I was just a freshman in college. I was about four hours drive from home which felt like an eternity, but in retrospect, was just a short time away. In the dormitory where I lived was a grand lady who we simply knew as “Dorm Mother.” She was an older lady who was undoubtedly there to ensure we didn’t kill ourselves through our own stupidity. Whenever she came out of her room to express her displeasure at the latest shenanigans we were up to, the dorm suddenly became as quiet as a tomb. One did not upset Dorm Mother any more than one would slap God in the face.
One Sunday I was feeling particularly low. I decided to get dressed up and go to church. I put on my shirt and tie, grabbed my blazer and headed off to the local Disciples church. The service was typical and to this day, I cannot remember what happened. However, when I returned to the dorm, Dorm Mother’s door was open. I stepped in and said hello to this wonderful lady. She complimented me on my attire and said something that I will never forget, “Doesn’t it make you feel so much better to dress up? It makes me feel better all over. Is it the same for you?” I couldn’t have been happier than to say, “Yes. I do feel better.” So I sat down and we visited for a while. I cannot remember her name, but I will never forget her face, her voice and the things she told me that spring afternoon. I had put on new clothing, clothing I did not put on at any other time of the week. But in that clothing, I became more than I could be. She saw it and made me see I could be more than I ever dreamed because she dreamed it for me. In that afternoon, in that place and in her little room, I saw the face of God and was forever changed. What an amazing thing! The spirit of God and I talking in a small dorm room. When I remember that afternoon I often think of the hymn, “O Love That Will Not Let Me Go”… As I look at and think about churches today, there seems to be two streams of thought: Some think that all churches should do is mission. Feed the people, clothe them and provide for them is all that is necessary to bring the presence of Christ into the world. The other side says that all we need is to preach the gospel and provide a place for worship.
As Dr. Pheme Perkins states, “Both sides are wrong.” As this great theologian argues, there is no Christianity without preaching the gospel nor is there any Christianity without compassion and action to meet the needs of the community. Both must be present in order for Christianity to live to its fullest. I couldn’t agree more. Many times I have heard churches say they do not have the resources to do both – to serve the community and to keep their building. So they opt for keeping the building because this is where the gospel is preached. But that’s only half the calling of Christian people. So the church begins to fail and the congregation is mystified. This Sunday is the one year anniversary of my ministry at Countryside Christian. In this year, I believe we have made great progress together in living out both sides of the calling which Christ gave to us. Now our challenge is to keep it going and to keep it growing. Something to think about… I have been greatly encouraged by some statements made to me and for a couple of bright spots in our church life. First, I spoke with Steve Roberts who filled in for me on June 21st. He stated how much he liked the congregation and what a great time he had. He also mentioned his college age daughter told him, “If I wasn’t away at school, I’d join that church!” A very powerful statement coming from a college student don’t you think? I also received a comment from Tabatha Johnson who was our guest preacher last Sunday. She said she was surprised at the level of enthusiasm and was very complimentary towards the congregation. Another powerful statement from a visitor!
Along with these comments, I was very excited by the turnout for the First Friday event. Over a 100 people attended. Of these, a vast majority were people from the community. I was encouraged because this event is “church.” For people of our community, this is a positive experience about the church and leads them to make positive comments regarding the congregation in the Mission area. Exciting stuff! On top of all these exciting things, the Pastoral Search Team has received 19 candidate profiles. 19! Although the Search Team is a little overwhelmed by the reading (each profile is about 15 pages), it’s great to know there is interest in this congregation. One interesting item about the profiles is that all but one are from outside the metro area. So there is interest in this congregation from all around the country. That says a lot about the great ministry you have at Countryside. So as we move forward, 1) take in the excitement, 2) celebrate your renewal and 3) be proud! Countryside is moving again and the word is beginning to spread, so keep up the great work. God is in our midst and it shows. Starting this week, the Pastoral Search Team has begun to receive profiles from candidates that wish to be considered as your new minister. Now more than ever, your Pastoral Search Team needs your prayers, your support and your comments. In doing so, you are ensuring the Pastoral Search Team makes the best match possible. Once they complete their task, it will be time for a real celebration!
Many people are still expressing the wish for me to stay as your called minister. What this tells me is that I’m doing a good job. I thank you for this compliment. However, my calling remains the same – to go to churches which are experiencing trouble, lead them into change, help in their healing and assist them in finding a minister to lead them into a bright future. I feel I am accomplishing this calling at Countryside and I know there is another church waiting for the same help I have given to you. So for this reason, I will move on some day. It will take the Pastoral Search Team some time to find just the right candidate. Until then, we will continue in ministry together. My prayer is as it always has been – for Countryside to go forward, to claim its rightful place as a church open and ready to serve all of God’s children. As we work together, we can accomplish anything. |
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This blog consists of reflections written by the minister each week for the Sunday bulletin. We hope that you enjoy the musings! Archives
January 2020
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