Shalom!
I enjoy reading this column from our Mennonite friends on a regular basis and want to copy the current issue below. The website Melodie mentions toward the end is a website by a United Methodist pastor.
http://www.mentalhealthministries.net/index.html
Website by UM pastor Susan Gregg-Schroeder
This is a subject we don't often touch on too much, at least in my church experience.
Shalom!
dave
Holding On: Depression Screeningby Melodie Davis
It was early summer by the calendar, but there on my path in the woods where I often walk lay some leaves already fallen to the ground. The leaves were riddled and weakened by some pest that had devoured the life out of them. Weakened, the leaves could no longer hold on to the tree.I thought immediately of a professional colleague who had taken his life about six weeks earlier. He was not a close personal friend of mine but I respected his work profoundly, and he was very close to a number of my friends. His death impacted them and all of us in ways that none of us could have ever figured ahead of time.
He had struggled with bipolar illness, which many people knew, but no one knew just how deeply he was struggling at the time. I knew him well enough to feel that he would have not have taken his life if he had been feeling better. As insights from close friends and colleagues and family came out, it become clear that he had gotten to the place where mentally his mind was so devastated that he could no longer hold on.
As I held the leaf I thought of Lee, and said a prayer for his family. I happened to share the leaf story with a professional counselor, who said she thought it was a very useful metaphor for what happens with mental illness and suggested I write about it.
With the U.S. National Depression Screening Day coming up October 11, I would like to take this opportunity to encourage anyone and everyone who struggles with ongoing depression or even suicidal thoughts to seek screening and treatment. When stress piles up, it is easy to become overwhelmed. It takes time and effort to seek treatment. Who wants to take time out of a busy schedule to go to the doctor or the hospital?
This summer our staff helped facilitate workshops at our national church convention on mental illness rising out of the award-winning documentary we produced, Shadow Voices: Finding Hope in Mental Illness. I mention the award from the U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) not because of our work but because of the ten heroes (my word) who shared their stories of dealing with mental illness in the program, which I have written about before in this column. (See <http://www.shadowvoices.com/> www.shadowvoices.com or write to me for a series of columns on the topic). As persons are open about their illnesses, they help others find the courage to seek help even amid the stigma that still surrounds mental illness.
At one workshop, I was moved by the comment of one middle-aged man who shared his pain of practically raising his children by himself because of the illness of his wife. He was a member of a congregation, yet because her illness was a mental one, he did not receive the kind of support that he likely would have received had her illness been cancer or heart disease.
This is not to condemn churches in general because as a society we do not know how to relate to persons with this kind of illness.
However, this must and will change. Earlier in the spring, I conducted a 13-week Sunday school class using the Shadow Voices DVD at my own congregation and was pleasantly surprised at one of the younger members of the class expressing a "what's the big deal" attitude about the topic of mental illness. She was very open about sharing her own depression and treatment. "Everyone I know is on some kind of med," she said with a slight bit of exaggeration.
National Depression Screening Day (NDSD) will be held on October 11. NDSD screening sites are sponsored by hospitals, mental health centers, government agencies, social service agencies, advocacy organizations, colleges, primary care clinics, workplaces, healthcare companies and some faith communities. For more information or to find screening sites in your area, visit <http://www.mentalhealthscreening.org/> Mental Health Screening. Tell others about the screenings. In addition, Susan Gregg-Schroeder, a United Methodist minister who has experienced deep depression, heads a ministry called <http://www.MentalHealthMinistries.net> Mental Health Ministries and has many additional resources available at her website.
** ** ** ** ** **Another Way column by Melodie Davis. Send your comments to melodie@MennoMedia.org or dialogue with others on this topic or previous topics at Another Way Conversation - http://www.thirdway.com/talk/?Topic=AW
Friday, September 28, 2007
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
"Christianity in today’s society no longer looks like Jesus." -- Barna study
Shalom!
Here's a site to find info on the Barna Group's recent study about how young Americans perceive Christianity.
http://www.barna.org/FlexPage.aspx?Page=BarnaUpdateNarrow&BarnaUpdateID=280
Among a number of interesting tidbits is this line that was used by many to describe how Christianity is perceived now: "Christianity in today’s society no longer looks like Jesus."
What does Jesus look like? (I don't mean the physical description.) Many discussions in the Village have gotten pretty detailed about a number of things (I know this because I've been a contributor of some of the fine-pointing.) Maybe we have managed to look over or past the stories of Jesus interacting with the world around him. He didn't use big words. He didn't run for office. He didn't work any particular business plan that I know of. He did spend time with children and women and poor people. He did tell stories. He did get himself into big trouble with powerful governments and religious leaders. He was killed, but we live as if he is alive.
He's known for accepting people, speaking plainly if a bit enigmatically (but folks seemed to get the point), valuing his relationship with the Divine, and standing up for what he may have called the Kingdom of God.
Jesus summarizes all the law and prophets with three things: loving God, loving neighbor, and loving self. When he offers a story of judgment (Matthew 25), he determines the up or down vote by how his followers cared for "the least" who were hungry, thirsty, naked, alone, sick, or in prison.
Do you suppose if we Christians today looked like that, we could attract more young adults to our churches and ministries? I'm thinking, Yes!
Shalom!
dave
Here's a site to find info on the Barna Group's recent study about how young Americans perceive Christianity.
http://www.barna.org/FlexPage.aspx?Page=BarnaUpdateNarrow&BarnaUpdateID=280
Among a number of interesting tidbits is this line that was used by many to describe how Christianity is perceived now: "Christianity in today’s society no longer looks like Jesus."
What does Jesus look like? (I don't mean the physical description.) Many discussions in the Village have gotten pretty detailed about a number of things (I know this because I've been a contributor of some of the fine-pointing.) Maybe we have managed to look over or past the stories of Jesus interacting with the world around him. He didn't use big words. He didn't run for office. He didn't work any particular business plan that I know of. He did spend time with children and women and poor people. He did tell stories. He did get himself into big trouble with powerful governments and religious leaders. He was killed, but we live as if he is alive.
He's known for accepting people, speaking plainly if a bit enigmatically (but folks seemed to get the point), valuing his relationship with the Divine, and standing up for what he may have called the Kingdom of God.
Jesus summarizes all the law and prophets with three things: loving God, loving neighbor, and loving self. When he offers a story of judgment (Matthew 25), he determines the up or down vote by how his followers cared for "the least" who were hungry, thirsty, naked, alone, sick, or in prison.
Do you suppose if we Christians today looked like that, we could attract more young adults to our churches and ministries? I'm thinking, Yes!
Shalom!
dave
Monday, September 24, 2007
Quilts and Chocolate chip cookies
Shalom!
As far as I know, my grandmothers never fashioned quilts, but a character in Philip Gulley’s JUST SHY OF HARMONY (HarperSanFrancisco, 2002) valued her grandmother’s quilt highly. It was Jessie Peacock’s grandmother’s wedding ring quilt made by Jessie’s great-grandmother. As the story unfolds, and the quilt comes back to Jessie and her husband Asa, Gulley points out the value of such a day—a day “like Thanksgiving and Christmas and the day you got your grandma’s quilt back.” Quaint, to be sure, but understandable in my mind! My Mother's Mother lived with us for a few years when I was younger, oh so much younger, and she baked chocolate chip cookies. I think they must have been for me. Grandma was a very nervous person, and she sometimes did strange things. I think the cookies were for me because I was the only child, my father was diabetic, and my mother worked most days. Now that I think about it, though, Mother liked chocolate chip cookies too. Anyway, Grandma would bake them and then hide them. I would find them. And devour them. Like Thanksgiving and Christmas and the day you found your grandma's chocolate chip cookies . . . .
Gulley’s fictional story of Harmony and the Quakers there seems to be a lot like of Jan Karon’s Mitford series. Yet it all rings true for me! Mitford or Harmony, Episcopalians or Quakers, sophisticates like Fr. Tim and Cynthia or down-home folks like Sam and Barbara—the stories about life in church and parsonage have the ring of authenticity.
The church member writing the church column for the local paper commented on the pastor’s faith crisis:
That Pastor Sam with the faith crisis? He kept going to the Meetinghouse for service. And in time he preached again. I imagine it was a day like Thanksgiving and Christmas and the day you got your grandma's quilt back. Here's my question: did some of those Coffee Cup men go to church, and did they see what is happening in our worship?
Shalom!
dave
As far as I know, my grandmothers never fashioned quilts, but a character in Philip Gulley’s JUST SHY OF HARMONY (HarperSanFrancisco, 2002) valued her grandmother’s quilt highly. It was Jessie Peacock’s grandmother’s wedding ring quilt made by Jessie’s great-grandmother. As the story unfolds, and the quilt comes back to Jessie and her husband Asa, Gulley points out the value of such a day—a day “like Thanksgiving and Christmas and the day you got your grandma’s quilt back.” Quaint, to be sure, but understandable in my mind! My Mother's Mother lived with us for a few years when I was younger, oh so much younger, and she baked chocolate chip cookies. I think they must have been for me. Grandma was a very nervous person, and she sometimes did strange things. I think the cookies were for me because I was the only child, my father was diabetic, and my mother worked most days. Now that I think about it, though, Mother liked chocolate chip cookies too. Anyway, Grandma would bake them and then hide them. I would find them. And devour them. Like Thanksgiving and Christmas and the day you found your grandma's chocolate chip cookies . . . .
Gulley’s fictional story of Harmony and the Quakers there seems to be a lot like of Jan Karon’s Mitford series. Yet it all rings true for me! Mitford or Harmony, Episcopalians or Quakers, sophisticates like Fr. Tim and Cynthia or down-home folks like Sam and Barbara—the stories about life in church and parsonage have the ring of authenticity.
The church member writing the church column for the local paper commented on the pastor’s faith crisis:
The elders at Harmony Friends Meeting will be preaching until Sam GardnerJust to see what happens. I think that's a marvelous reason to gather for worship week in and week out: just to be there when something happens by the grace of God, and by the grace of God, something does! That holy something isn't always in the order of worship or the sermon or the choir anthem or the pastoral prayer or the hymns--certainly not in the ones I hate!--or in the passing of the peace. It's likely to happen during the time for children. It may happen in a conversation before worship or during the coffee hour. Watch for it! It will happen!
believes in God again.
All over town, folks have been talking about it. The old men down at the Coffee Cup ruminate about it over their bacon and eggs. An atheist pastor. Some of them are thinking of going to church just to see what happens.
That Pastor Sam with the faith crisis? He kept going to the Meetinghouse for service. And in time he preached again. I imagine it was a day like Thanksgiving and Christmas and the day you got your grandma's quilt back. Here's my question: did some of those Coffee Cup men go to church, and did they see what is happening in our worship?
Shalom!
dave
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
Survey summary and a new survey!
Shalom!
On two blogs I received a total of four responses. Hmmmmm..... Here's the summary for the survey from recently. I'll post my reaction later. After the summary, I'm asking a few more questions.
Shalom!
dave
The survey (from Sept. 6, 2007):
1. Are you a lay person or an ordained person?
a. 4 responses (hardly a healthy sample!)
i. 1 ordained United Methodist elder (anonymous)
ii. 2 lay (women)
iii. 1 lay man currently in process toward Local Licensed Pastor
b. i thank these four persons for responding so thoughtfully!
2. In your opinion, what are the top three or four issues facing local congregations? (I have mixed up responses in this general listing.)
a. Lack of vision for promoting growth in membership
b. Local congregations getting older and trying to attract and keep those in 20’s, 30’s, and 40’s
c. Congregations who do not feel a need to change
d. Starting “from scratch” with searching people because we missed a generation in the 1960’s and 1970’s.
e. Individuals or small groups who confront the pastor instead of offering cooperation
f. Commitment—looking more for entertainment than spiritual growth
g. Apathy among members
h. Members are often opposing one another instead of working together
i. Clergy itineracy and compensation
j. System discourages churches and pastors from doing long-term work needed for continuing maturing growth
k. Only a few members active; many are pewsitters
l. Lack of growth/declining membership
m. Lack of Biblical and Wesleyan knowledge/understanding
3. In your opinion, what are the top three or four issues facing clergy in congregations? (I have mixed up responses in this general listing.)
a. Lack of vision to promote growth in membership
b. Burnout due to heavy expectations
c. Mismatch in appointments (between pastor and congregation)
d. Declining enrollment (i think this means fewer pastors.)
e. Too much to do in too little time
f. Trying to make needed changes without upsetting power people
g. Length of ordination process
h. Numbers game at Conference level
i. Competing interests/conflict of interests for members—have to choose between worship and soccer
j. Worship services that are not meaningful for attending persons
4. In your opinion, what are the top tools a pastor ought to have in the pastoral skill kit? (I have mixed up responses in this general listing.)
a. Energy!
b. Better communication—more heartfelt preaching, better listening skills, more teaching/practicing of Wesley’s covenant groups
c. Communication skills of all kinds
d. A supportive spouse
e. Support system of family and friends outside the congregation
f. Two colleague support groups—one of UMC pastors and one ecumenical group
g. A good understanding of counseling theory and why people act the way they do
h. A calling to whatever type of ministry they are in
i. Being sure to take time away for family and self and fun
j. Retreats for spiritual growing
k. People to talk with
l. A visitation program within the parish and persons willing to do some visitation to help the pastor have time for other tasks
m. D.Min.
Second Survey
1. Are you a lay person or pastor/licensed local pastor/deacon?
2. In your opinion, what are the three or four strengths of The United Methodist Church?
3. In your opinion, what does a United Methodist presence (church) bring to a community?
Please respond!
Shalom!
dave
On two blogs I received a total of four responses. Hmmmmm..... Here's the summary for the survey from recently. I'll post my reaction later. After the summary, I'm asking a few more questions.
Shalom!
dave
The survey (from Sept. 6, 2007):
1. Are you a lay person or an ordained person?
a. 4 responses (hardly a healthy sample!)
i. 1 ordained United Methodist elder (anonymous)
ii. 2 lay (women)
iii. 1 lay man currently in process toward Local Licensed Pastor
b. i thank these four persons for responding so thoughtfully!
2. In your opinion, what are the top three or four issues facing local congregations? (I have mixed up responses in this general listing.)
a. Lack of vision for promoting growth in membership
b. Local congregations getting older and trying to attract and keep those in 20’s, 30’s, and 40’s
c. Congregations who do not feel a need to change
d. Starting “from scratch” with searching people because we missed a generation in the 1960’s and 1970’s.
e. Individuals or small groups who confront the pastor instead of offering cooperation
f. Commitment—looking more for entertainment than spiritual growth
g. Apathy among members
h. Members are often opposing one another instead of working together
i. Clergy itineracy and compensation
j. System discourages churches and pastors from doing long-term work needed for continuing maturing growth
k. Only a few members active; many are pewsitters
l. Lack of growth/declining membership
m. Lack of Biblical and Wesleyan knowledge/understanding
3. In your opinion, what are the top three or four issues facing clergy in congregations? (I have mixed up responses in this general listing.)
a. Lack of vision to promote growth in membership
b. Burnout due to heavy expectations
c. Mismatch in appointments (between pastor and congregation)
d. Declining enrollment (i think this means fewer pastors.)
e. Too much to do in too little time
f. Trying to make needed changes without upsetting power people
g. Length of ordination process
h. Numbers game at Conference level
i. Competing interests/conflict of interests for members—have to choose between worship and soccer
j. Worship services that are not meaningful for attending persons
4. In your opinion, what are the top tools a pastor ought to have in the pastoral skill kit? (I have mixed up responses in this general listing.)
a. Energy!
b. Better communication—more heartfelt preaching, better listening skills, more teaching/practicing of Wesley’s covenant groups
c. Communication skills of all kinds
d. A supportive spouse
e. Support system of family and friends outside the congregation
f. Two colleague support groups—one of UMC pastors and one ecumenical group
g. A good understanding of counseling theory and why people act the way they do
h. A calling to whatever type of ministry they are in
i. Being sure to take time away for family and self and fun
j. Retreats for spiritual growing
k. People to talk with
l. A visitation program within the parish and persons willing to do some visitation to help the pastor have time for other tasks
m. D.Min.
Second Survey
1. Are you a lay person or pastor/licensed local pastor/deacon?
2. In your opinion, what are the three or four strengths of The United Methodist Church?
3. In your opinion, what does a United Methodist presence (church) bring to a community?
Please respond!
Shalom!
dave
Monday, September 17, 2007
An issue for United Methodist clergy
Shalom!
Today's UMCom news service carried an article about younger clergy. A quote follows:
“There was a sense among many (although not all) that the church has not created space for young adults to be faithful disciples as they understand it. Instead, like a round peg in a square hole, they feel jammed into ministries that do not fit their gifts, into churches where they feel sucked dry and futile, into ministries that others define for them, without any room to explore what it means to be both Christian and postmodern at the same time. There was a sense that for many, The United Methodist Church is not looking for gifted Christian ministers; rather they are looking for by-the-book, work-within-the-system professionals who would pay their dues, innovate only within the system and not rock the boat.”
--Benjamin Yosua-Davis
http://www.umc.org/site/apps/nl/content3.asp?c=lwL4KnN1LtH&b=2072519&ct=4434793
Of course, i had a similar "sense" back in my seminary days (in another denomination) in the early 1970's. i think the stress is greater now, though, because of the way society has been changing in recent decades. Another concern of seminarians today seems to be an on-going seminary thing too: that seminaries and their teaching staff do not seem to be in touch with what is happening in local congregations. We know now that college educations are more or less outdated within several years because of the pace and scope of technological change, sociological understanding, etc. i think we just need to learn to live with rapid change!
i'm still going to compile the several responses to my survey upstream, but it seems to me that this quote enters into the discussion about the stress of expectations and the tools for pastors today. What is the role of leadership in local congregations, and how do we meet the ever-unfolding drama of daily living and spiritual growing?
Shalom!
dave
Today's UMCom news service carried an article about younger clergy. A quote follows:
“There was a sense among many (although not all) that the church has not created space for young adults to be faithful disciples as they understand it. Instead, like a round peg in a square hole, they feel jammed into ministries that do not fit their gifts, into churches where they feel sucked dry and futile, into ministries that others define for them, without any room to explore what it means to be both Christian and postmodern at the same time. There was a sense that for many, The United Methodist Church is not looking for gifted Christian ministers; rather they are looking for by-the-book, work-within-the-system professionals who would pay their dues, innovate only within the system and not rock the boat.”
--Benjamin Yosua-Davis
http://www.umc.org/site/apps/nl/content3.asp?c=lwL4KnN1LtH&b=2072519&ct=4434793
Of course, i had a similar "sense" back in my seminary days (in another denomination) in the early 1970's. i think the stress is greater now, though, because of the way society has been changing in recent decades. Another concern of seminarians today seems to be an on-going seminary thing too: that seminaries and their teaching staff do not seem to be in touch with what is happening in local congregations. We know now that college educations are more or less outdated within several years because of the pace and scope of technological change, sociological understanding, etc. i think we just need to learn to live with rapid change!
i'm still going to compile the several responses to my survey upstream, but it seems to me that this quote enters into the discussion about the stress of expectations and the tools for pastors today. What is the role of leadership in local congregations, and how do we meet the ever-unfolding drama of daily living and spiritual growing?
Shalom!
dave
How do you preach?
Shalom!
NOTE the survey here! Gentle Readers, you can help me shape this blog into something more helpful that a blob.
How do you preach? This does not anticipate answers like "Marvelously" or "So-so" or "I haven't taken a survey lately". I'm looking for responses around the following questions and others. Feel free to tick through the questions in your own mind, or respond here on the blog.
Do you think of the sermon as a central element of worship or one of several equal worship elements?
How do you see your preaching as "performance"?
Is it important to have a record of what you said? (Do you prefer to use a manuscript, and if so, why?) Or, is the sermon a "working through" the text with the congregation in a more informal fashion? How successful is that?
Do you have a way to measure the impact of a given sermon, and would you care to share that?
What else needs to be asked and considered?
Shalom!
dave
NOTE the survey here! Gentle Readers, you can help me shape this blog into something more helpful that a blob.
How do you preach? This does not anticipate answers like "Marvelously" or "So-so" or "I haven't taken a survey lately". I'm looking for responses around the following questions and others. Feel free to tick through the questions in your own mind, or respond here on the blog.
Do you think of the sermon as a central element of worship or one of several equal worship elements?
How do you see your preaching as "performance"?
Is it important to have a record of what you said? (Do you prefer to use a manuscript, and if so, why?) Or, is the sermon a "working through" the text with the congregation in a more informal fashion? How successful is that?
Do you have a way to measure the impact of a given sermon, and would you care to share that?
What else needs to be asked and considered?
Shalom!
dave
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
Musing on living into the future
Shalom!
"Fear not for the future, weep not for the past." --Percy Bysshe Shelley
i'm a timid fellow. i am an introvert, per the MBTI. i was a cautious--probably too cautious--pastor. i tried to replace worrying with brooding but can't say how successful that was. i claimed it was all a part of my gift of creativity . . . .
So now i wonder if i lived too much in the past and how i might practice living in the present, not fearing the future. It helps that retirement has come as a gracious gift, and i live with a loving wife, and the sky outside our new home is bright blue with accents of puffy white clouds most of the time (so far). Storms will come, i suspect.
i have this nagging fear about what might happen to me and to the world. Yet increasingly my thinking leads me to an understanding of an open-ended future--which could give one great pause--and an ever-present Love. Reading Spong and others has helped clarify my uneasiness over recent years about the neatness of my faith. i used to think that God was drawing creation to a fulfillment, but now i'm not so sure about that. If God and i are co-creators, then how can either of us know the outcome? And if all of this that we call Creation is constantly evolving--or maybe a better word is changing, then what provides any sense of security?
i find the security in that ever-present Love, which is right now the closest i come to describing what i used to call God. The ever-present Love is large and compassionate and aware and many other things. This understanding provides me with meaning for my life. i can worship with other believers/trusters and sing the old hymns (though sometimes needing to edit the words as i sing) and share in the corporate experience. i still use the word God and i still need to be in conversation with persons with other thinking patterns. i am excited that the ever-present Love leads me/goes with me into a future that promises growth and increased awareness and a greater sense of feeling a part of all creation.
But i still have fear! i think it's a bit like John Wesley's Aldersgate experience. It is said that he continued to have lingering doubts that God loved him after that evening of the Hot Heart. There might be some Mother Teresa in there too: keeping to her compassionate caring even in the midst of a sense of being lost or alone.
i think i was afraid of the future as a pastor to the extent that i did not suggest or work for things in the life of the congregations that i served--things that would have changed the way things were! You know what i mean! But it was in part a survival issue. If i went past a certain line, sometimes more clearly visible than other times, then maybe people would leave the church or stop giving money or stop leading a program or a class or a project and then maybe i would a) not be liked or b) not be paid or c) get a call from my Superintendent or d) something else.
"Fear not" is one of the big themes in the Bible. Being excited about the future is one of our challenges these days. i wonder if anyone can help me support pastors nowadays who i think may experience fear themselves or be fearful of moving congregations in new directions? What are ways in which, together, we can "fear not for the future"?
Shalom!
dave
"Fear not for the future, weep not for the past." --Percy Bysshe Shelley
i'm a timid fellow. i am an introvert, per the MBTI. i was a cautious--probably too cautious--pastor. i tried to replace worrying with brooding but can't say how successful that was. i claimed it was all a part of my gift of creativity . . . .
So now i wonder if i lived too much in the past and how i might practice living in the present, not fearing the future. It helps that retirement has come as a gracious gift, and i live with a loving wife, and the sky outside our new home is bright blue with accents of puffy white clouds most of the time (so far). Storms will come, i suspect.
i have this nagging fear about what might happen to me and to the world. Yet increasingly my thinking leads me to an understanding of an open-ended future--which could give one great pause--and an ever-present Love. Reading Spong and others has helped clarify my uneasiness over recent years about the neatness of my faith. i used to think that God was drawing creation to a fulfillment, but now i'm not so sure about that. If God and i are co-creators, then how can either of us know the outcome? And if all of this that we call Creation is constantly evolving--or maybe a better word is changing, then what provides any sense of security?
i find the security in that ever-present Love, which is right now the closest i come to describing what i used to call God. The ever-present Love is large and compassionate and aware and many other things. This understanding provides me with meaning for my life. i can worship with other believers/trusters and sing the old hymns (though sometimes needing to edit the words as i sing) and share in the corporate experience. i still use the word God and i still need to be in conversation with persons with other thinking patterns. i am excited that the ever-present Love leads me/goes with me into a future that promises growth and increased awareness and a greater sense of feeling a part of all creation.
But i still have fear! i think it's a bit like John Wesley's Aldersgate experience. It is said that he continued to have lingering doubts that God loved him after that evening of the Hot Heart. There might be some Mother Teresa in there too: keeping to her compassionate caring even in the midst of a sense of being lost or alone.
i think i was afraid of the future as a pastor to the extent that i did not suggest or work for things in the life of the congregations that i served--things that would have changed the way things were! You know what i mean! But it was in part a survival issue. If i went past a certain line, sometimes more clearly visible than other times, then maybe people would leave the church or stop giving money or stop leading a program or a class or a project and then maybe i would a) not be liked or b) not be paid or c) get a call from my Superintendent or d) something else.
"Fear not" is one of the big themes in the Bible. Being excited about the future is one of our challenges these days. i wonder if anyone can help me support pastors nowadays who i think may experience fear themselves or be fearful of moving congregations in new directions? What are ways in which, together, we can "fear not for the future"?
Shalom!
dave
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
One reflection on 9/11
Shalom!
Bill Moyers interviewed (PBS, Friday, Sept. 7) Jack Goldsmith, author of THE TERROR PRESIDENCY and a recent lawyer in the administration. Goldsmith says of Vice President Cheney's longtime legal counsel and current Chief of Staff:
“David Addington once said to me, he was the Vice President's counsel, when I advised that I didn't think something they wanted to do was lawful, he once said to me, ‘If you rule that way, then you will have the blood of 100,000 people who die in the next attack on your hands.’”
One point Goldsmith was making, it seemed to me, was that the present Bush administration reacted to the terrorist act of 9/11/2001 with fear. It feared more deaths in the United States, and that fear pushed forward what many of us regard as unwarranted and counter-productive measures leading to the war in Iraq and numerous infringements on constitutional rights in our own nation.
Was/Is that fear justified? I don’t think so. Even as we mark today the terrible event that seems to us so invasive and irresponsible, we recognize that innocent persons die each month in many places around the globe. Our government is responsible for many of those deaths.
It seems to me that we need to be about the task of grieving death and despair wherever it arises in our world. We need to be acting out of hope and compassion, not fear and anger. If I understand Goldsmith’s point correctly—and if he is right, then our supposedly Christian nation and born-again President have been acting in most un-Christian-like ways characterized by fear, force, and faithlessness. We need to lift up the premises of religious expressions: that the Divine is “pure, unbounded love” inviting us to mature, to grow in grace, and to grow into the likeness of Christ.
Shalom!
dave
Bill Moyers interviewed (PBS, Friday, Sept. 7) Jack Goldsmith, author of THE TERROR PRESIDENCY and a recent lawyer in the administration. Goldsmith says of Vice President Cheney's longtime legal counsel and current Chief of Staff:
“David Addington once said to me, he was the Vice President's counsel, when I advised that I didn't think something they wanted to do was lawful, he once said to me, ‘If you rule that way, then you will have the blood of 100,000 people who die in the next attack on your hands.’”
One point Goldsmith was making, it seemed to me, was that the present Bush administration reacted to the terrorist act of 9/11/2001 with fear. It feared more deaths in the United States, and that fear pushed forward what many of us regard as unwarranted and counter-productive measures leading to the war in Iraq and numerous infringements on constitutional rights in our own nation.
Was/Is that fear justified? I don’t think so. Even as we mark today the terrible event that seems to us so invasive and irresponsible, we recognize that innocent persons die each month in many places around the globe. Our government is responsible for many of those deaths.
It seems to me that we need to be about the task of grieving death and despair wherever it arises in our world. We need to be acting out of hope and compassion, not fear and anger. If I understand Goldsmith’s point correctly—and if he is right, then our supposedly Christian nation and born-again President have been acting in most un-Christian-like ways characterized by fear, force, and faithlessness. We need to lift up the premises of religious expressions: that the Divine is “pure, unbounded love” inviting us to mature, to grow in grace, and to grow into the likeness of Christ.
Shalom!
dave
Friday, September 7, 2007
Resource for the Practicing Pastor
“Religion In Campaign ‘08”
http://people-press.org/reports/pdf/353.pdf
.... a report from the Pew Research Center, a nonpartisan “fact tank” that provides information on the issues, attitudes and trends shaping America and the world ....
http://people-press.org/reports/pdf/353.pdf
.... a report from the Pew Research Center, a nonpartisan “fact tank” that provides information on the issues, attitudes and trends shaping America and the world ....
Thursday, September 6, 2007
Practical Suggestions for the Practicing Pastor
For those who ask for joys and concerns before prayer in worship:
The other Sunday we worshipped in a church in which the worship leader—Ken Pennings—asked the congregation for joys and concerns. In my mind, this works best in smaller groups, but it seems to be a common practice in the places we have visited here. [Does it seem like an “in-house” kind of thing to you? It does to me, though perhaps it can draw in the guests too.] Anyway, one way to help the process is to repeat the joy or concern so that all can hear (or use a handheld microphone). Another thing—and this is what Ken did—is to ask the congregation to “covenant to remember _______ in prayer this week” with the congregational response, “We will.” Works for me.
However, I found myself this week unable to remember what I had agreed to pray for last week! Hence, this idea: have someone prepare a slide to project at points in the rest of the service to help folks recall the persons and situations, or, maybe better, have someone prepare a half-sheet of paper with the prayer requests which could be available as you leave the sanctuary. Again, I could note the requests in my bulletin, but it would be easier for me to have someone else prepare and distribute that list! [The usher counts the crowd so all we curious folks don’t have to. Same principle for noting prayer needs.]
The other Sunday we worshipped in a church in which the worship leader—Ken Pennings—asked the congregation for joys and concerns. In my mind, this works best in smaller groups, but it seems to be a common practice in the places we have visited here. [Does it seem like an “in-house” kind of thing to you? It does to me, though perhaps it can draw in the guests too.] Anyway, one way to help the process is to repeat the joy or concern so that all can hear (or use a handheld microphone). Another thing—and this is what Ken did—is to ask the congregation to “covenant to remember _______ in prayer this week” with the congregational response, “We will.” Works for me.
However, I found myself this week unable to remember what I had agreed to pray for last week! Hence, this idea: have someone prepare a slide to project at points in the rest of the service to help folks recall the persons and situations, or, maybe better, have someone prepare a half-sheet of paper with the prayer requests which could be available as you leave the sanctuary. Again, I could note the requests in my bulletin, but it would be easier for me to have someone else prepare and distribute that list! [The usher counts the crowd so all we curious folks don’t have to. Same principle for noting prayer needs.]
Tilt-a-World
Shalom!
I think Diana Butler Bass writing for Sojourners (see link)
http://blog.beliefnet.com/godspolitics/2007/09/american-christendom-rip-by-di.html
is on target: as some of these leaders of a more Right Wing faith expression pass from the scene, it will be easier to see what's coming. Maybe. [A couple of weeks ago Carmen Porco preached at Madison's First Baptist Church and lifted up an image that has stuck with me. We need each other. A bird flies with a right wing and a left wing; with only one, not so much. He suggested that God is the body that flies with both wings, and if we want the flight to be true and effective, we need both wings. How do we manage this today in the Body of Christ?]
I suspect that many of the congregations in our nation(s) worship in a traditional or some sort of blended style. Is this because such a style (and somewhat consequent theology) is correct? Is it because that's what we pastors know and are comfortable with? Is it because many of the main supporters (read: "givers") of our congregations are older and more comfortable with what they have gotten used to?
This is not an issue for me if the bottom line of congregations is outward-focused: how does the body of Christ constituted as the XYZ Church in Anytown, World serve those in need in the larger community? If any congregation engages only in navel-gazing and lint-picking, then there is a problem! A caring congregation can worship in a variety of ways.
But I wonder: how do we (congregations) and we (pastors) set a vision that keeps pace with much of what is going on around us in politics, economics, life style, etc.? I think the fall of Christendom is a good thing, but how are we shaping what will become "church" in the next few years?
And, working pastors, dear friends, how may the rest of us help you?
Shalom!
dave
I think Diana Butler Bass writing for Sojourners (see link)
http://blog.beliefnet.com/godspolitics/2007/09/american-christendom-rip-by-di.html
is on target: as some of these leaders of a more Right Wing faith expression pass from the scene, it will be easier to see what's coming. Maybe. [A couple of weeks ago Carmen Porco preached at Madison's First Baptist Church and lifted up an image that has stuck with me. We need each other. A bird flies with a right wing and a left wing; with only one, not so much. He suggested that God is the body that flies with both wings, and if we want the flight to be true and effective, we need both wings. How do we manage this today in the Body of Christ?]
I suspect that many of the congregations in our nation(s) worship in a traditional or some sort of blended style. Is this because such a style (and somewhat consequent theology) is correct? Is it because that's what we pastors know and are comfortable with? Is it because many of the main supporters (read: "givers") of our congregations are older and more comfortable with what they have gotten used to?
This is not an issue for me if the bottom line of congregations is outward-focused: how does the body of Christ constituted as the XYZ Church in Anytown, World serve those in need in the larger community? If any congregation engages only in navel-gazing and lint-picking, then there is a problem! A caring congregation can worship in a variety of ways.
But I wonder: how do we (congregations) and we (pastors) set a vision that keeps pace with much of what is going on around us in politics, economics, life style, etc.? I think the fall of Christendom is a good thing, but how are we shaping what will become "church" in the next few years?
And, working pastors, dear friends, how may the rest of us help you?
Shalom!
dave
Quick survey
Shalom!
For those who a) find this, and b) care to respond,
1. Are you a lay person or an ordained person?
2. In your opinion, what are the top three or four issues facing local congregations?
3. In your opinion, what are the top three or four issues facing clergy in congregations?
4. In your opinion, what are the top tools a pastor ought to have in the pastoral skill kit?
I think you can click on the comment box below and respond. You may respond anonymously.
Shalom!
dave
For those who a) find this, and b) care to respond,
1. Are you a lay person or an ordained person?
2. In your opinion, what are the top three or four issues facing local congregations?
3. In your opinion, what are the top three or four issues facing clergy in congregations?
4. In your opinion, what are the top tools a pastor ought to have in the pastoral skill kit?
I think you can click on the comment box below and respond. You may respond anonymously.
Shalom!
dave
Tuesday, September 4, 2007
What are we learning in schooling today?
Shalom!
The NY TIMES points out that
- ON THIS DAY -On Sept. 4, 1957, Arkansas Gov. Orval Faubus called out the National Guard to prevent nine black students from entering Central High School in Little Rock.
http://www.nytimes.com/learning/general/onthisday/20070904.html
I was ten then. Can't say I remember the event, but I am aware that I grew up knowing OF the event. It was one of the civil rights moments that played a large role in shaping my growing up years. Today, the struggle continues as we contend with racism, and today I continue to grow up!
Pastor, what events of this day are shaping our youth? How is the Potter of our Present Clay shaping us in this world? How are we assisting or resisting in this process of change?
In worship last Sunday I became aware of the importance of this human activity (all over again for the first time some more). People choose to gather together to share in an "order of worship" in which there is attention to the Divine and caring for those around us. For some, the spoken word--Scripture or sermon, for example--is paramount; for others, the opportunity to weave melody and harmonies in group singing. For some, the touch and voice of friends; for others, the opportunity to be alone with Divine in the midst of others. Some have been brought to worship; others have come willingly and gladly. Some leave empty; others, filled to the brim with Spirit and spirit to face the days ahead.
How can congregations, which have a good thing going, improve in this area of connecting the events of the world with the story of God's love for all creation? I remember that some persons spoke favorably of the pastor who always preached on the headlines in the Sunday paper. Does this mean that s/he began sermon preparation a couple of hours before worship? Or is there an on-going conversation in which the headlines of the moment--the crawl on the screen of daily living--interact with the sweep of reflection on the gift and purpose of life?
Enough. Today let us hold in the energy-focusing of our praying the students and teachers and school personnel and families caught up in the enthusiasm and anxiety of this traditional first day of school. Ask anyone this evening, "What did you learn today?" and see if our education is making a difference in our daily living!
Shalom!
dave
The NY TIMES points out that
- ON THIS DAY -On Sept. 4, 1957, Arkansas Gov. Orval Faubus called out the National Guard to prevent nine black students from entering Central High School in Little Rock.
http://www.nytimes.com/learning/general/onthisday/20070904.html
I was ten then. Can't say I remember the event, but I am aware that I grew up knowing OF the event. It was one of the civil rights moments that played a large role in shaping my growing up years. Today, the struggle continues as we contend with racism, and today I continue to grow up!
Pastor, what events of this day are shaping our youth? How is the Potter of our Present Clay shaping us in this world? How are we assisting or resisting in this process of change?
In worship last Sunday I became aware of the importance of this human activity (all over again for the first time some more). People choose to gather together to share in an "order of worship" in which there is attention to the Divine and caring for those around us. For some, the spoken word--Scripture or sermon, for example--is paramount; for others, the opportunity to weave melody and harmonies in group singing. For some, the touch and voice of friends; for others, the opportunity to be alone with Divine in the midst of others. Some have been brought to worship; others have come willingly and gladly. Some leave empty; others, filled to the brim with Spirit and spirit to face the days ahead.
How can congregations, which have a good thing going, improve in this area of connecting the events of the world with the story of God's love for all creation? I remember that some persons spoke favorably of the pastor who always preached on the headlines in the Sunday paper. Does this mean that s/he began sermon preparation a couple of hours before worship? Or is there an on-going conversation in which the headlines of the moment--the crawl on the screen of daily living--interact with the sweep of reflection on the gift and purpose of life?
Enough. Today let us hold in the energy-focusing of our praying the students and teachers and school personnel and families caught up in the enthusiasm and anxiety of this traditional first day of school. Ask anyone this evening, "What did you learn today?" and see if our education is making a difference in our daily living!
Shalom!
dave
Sunday, September 2, 2007
Labor Day
Shalom!
Monday is Labor Day. I'm hoping no pastor reads this on Monday! It's a Holyday!
Monday was one of my days to really dig in to the work of the week. So when Monday was a holyday/holiday, I just assumed that meant more opportunity to get a jump on the week. Not so! It's a holyday.
Bill Moyers interviewed poet Robert Bly on his recent PBS JOURNAL. Bly was encouraging all of us to rest and seek a calming balance in our lives. He recited these lines from his own translation of Rainer Maria Rilke:
"I am circling around God, around the ancient tower,
and I have been circling for a thousand years,
and I still don't know if I am a falcon,
or a storm,
or a great song ..."
Holydays help us remember, it seems to me, that we are great songs.
Shalom!
dave
Monday is Labor Day. I'm hoping no pastor reads this on Monday! It's a Holyday!
Monday was one of my days to really dig in to the work of the week. So when Monday was a holyday/holiday, I just assumed that meant more opportunity to get a jump on the week. Not so! It's a holyday.
Bill Moyers interviewed poet Robert Bly on his recent PBS JOURNAL. Bly was encouraging all of us to rest and seek a calming balance in our lives. He recited these lines from his own translation of Rainer Maria Rilke:
"I am circling around God, around the ancient tower,
and I have been circling for a thousand years,
and I still don't know if I am a falcon,
or a storm,
or a great song ..."
Holydays help us remember, it seems to me, that we are great songs.
Shalom!
dave
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