After my father's funeral this spring at the First Presbyterian Church in Galesburg, I wanted some friends to see the First United Methodist Church (my "home" church) which was just across the parking lot. After they could not get in the door, they came back looking for me saying that the door was locked. It turned out it was just the wrong door, to which my friend responded, "That's the way with most churches, you never know which door to go in." Interesting observation. Now that he says that, I can think of many churches I have been to and the entrance is not clear. In fact, many older churches have a rather pronounced entrance with steps and beautiful doors. My guess is the members do not use them and maybe they are open on Sundays. Church doors, I find, are locked, sealed, or unusable or inaccessable. Sometimes there will be a sign that reads: "Use Main Entrance". Yeah, if I knew where that was.
I have been fixated on this idea of church doors and how closed they have been to people through the years. I wrote last night in one of the blog responses:
When I started preaching in the contemporary setting, I can remember someone telling me that my target audience should be those disgruntled with the church. As I think about the last 8 years (scandals, transforming churches, etc) I think that is a huge target audience. As we move from a "Christian society" to a Secular society", we see tons of people who were raised in the church and have since left. And not just wandering away, but intentionally leaving with a negative perspective of (un)organized religion.
Perhaps that "target audience" sees a church that has been closed to them. You can't help that they have closed the door themselves, but too many times we find the church at fault of closing the door. It would be nice to see a church with doors open ... the back doors, the front doors, the garage doors where people can come in through the portal that is most comfortable.
But don't forget about leaving the Fridge door open ... people are hungry for something!
Jun 12, 2008
Jun 10, 2008
Preachers and Politicians
After being elected president of the fifth grade class, I was convinced that one day I would be President of the United States of America. By the end of the year, my convincing essay to Mrs. Hinkson led her to tell me, "yes, Brad, I believe one day you will be President." After serving as class president in high school, my life in politics drew to a close and religion came to the forefront.
The irony is that during this election year, I am in the profession that is giving presidential candidates great difficulty for both political parties. Controversial statements by preachers are being pulled out of the archives, hitting Youtube, portrayed to America's voters on CNN, and being used by rivals to draw associations between candidates and their preachers. Interestingly enough, I did not realize we preachers were that popular and influential!
What has been even more interesting for me is the reaction by candidates to drop their association with their churches. My initial response is that if you were offended by your preacher's comments, why does it take a political campaign to get you to listen to what your preacher really said.
As I reflect more, I guess if I said something controversial or contrary to your thoughts in my sermons, then we could dialogue about our faith journeys and come to a peace between us before you choose to jettison the church. But there is a deeper issue here that has to do with association and PERHAPS a feeling of selling out on a faith commitment as if the election takes precedence over the community of faith. Your commitment to your church is a commitment to more than the preacher, but to a faith community where you have experienced God. (Again, this is in regards to both parties ... not showing partiality, nor am I condoning any comments that have been made). This is a blog about being called to dialogue, to agree to disagree, but to dialogue when opinions differ.
That was the beauty of Christ in selecting his disciples. Zealots and Tax collectors drawn to the same table to share in life. Jesus knew the tension between such group, but he brought them together and sent them forth in the same mission of faith ... with a faith commitment. Are you proud of your association with the saints and sinners of your faith community? Does your faith community represent what you stand for? If someone questioned your church, would you stand by it?
The irony is that during this election year, I am in the profession that is giving presidential candidates great difficulty for both political parties. Controversial statements by preachers are being pulled out of the archives, hitting Youtube, portrayed to America's voters on CNN, and being used by rivals to draw associations between candidates and their preachers. Interestingly enough, I did not realize we preachers were that popular and influential!
What has been even more interesting for me is the reaction by candidates to drop their association with their churches. My initial response is that if you were offended by your preacher's comments, why does it take a political campaign to get you to listen to what your preacher really said.
As I reflect more, I guess if I said something controversial or contrary to your thoughts in my sermons, then we could dialogue about our faith journeys and come to a peace between us before you choose to jettison the church. But there is a deeper issue here that has to do with association and PERHAPS a feeling of selling out on a faith commitment as if the election takes precedence over the community of faith. Your commitment to your church is a commitment to more than the preacher, but to a faith community where you have experienced God. (Again, this is in regards to both parties ... not showing partiality, nor am I condoning any comments that have been made). This is a blog about being called to dialogue, to agree to disagree, but to dialogue when opinions differ.
That was the beauty of Christ in selecting his disciples. Zealots and Tax collectors drawn to the same table to share in life. Jesus knew the tension between such group, but he brought them together and sent them forth in the same mission of faith ... with a faith commitment. Are you proud of your association with the saints and sinners of your faith community? Does your faith community represent what you stand for? If someone questioned your church, would you stand by it?
Jun 7, 2008
Unorganized Religion
I just spent the last couple of days in Peoria at our Annual Conference. Every year, the United Methodist Churches gather for a time of Holy Conferencing and discern the direction of our churches for the coming year. We deal with anything from a $14.5 million budget to declaring an Older Adult Day in the Illinois United Methodist Churches; from taking a stand on war to how many churches we want to start next year. One of the interesting discussions (maybe frustrating would be a better word) was on move to begin electronic voting at our next annual conference. With these little keypads we can register our vote and in seconds we would know the outcome. It's great ... I think they use the same system on America's Funniest Home Videos.
However, America's Funniest Home Videos we are not. What happened afterwards was an hour discussion on why we should not make such a technological shift. There were some justified reasons, but much of the discussion centered on trust. These elected and appointed leaders of the church showed a lack of trust in technology (that it would fail), the organized church (that someone would see how they voted), and themselves ("I may push the wrong button"). The irony of the situation runs even deeper as this dialogue on electronic voting led someone at the end of the conference to say to me, "I am finding myself losing interest in organized religion more and more every year." Again, an elected leader of the church.
What is it that contributes to those feelings that organized religion has failed people? Church politics? Broken trust? Disconnected clergy? Or is it as simple as a lack of patience and kindness for and towards those who may not be where we are in the journey?
We have to decide for ourselves whether our involvement in "organized religion" has brought something rich to our lives or not. My guess is that despite the headaches, we have gained a community that has transformed us. You will never hear me promote "organized religion" but you will hear me talk about a fantastic community of Faith.
There is one thing from the Annual Conference that I invite you to watch. It was given to us by Bishop Bruce Ough (from West Ohio). Consider this 8 minute video in light of where we may be going and how organized religion has a part. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pMcfrLYDm2U
However, America's Funniest Home Videos we are not. What happened afterwards was an hour discussion on why we should not make such a technological shift. There were some justified reasons, but much of the discussion centered on trust. These elected and appointed leaders of the church showed a lack of trust in technology (that it would fail), the organized church (that someone would see how they voted), and themselves ("I may push the wrong button"). The irony of the situation runs even deeper as this dialogue on electronic voting led someone at the end of the conference to say to me, "I am finding myself losing interest in organized religion more and more every year." Again, an elected leader of the church.
What is it that contributes to those feelings that organized religion has failed people? Church politics? Broken trust? Disconnected clergy? Or is it as simple as a lack of patience and kindness for and towards those who may not be where we are in the journey?
We have to decide for ourselves whether our involvement in "organized religion" has brought something rich to our lives or not. My guess is that despite the headaches, we have gained a community that has transformed us. You will never hear me promote "organized religion" but you will hear me talk about a fantastic community of Faith.
There is one thing from the Annual Conference that I invite you to watch. It was given to us by Bishop Bruce Ough (from West Ohio). Consider this 8 minute video in light of where we may be going and how organized religion has a part. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pMcfrLYDm2U
Jun 3, 2008
Missions, Martyrs, and Passion
I have received two e-mails this week from friends in Juarez who are dealing with the recent run of violence in their community. Since January 1, the number of homicides in Juarez has totaled over 400. The problem is between the major drug traders and an order of corrupt police officers. The Mexican government has stepped up and sent in over 2,500 troops to aid local law enforcement (for more info see www.elpasotimes.com). There is hope, though there are many travel warnings to Americans suggesting they stay clear until the situation is stabilized.
Jose Luis, my friend and our missionary contact, asked us to lift them up in prayer as they have had four teams cancel this spring after hearing this warning. When teams cancel, their employees go without any work and income. The mission is worried. One team that recently completed their mission last month sent a letter to prospective teams assuring them that the mission was safe. The violence is taking place in other parts of the city and it is primarily between the drug runners and the law.
I used to joke with those going on the Adult Mission Trips for the first time that if you died on a mission trip then you would be considered a martyr which is one of the steps toward sainthood. Yet, on a serious note as I talked with one of my friends this past week who has also been to Juarez, we both agreed that we will sign up again next year and really have no hesitation. When it comes to confidence, I guess this is where I feel the most confident in life. Not only are the mission trips to Juarez the only place I get a good night's sleep, but my life is tied to a passion and mission that I can not imagine my life without it. I wish I had this kind of confidence in other areas of my life.
Are there places for you where you have a similar confidence in the face of fear? Is there anything that you can point to in your life that gives you this kind of confidence? Why do we lack confidence in the other places in our lives?
Jose Luis, my friend and our missionary contact, asked us to lift them up in prayer as they have had four teams cancel this spring after hearing this warning. When teams cancel, their employees go without any work and income. The mission is worried. One team that recently completed their mission last month sent a letter to prospective teams assuring them that the mission was safe. The violence is taking place in other parts of the city and it is primarily between the drug runners and the law.
I used to joke with those going on the Adult Mission Trips for the first time that if you died on a mission trip then you would be considered a martyr which is one of the steps toward sainthood. Yet, on a serious note as I talked with one of my friends this past week who has also been to Juarez, we both agreed that we will sign up again next year and really have no hesitation. When it comes to confidence, I guess this is where I feel the most confident in life. Not only are the mission trips to Juarez the only place I get a good night's sleep, but my life is tied to a passion and mission that I can not imagine my life without it. I wish I had this kind of confidence in other areas of my life.
Are there places for you where you have a similar confidence in the face of fear? Is there anything that you can point to in your life that gives you this kind of confidence? Why do we lack confidence in the other places in our lives?
Jun 2, 2008
Who Do You Say I Am?
The other night I came across a show on the National Geographic channel revealing some of the historical truths behind the Indiana Jones movies. Though I missed the discussion on the Ark of the Covenant, I did catch some of the segment on the quest for the Holy Grail, the cup believed to be used at the Last Supper. There was an interview with an archaeologist who, after a long quest, found what he believes is the Holy Grail buried under a statue in France. According to legend, Joseph of Arimathea, the man who offered his tomb for Jesus, took that same grail and used it to collect the blood that poured from Jesus side after his crucifixion. Joseph of Arimathea would be known as the first keeper of the grail.
The interesting twist to the story, was the archaeologist in the interview said it was made of alabaster. Indiana Jones held the cup of a carpenter. Our churches use golden chalices to remember the moment. Google search “Holy Grail” and the images are adorned cups. The Da Vinci Code will tell you the Holy Grail was not a cup, but a person. In Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, it was a question of faith.
In his book, The Holy Grail: Imagination and Belief, Richard Barber writes:
Not that this means there wasn't a cup. But even if it still exists, how would you know if you found it? You are not going to come up with a cup with a neat label tied around it saying 'This is the cup of the Last Supper, guaranteed authentic.'"
Isn’t that true about how seeking out Jesus in our life? There are four Gospels with four different perspectives of Jesus, which is true for you? How do you determine what is truth for you? Jesus asks his disciples in the heart of the Gospel of Mark, “Who do you say I am?” Ah, a key question. Not what others are saying or not from hear say or legend, but who do YOU say I am?
The interesting twist to the story, was the archaeologist in the interview said it was made of alabaster. Indiana Jones held the cup of a carpenter. Our churches use golden chalices to remember the moment. Google search “Holy Grail” and the images are adorned cups. The Da Vinci Code will tell you the Holy Grail was not a cup, but a person. In Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, it was a question of faith.
In his book, The Holy Grail: Imagination and Belief, Richard Barber writes:
Not that this means there wasn't a cup. But even if it still exists, how would you know if you found it? You are not going to come up with a cup with a neat label tied around it saying 'This is the cup of the Last Supper, guaranteed authentic.'"
Isn’t that true about how seeking out Jesus in our life? There are four Gospels with four different perspectives of Jesus, which is true for you? How do you determine what is truth for you? Jesus asks his disciples in the heart of the Gospel of Mark, “Who do you say I am?” Ah, a key question. Not what others are saying or not from hear say or legend, but who do YOU say I am?
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