As my seminary career draws toward a close I am looking forward to the next part of my journey. Part of the process is applying for a job so that I can ensure I have food, shelter, and make a small dent in the costs of my formal education that is still left to be paid for. As I apply for hobs I found one that from the description seemed to embrace my personal sense of calling, and also requiring me to step out of my comfort zone. I applied, and today I received a call to tell me more about the program and what they are trying to do and if I was still interested. It was a brief call but I was impressed.
A small congregation described as “dying” has chosen to sell its building, assets to put towards a new program of ministry. A ministry focused towards young adults and families, to provided ministry of presence, be a resource for those in the community who may be lonely, going through difficult times… To help foster relationship, to listen and meet spiritual needs as well, but the aim the goal is not to have baptisms, (I doubt they would eb upset if one or two took place but that’s not an expectation) but to be there for the people. In many ways it sounded to me to truly try to live out the mission of Community of Christ, not concerned if those touched, ministered to, choose to enter this faith movement, but that their needs are met, they have community, relationship… They’re not doing it as a last ditch effort of calling someone in to try and prop them up for a another few years of doing the same old thing, but to truly enrich the lives of others, to live, to be, to share the peace of Christ, and there’s a possibility this young adult fresh from years and years and years (okay maybe I’m stale with all these years) of education could possibly help be there to serve with them in providing this ministry. And perhaps in that place lives will be changed for the better as people generously share who they are, what they have to be present, to love, to care, to share, with others, and aid in healing, reconciliation, and acknowledgment of the worth of all…
How many small and dying congregations through out the US, and the spectrum of denominations are willing to do the same? To say, we are small but we have a vision to make a difference for good, and we are willing to give all that we have for it. Rather than just keep doing what they are doing, going “Yeah!!!” to the preacher with conviction, but not living it out when they leave the pew seat? Not living out what it means to be a disciple.
I am thrilled, excited and have new hope for possibility. Possibility that that fire will catch on, that more people will be open and allow the Spirit to breathe and then engage and live that empowering fire in such a way that all of creation becomes healed and restored. A day when people of all faiths truly live lives that reflect the Holy Creating One’s desire of healing and reconciliation. Rather than sitting in their pews, chairs, couches… for a worship service once or twice a week, and saying “People are of values, needs need to be address, our faith says go and share, invite, love, care, respect, uplift……..” but never doing.
What would happen if every single congregation of every denomination, paused and went “These are our recourses, theses are our gifts, lets use them, lets not squander them, let’s go out and share the core of the gospel, a gospel of love, hope, and peace. Not to try and make others like them, but to let them know they are loved, they are of worth as they are, and help them become healed and more whole with themselves, others, creation, and the Holy Creating One. They may never enter our doorway, but that’s okay, no that’s more than okay.”
Peace be with you,
— Lyle II