I struggle with my ministerial calling, and with my ordination. To those who have read past post, this is no surprise. For others it may just be. The simplest way to put it is that when I was ordained I was ordained to the office that reflected my calling at that time and place. However for the past several years my ministerial calling has been that of a different ordained office. at first I tried to hide from it… I made purposeful decision to leave my membership in congregations other than where I served most, I shied away anytime people hinted at a different calling.. but the calling was there, pushing and prodding me. others have seen it, expressed their awareness of it, unprompted by me, but perhaps by the Holy. Finally I gave in, finally I reduced my cloak and brought membership to same place as me, finally I started reflecting upon my call, started sharing with trusted others.
More recently, as I continue to not be presented with a call, and I struggle with the office I am in, I find myself casting off the shackles that constrain me. I’m starting to allow myself to more fully embrace, and be aware of the embrace. One such move was a private act that I did at Bread for the World (will probably be mentioned in Pt3 of those reflections so no spoiling it here). others I have done for some time, particularly when I was serving as a chaplain in a hospital, though there I still limited myself a bit..
Tomorrow, I’ll push a bit, prod a bit. Nothing I will do tomorrow is against any official Community of Christ policy, it won’t be the first time for most of what takes place, but it may push some comfort boundaries of some, push against some traditions, understandings of some. (Though much of what I will do that will push those I can find in official resources statements saying that it is perfectly fine for me to do these things). Though some of the pushing of boundaries would not be so if I held the office which reflect my callings, gifts, and talents at this time and place in my life of ministry. Perhaps the largest push in this area will be the prayer that will conclude a sermon, which in and of itself could push (and rightly so) some comfort levels in seeking to propel the community into embracing the sacramental encounter, and the call of discipleship a bit further…
The thing is, I have come to realize law and policy while formed often with good intentions, do not always lead to good results and sometimes hamper needed ministry.. and I must start to embrace my calling and become for fully the disciple and minister I am called to be. Regardless of weather I have been ordained to the office of my current calling.
All are invited to worship with us at Tuality Community of Christ, tomorrow 3 July 2011 at 10:40am PDT. The table is open to all who wish to partake of the sacramental meal. Service planed by my mom. I will be preaching and also presiding over the service.
Peace,
— Lyle II