love me
And I'm worthless now but I've made a vow
I will humbly bow before You
Oh please use me, I am lonely

I am a servant, getting ready for my part
There's been a change, a rearrangement in my heart
At last I'm learning there's no returning once I start
To live's a privilege, to love is such an art
But I need Your help to start
Oh please purify my heart
I am Your servant

©Larry Norman
Words and Music by Larry Norman
http://www.higherpraise.com/lyrics1/I_Am_A_Servant.htm

[19 October 2007]

I know the verse that resonates with me, what about you?

Very Silly Post on what to call the Independent Movement

Some prefer Old Catholic or Independent Catholic or IC/OC, to use both. Some prefer Independent Sacramental Movement, ISM for short. I propose a new abbreviation to use:

E I E I O

Here's why:

Arnold Mathew had a church E I E I O
And in that church he made many bishops E I E I O
With a schism here with a schism there
Here a schism there a schism
Everywhere a schism schism
Arnold Mathew had a church E I E I O

Please feel free to submit additional verses in the comments.

Soli Deo Gloria

“I believe that by my own understanding or strength I cannot believe in Jesus Christ my Lord or come to him …”[1] is one description of Paul’s teaching on grace. Grace needs greater emphasis otherwise; we fall into works righteousness, believing that what we correctly or differently do ensures success.

It is all God’s work. We are saved by grace (Eph 2:5), “justified freely by his grace” (Rom 3:24), stand in grace (Rom 5:2) and commissioned by grace (Rom 1:5) for example. Good works follow God’s grace operating in our lives.

My church has trouble relying on God’s grace because many do not spend time with God, hearing his voice, reading his word to know his direction, let alone rely on him to work. Individuals and churches are incapable of connecting with society’s deep needs, apart from God’s empowering grace, meaning he alone is glorified. “… Bach … was sometimes commissioned to compose music for secular occasions… whether the composition was for worship or courtly entertainment, Bach usually signed his work S.D.G… Soli Deo Gloria, ‘to God alone the glory.’”[2] “For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be the glory forever! Amen” (Rom 11:36). The work is God’s, accomplished by his grace.

[1] Martin Luther, “Small Catechism of Martin Luther,” in Evangelical Lutheran Worship (Minneapolis: Augsburg Fortress, 2006), 1162.

[2] ELCA. Centennial Bible Study: Expanding Minds, Session 1. Online: http://www.elca.org/campusministry/celebrate100/pdf/biblestudy02.pdf [15 October 2007].

The Bible. New International Version.

Good Trees or Bad Trees?

This discussion regarded Natural Church Development and which of the eight quality characteristics was the most difficult to improve.

A good tree produces good fruit, and a bad tree produces bad fruit. A good tree can’t produce bad fruit, and a bad tree can’t produce good fruit. So every tree that does not produce good fruit is chopped down and thrown into the fire. Yes, just as you can identify a tree by its fruit, so you can identify people by their actions (Mt 7:17-20).

Passionate spirituality is the lowest quality characteristic in most of New England’s Lutheran churches. It seems that this may be the most difficult to improve, at least for someone in the leadership of the church.

Questions in the survey that indicate the level of spirituality are, “Times of prayer are an inspiring experience for me”[1] and “I am enthusiastic about my church.”[2] Many Christians do not have as vital a prayer life as they should. Despite teaching, prayer meetings, Bible studies etc., can the leadership really know a person’s private devotional life? Our members are enthusiastic and deeply committed to our church, but how much spirituality is at home is debatable.

Schwarz states “… whether prayer is viewed as an ‘inspiring experience’ or not has a significant relationship to the quality and quantity of the church “[3] Results were similar concerning “personal use of the Bible and other factors affecting personal spirituality.”[4] A church cannot be any stronger than its weakest members. The church is made up of families and individuals and its health is dependent upon theirs.

However, each quality characteristic is crucial and should be present, passionate spirituality seems basic. Warren advises, “…don’t confuse primary issues with secondary ones. The primary issues of church health and growth: Who is our master … What is our message …What is our motive?”[5]

[1] Christian A. Schwarz, Natural Church Development: A Guide to Eight Essential Qualities of Healthy Churches (St. Charles, IL: ChurchSmart Resources, 2006), 28.

[2] Ibid., 29.

[3] Ibid., 28.

[4] Ibid.

[5] Rick Warren, The Purpose Driven Church: Growth Without Compromising Your Message and Mission (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1995), 71.

The Bible. New Living Translation.

What's Your Name?

We have all been called names, some good and some bad. I remember being called fat, difficult, insubordinate, careless, slow. What about you? Sometimes you aren't actually called a name, but treated in a way that implies you are careless, stupid, a screw up? It's painful. What does God say about names?

"Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To those who are victorious, I will give some of the hidden manna. I will also give each of them a white stone with a new name written on it, known only to the one who receives it" (Rev. 2:17).

Naming is very personal and intimate. We name our spouses, children, our pets. We have "pet names" for those we love: sweetie, honey, sweetheart. God names us, calls us beloved, my child, precious, holy and mine. Can you imagine the Lord having a special, pet name for us, that only he and we know?

"Fear not, for I have redeemed you;
I have called you by name, you are mine.
2 When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;
and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you;
when you walk through fire you shall not be burned,
and the flame shall not consume you.
3For I am the LORD your God,
the Holy One of Israel, your Savior" (Isaiah 43:1b-3a ESV).

What is your name? Is it God's name for you? We are who he says we are. And he doesn't just name us and forget us. He names us, walks with us, surrounding us with his love.

Reaching Beyond Our Church Walls

How can be more effective in outreach or evangelism? Take a look at this brief post I wrote for Christian Ministry class.

Only by knowing your target will you know what language to speak. Paul addressed Jews differently than Gentiles. Beside English speakers, we have ethnic groups speaking only Portuguese and Hispanic in this town. Cultural, intellectual, economic and other differences abound. Effective communication demands knowledge. “We were doing pretty well except … one dreadful night we tried out hip-hop worship on a bunch of white indie rocker kids.”[1] In starting a service blindly:

I had failed to think missionally about who we would reach out with, who we would reach out to, or how we would reach out …I had wrongly thought only attractionally … if I had a good band and … preached a good sermon, we could put together a good event that would attract lots of people … I failed miserably. As this train wreck of a church service rolled along … it became painfully clear that I had …to pull the plug and pronounce the death sentence.[2]

Warren states, “…human beings are so different, no single church can possibly reach everyone.”[3] He illustrates this with a radio station trying diverse musical styles as its format: classical, heavy metal etc. Who would listen? Driscoll started an additional service utilizing other musical styles to accomplish reaching the indie rockers as well as the hip-hoppers. Paul said, “I have become all things to all men so that by all possible means I might save some” (1 Cor 9:22).

Demographic targeting involves customs, culture, race, economics, education, age, marital status etc. “Young adults … have different hopes and fears than retirees.”[4]Warren writes, “… geographic targeting … means you identify where the people live that you want to reach.”[5] He recommends using a map and determining geographic and time distance from the church. This shows your “evangelistic fishing pond.”[6]

[1] Mark Driscoll, Confessions of a Reformission Rev.: Hard Lessons from an Emerging Missional Church (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2006), 93.

[2] Ibid., 101.

[3] Rick Warren, The Purpose Driven Church: Growth Without Compromising Your Message and Mission (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1995), 156.

[4] Ibid., 164.

[5] Ibid., 161.

[6] Ibid.