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.
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.
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.
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).
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.
Schwarz, C. A. (2006).
Qualities of Healthy Churches (7th ed., Rev.).
Resources.
Senge, P. M. (2006). Fifth Discipline: the Art and Practice of the Learning
Organization.
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
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
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,
[10] Lord, 237.
[11] Mary Pat Fisher, Living Religions: Sixth Edition (
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
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.
Sapp, C. (2002). An Abridged Primer on Discourse: Discussion, Dialog, and
Productive Conflict. Unpublished paper,
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).
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).