State of the Church

Last night was our Charge Conference. In our United Methodist structure, that is the annual "stockholders" meeting (all members are voting members of the Charge.). It is where we conduct some annual business, most of it perfunctory yet important. It is also where I get to share my "State of the Church" report. (click to read)

I don't have to confess, but I will, that this past year has been hard. Yet understanding the characteristics of a year 4 in a pastor's tenure, I expected a tough year. I expect that this current one (already 1/3 into it) will be a transition year. That leads to years 6-8 which are generally the most productive years. I look forward to this time and have been praying and working toward them, laying the ground work, preparing the right leadership, setting the stage, (you fill in any other trite saying you'd like here), all to anticipate what God is about to unleash on this church. And I truly believe it is coming, a wave of blessing, of people, of ministry, of change.

What's more important to me right now is the state of the pastor and family. I also have to admit that this has been the biggest stressor on me lately. We've struggled as we enter into some new territory as a family. Every stage of family life is new territory, I understand that, but not everyone experiences those stages in the same way. Nor do they react the same way. Now there's nothing wrong with my family, we are all healthy, faithful, communicating. But we are experiencing some priority struggles, personal mental and spiritual health issues, sacrifice issues. And from what I've experienced as a Pastor, it all sounds pretty normal to me. And probably to you, too. But as I heard someone say long ago, "the only minor surgery is that which happens to somebody else. When it's your surgery, it's always major!" And so true with all things, then they happen to us!

I guess the reason I write this today is to just be real. Pastors are real people with real issues. We are not (no, none of us no matter what we try to make you think!) super-humans who never have a problem in the world. It would be great if our prayer and faith life led to the perfect family that never had its share of problems. It doesn't. We're just like you.

My hope and prayer is that our example, our experience, our faith can lead you to a closer walk with Jesus. It is Him that has allowed us to know His blessing through all of our struggles and our victories. It is Jesus that has made us who we are...
...and who we are becoming.

The same is true with the church. Is it healthy? Not yet. But before health comes sometimes comes treatment, surgery, medication, rehabilitation and time. And the road to health requires disciplined healthy habits like exercise, vitamins and diet. As we age these habits become ever more important. We'll never be like we once were, but we can become healthier. We are on the road to health, even while the aches and pains still remind us that we aren't there yet.

These next few months and the years to follow are going to be the best we've ever had.

In other words, I believe we are in the place God wants us to be at this stage because God has something amazing planned for us if we are ready to follow God's plan.

And that's not a bad place to be. In fact, I'm glad we're there together.

Peace ><>
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Prayer for a Monday...

“ ‘Master, you are our God, for you delivered your people from the land of Egypt in a show of power—people are still talking about it! We confess that we have sinned, that we have lived bad lives. Following the lines of what you have always done in setting things right, setting people right, please stop being so angry with Jerusalem, your very own city, your holy mountain. We know it’s our fault that this has happened, all because of our sins and our parents’ sins, and now we’re an embarrassment to everyone around us. We’re a blot on the neighborhood. So listen, God, to this determined prayer of your servant. Have mercy on your ruined Sanctuary. Act out of who you are, not out of what we are.

“ ‘Turn your ears our way, God, and listen. Open your eyes and take a long look at our ruined city, this city named after you. We know that we don’t deserve a hearing from you. Our appeal is to your compassion. This prayer is our last and only hope:

“ ‘Master, listen to us!

Master, forgive us!

Master, look at us and do something!

Master, don’t put us off!

Your city and your people are named after you:

You have a stake in us!’ (Daniel 9:15-19, The Message)

When I read this passage this morning, it struck me. It is a simple prayer, recognizing the power, might and sovereignty, yet also the mercy and grace of God. It spoke to me, but even more, spoke for me. And I especially voiced this phrase, "Act out of who you are, not out of what we are."

Today, that says more than I could.

Amen!

Peace ><>
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