Today I want to honor a select group of pastors who were recently recognized by Salem Covenant Church and also subject of an article on the Evangelical Covenant Church website (see link at the end of this post).
These men along with their wives are a select group of pastors who have reached the milestone of being ordained for 50+ years in the ECC. These pastors have had a large impact on me and my call to ministry. They have walked the road of ministry and gone through its trials and joys. I have known most of them from my years growing up at Salem and in-fact a few of them have been my pastor. One in the group just "retired" in December. I recently asked him how retirement was going and he said that he is more busy now then before. I guess it just goes to show as a retired pastor that I met at Colonial Acres said, "A pastor does not retire, he just goes out to pastor!"
There is something else that these men represent and that is the fact that no matter how long they have been "retired" there is still ministry to do in the church. I know that several of them have served as interim pastors in various churches, provided pulpit supply, and continue to minister in chaplaincy positions. This also shows that there is a place for all to do ministry in the church. So often we think that because someone is retired or been at it for a long time that they should not be doing ministry in the church. Maybe they seem out of touch or their ideas to archaic. The fact of the matter is the church does need these people. The church needs the Sunday School teacher who is 80 and been teaching since 1950. The church needs the retired bank executive who is the church treasurer who still insists on keeping the books with ledgers and calculators instead of spread sheets and computers. All members of the body of Christ have something to contribute. I do not think that one can be a Christian and not be in some sort of ministry no matter how insignificant it might seem. We need to remember our elders and value their input and ministry because one day we too will find ourselves in their shoes.
To the honorees, I say, "Congratulations on reaching 50+ years of ordained ministry and keep up the good work."
Link to story: http://www.covchurch.org/cov/news/item5374
Saturday, January 27, 2007
Friday, January 26, 2007
Humility & Culture
Apparently there is a new phenomenon in our culture. It is one of humiliation and gaining fame. I became aware of this last week when the Northwest Conference of the Evangelical Covenant Church brought in the president of Calvin Seminary Dr. Cornelius Plantinga to talk at one of its leadership forums. He said that the new season of "American Idol" was bent on humiliating the people who were trying out to be the next top singer. The judges, who are all somewhat professional in their field of music would talk about and laugh about how bad these contestants or were. He said that this is what culture is looking for. A few nights later the CBS Evening News talked about the same issue and added that the demographic range of 18-25 wants to see this stuff if for nothing else then to have their 15 minutes of fame. How outrageous!
Dr. Plantinga's talk was on the virtue of humility not humiliation. Humility does not humiliate. Humility treats all people as made in the image of God. They admit their wrongs, the live their life right and acknowledge their mistakes. Having the virtue of humility is allowing oneself to be open to critique and then to deal with it in a manner that is not snobby. Humility is being able to listen to someone who has all of the patience in the world when someone comes up to them and jumps down their throat without becoming defensive. True humility was found in Christ when he stayed on the cross when those around him told him to save himself. True humility does not watch "American Idol" and find acceptable the behavior of judges who are looking to build themselves up while tearing down others.
Another case in point. Some my notice that there is a post missing. I was reminded of an agreement that I signed that I broke by talking about a certain subject. I have acknowledged this and removed the post. I apologize to all who have seen that post and also to the people that I directly offended. Believe it or not this is a humbling experience and I trust that I have made good on all fronts. Remember to be humble!
Dr. Plantinga's talk was on the virtue of humility not humiliation. Humility does not humiliate. Humility treats all people as made in the image of God. They admit their wrongs, the live their life right and acknowledge their mistakes. Having the virtue of humility is allowing oneself to be open to critique and then to deal with it in a manner that is not snobby. Humility is being able to listen to someone who has all of the patience in the world when someone comes up to them and jumps down their throat without becoming defensive. True humility was found in Christ when he stayed on the cross when those around him told him to save himself. True humility does not watch "American Idol" and find acceptable the behavior of judges who are looking to build themselves up while tearing down others.
Another case in point. Some my notice that there is a post missing. I was reminded of an agreement that I signed that I broke by talking about a certain subject. I have acknowledged this and removed the post. I apologize to all who have seen that post and also to the people that I directly offended. Believe it or not this is a humbling experience and I trust that I have made good on all fronts. Remember to be humble!
Tuesday, January 16, 2007
Not Much to Write On
I just realized that it has been about a week since my last post. I am one of those people who believes that if there is nothing to talk about that you do not say anything. Words are powerful and need to be used with care in all contexts. All of this to say that if I do not write, for a while it is because I have nothing to say. I am not forgetting or neglecting this venture.
Last week I became very busy after returning from Chicago because we were to go and visit my sister and her family in Oklahoma, but because of the storms we were forced to cancel that trip, for now. They are all safe down there. All week we were wondering about their health and making sure that the kids did not have something that is easily communicable, but in the end it was the weather that got us. Anyways that is what is going on here.
Last week I became very busy after returning from Chicago because we were to go and visit my sister and her family in Oklahoma, but because of the storms we were forced to cancel that trip, for now. They are all safe down there. All week we were wondering about their health and making sure that the kids did not have something that is easily communicable, but in the end it was the weather that got us. Anyways that is what is going on here.
Wednesday, January 10, 2007
Update From Chicago
I returned from Chicago last night. I had great interviews with all of the superintendents of the church. I also got to catch up with some friends. Now comes the period of waiting, which, for those who have been in this process know how that can be. I have put this entire process into God's hands and trust that he will lead me to where I am supposed to be. I want to thank all of you who prayed, for me over the last few days. I certainly felt them.
Saturday, January 06, 2007
Important Info.
This weekend I am headed to Chicago, for interviews with the Covenant Church superintendents. This is a time, for those of us who are graduating from North Park to get to know the superintendents, and vice-versa, and, for them to see if we would fit in any openings that they might have in their conference. I am looking forward to the interviews and I hope that they are productive. I leave on Sunday and will be back on Tuesday. I have all of my interviews on Monday. Busy day!
Thursday, January 04, 2007
Rituals That Tell A Story
I don't know about you, but I really enjoy rituals. I enjoy rituals in both the secular and sacred realms. Perhaps it is part of my training as a pastor that I have to be mindful of rituals at all points in life; from baptism to death, Confirmation and weddings. My professor who taught worship and liturgy at North Park Theological Seminary said that rituals tell a story and whose story we are trying to tell is the subject of our rituals. Case in point.
Over the last week we have been bombarded with images of ritual on television and in print. A solemn ritual that told the story of one of the presidents of the United States. There is nothing more powerful in our secular society then to hear 4 Ruffles and Flourishes and Hail to the Chief being played by a military band, and when done the 21 gun salute. Seeing the honor guard keep vigil over the body of a former Commander and Chief. The cadence with which the bearers marched the casket up steps through the Capitol, down the steps, up the steps at the church, in procession at the church, down the steps of the church, to the airplane, from the airplane, to the presidential library, from the presidential library, and finally to the grave. However, if one paid attention they would have seen mixed in with the secular was the sacred. The prayers offered by the chaplains of the House and Senate, the sermon and the service at the National Cathedral. In this service a story was told of the man who was our 38th President--Gerald R. Ford. While, I was not yet born when he took office the events that unfolded and the stories told gave me a glimpse and told the story of President Ford and how he respected public office and yet took care of his family and did not take, for granted his relationship with God. The rituals that took place over these last few days told this story well and I am glad to have heard it.
Over the last week we have been bombarded with images of ritual on television and in print. A solemn ritual that told the story of one of the presidents of the United States. There is nothing more powerful in our secular society then to hear 4 Ruffles and Flourishes and Hail to the Chief being played by a military band, and when done the 21 gun salute. Seeing the honor guard keep vigil over the body of a former Commander and Chief. The cadence with which the bearers marched the casket up steps through the Capitol, down the steps, up the steps at the church, in procession at the church, down the steps of the church, to the airplane, from the airplane, to the presidential library, from the presidential library, and finally to the grave. However, if one paid attention they would have seen mixed in with the secular was the sacred. The prayers offered by the chaplains of the House and Senate, the sermon and the service at the National Cathedral. In this service a story was told of the man who was our 38th President--Gerald R. Ford. While, I was not yet born when he took office the events that unfolded and the stories told gave me a glimpse and told the story of President Ford and how he respected public office and yet took care of his family and did not take, for granted his relationship with God. The rituals that took place over these last few days told this story well and I am glad to have heard it.
Monday, January 01, 2007
Happy New Year!
May I be the first to wish all readers of this blog a "Happy New Year!" I pray that all readers will have a good new year and that whatever comes up that you would remain strong.
---
One thing on my mind this morning is the treatment of coaches/managers of sports after the season is done. It was announced last night that Glen Mason was fired from the Minnesota Gophers football team after they lost in the biggest game come back in bowl history. Why is it that the coaches/managers are always blamed for the mistakes made by players? If one were to look at the Minnesota Vikings this year, they were not that good, but Brad Childress inherited a bad team and he is taking the heat. I do not understand this kind of behavior. If players are not playing well or making mistakes it is their fault and they should be penalized, for it. However, like other celebrities it is not their fault it is always the fault of the leadership. In the real world if an employee makes a mistake after a job has been given to him/her then the employee is blamed or fired not the person who gave the order. It should be a clear-cut case if a player makes a mistake in either college or professional sports then the player(s) should take the heat not the coaches. Now of course the question arises about how much pressure should be placed on college players and that is a discussion, for another time.
---
One thing on my mind this morning is the treatment of coaches/managers of sports after the season is done. It was announced last night that Glen Mason was fired from the Minnesota Gophers football team after they lost in the biggest game come back in bowl history. Why is it that the coaches/managers are always blamed for the mistakes made by players? If one were to look at the Minnesota Vikings this year, they were not that good, but Brad Childress inherited a bad team and he is taking the heat. I do not understand this kind of behavior. If players are not playing well or making mistakes it is their fault and they should be penalized, for it. However, like other celebrities it is not their fault it is always the fault of the leadership. In the real world if an employee makes a mistake after a job has been given to him/her then the employee is blamed or fired not the person who gave the order. It should be a clear-cut case if a player makes a mistake in either college or professional sports then the player(s) should take the heat not the coaches. Now of course the question arises about how much pressure should be placed on college players and that is a discussion, for another time.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
