The Economy of Ministry

This was a new one to me. A recent article on Fox News, cited the poor economy, and rocky employment environment, for a recent increase in enrollment in religious education. Pause. When I read this article I wasn't sure whether to laugh or cry. It could be that we are experiencing a revival of sorts. The more cynical side of me sees this as a bad omen, a sign that the gospel and ministerial vocations, have been so cheapened that they are viewed as career plan B. "If I can't make it into med school, I can always be a minister." I witnessed this first hand back in college--the student who cannot decide on a major, or cannot cut the academic rigor of his first choice, becomes a religion major.

Then there is the other side, that sees ministry as a lucrative opportunity in hard economic times. People give to the church, even when times are hard. Remember the widow's mite. In some peoples mind I'm sure that this makes ministry an attractive profession. I have to agree that the "opportunities" for service are endless. What ever might be your take on the situation, it seems evident that as a culture, religious careers, have displaced vocations. Compare this article with the fact of declining vocations in the Roman Catholic Church, and you will begin to see my point. What's the difference? Why is one growing and the other declining? It's the difference between "vocation," and career choice. We don't have much room for vocation in our church culture anymore. It's the idea that a person might be chosen, rather than choose. This little difference changes everything. For the person who is called, who receives a vocation, is under obligation, under orders. There is a cost, a sacrifice to be made, obedience fulfilled. It is not a simple matter to "change majors" if things don't seem to be working out. It doesn't matter how well the job pays, or what is happening in the economy. In some cases we who are under orders, have to work a second job, to fulfill our vocation. That is not an appealing proposition to many. Finally the ministerial vocation is a life long vocation, similar to marriage in that it is not to be entered into lightly or unadvisedly. But for those whom God has called it is a price we are more than willing to pay. The promises, the vows you make before God, witnessed by the congregation, and under the hand of your bishop are not a matter of convenience.

How many of these graduate students, pursing ministerial careers, would continue if they considered their vocation in this light?

Rainbows and Promises

I cannot see a rainbow and not be reminded of the promise that God made to Noah, to never again destroy the world with a flood. Everyone likes the promises of God. They encourage us and inspire us with hope for the future-- a future that is not yet. They are given to us in the time in between, the time we are living in. We have promise of everlasting life, that one day God will wipe every tear from our eyes and there will be no more death or sorrow or suffering. But that promise, is not fulfilled yet. Never the less, that promise has its desired effect when it inspires us with hope, and faith, when it encourages us and gives us strength to face the present difficulties.
"In this world, you will have trouble. But be of good cheer! I have overcome the world" --Jesus

On Relevence

It seems to be the new buzz word among church growth guru's these days. It is usually the reason given to justify innovations in the liturgy, for using contemporary music or dispensing with "formalities". It's also the other side of the criticism levied against the traditionalist--irrelevant. But the word seems to be badly misused in either case. In popular usage, no matter what it might mean really, practically it means familiar, or comfortable. Let's face it. Kneeling is uncomfortable business, so is reverence. Singing time worn hymns takes a bit of work. So nowadays, relevance translates into a cup of jo during worship where the minister wears sneakers and jeans and goes by "John." No Pastor John, or certainly not Father John. Such titles are irrelevant. I wonder though, if that is what seekers are looking for or is it what church leaders suppose they are looking for? Perhaps the most relevant question is, "Is that what we/they really need?"

I remember back in Seminary taking a class in cross cultural discipleship. We began with the premise that human beings are religious. This is not theory, its a fact. Even those who are atheists or agnostic, are none the less religious, or rather have religious behaviors. The secular person still reveres his or her weekend, vacation time, or even that one night a week when their favorite show is on TV. Mircea Eliade, Vic Turner and others point out that humans are religious because they need to be religious. Sacred time, sacred spaces serve as interruptions in the ongoing stream of the common or profane. They provide rhythm and order into what would otherwise be an endless chaotic stream of events. It makes me wonder. If a secular person, came to a church, on purpose, actually "seeking," what he or she would be looking for? More of the same? Another support group or affinity club? a coffee shop? Might they actually be looking for a sense of the sacred, the One who is wholly Other? Are they more likely to look for a place that looks like a sports arena or concert hall?

When its all said and done, we may find that the most relevant thing a church can do for the secular person, is be the Church unmixed, undiluted, and unapologetic for its "other-ness."

The Heart of a Missionary

As a boy growing up in an evangelical denomination, my favorite services were the missionary services. We had them periodically. You would know it was for real, because at the back of the church there would be a table set up with a fantastic display of ornaments and artifacts from the "mission" field. The missionary would be sporting some unusual clothing typical of the people group he was serving. There would be a slide projector set up in the nave, with some men working desperately to get the screen set up and the projector focused, working out all the technical difficulties before the service was to start. The service would begin normally then the pastor would turn the service over to the missionary. If he was a particularly gifted story teller, which most were, I would sit enraptured for the duration. Story after story would be told, of the harsh living conditions, the dangers from bandits or thugs, the culinary tastes of the people group. The stories would be enhanced by the slides showing real scenery, real people, beautiful people, pitiful people, and of course children- lots of children. One missionary I remember actually had mastered the use of a blow gun and stuck a dart into a wicker basket as a demonstration. The service would always close with a special offering taken up and prayer cards. I would leave the service, wishing God would call me to be a missionary. You could imagine my disappointment when He called me to be a pastor. Just a "plain ol' pastor."

Was I in for a surprise. What I did not realize then as I do now, that the United States has become a mission field, and difficult one at that. Missionary is not a term that should be limited to foreign missionaries. What makes a missionary, is not where he/she is called to serve, but rather the heart, the spirit in which that service is rendered. What is the difference between a Foreign missionary and a domestic missionary? That the domestic missionary gets to enjoy to comforts and luxuries of staying in the United States? Not hardly. The main difference is just what I related in the story above. I have yet to get invited to a church to share about the work God is doing in Casey County Kentucky. I could bring in slides. I could have a display "native" artifacts, tell good stories about the unique customs and culinary tastes of the people I serve, but it would not have the same effect. It's all too normal, too close to home. You see the real difference between home and foreign missions, is not what we do, or even why we do it. It's not the amount of sacrifice. It's not the cost, or the difficulty of the task. The real difference is how the work is perceived by the world around us and sometimes even the church at large.

As "domestic missionaries" we must not get discouraged by this. Instead let us with full resolve press on in the obscure little corner of the field where God has sent us. Know that the work that you are doing will probably not make the press, and you probably will not be invited to some larger affluent church to tell your story. That's OK though, because you don't really have time for it anyway. Remember a true missionary is characterized by selfless ambition to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ with those who have not yet heard. It doesn't matter if anyone notices. For our sake, it is probably better that way, lest we become puffed up with pride, or start playing to the crowd for more applause. Instead remember whom it is that you serve. Be faithful in the field you are working in. And if by chance someone does notice, remember that you are only doing what is your duty.

A Two Edged Sword

This year marks my eighth year as pastor of Christ Community church, and all told my 16Th year of part-time/bi-vocational pastoral ministry, but I was a part time youth minister for a couple years, and a chaplain at a nursing home prior to that. When you add it all up it comes to nearly 20 years that I have served as a minister at a part time or volunteer level. This fact could be interpreted a number of different ways. It could mean that I am simply lazy and inept. It might mean that I just don't have enough faith to trust God to supply our needs through the ministry. But there is a third possibility, that I believe resonates within the hearts of most men who serve bi-vocationally: Devotion the Christ, and His Church. Throughout my adult life, service has always been about others. When I took my first pastorate in 1992, I was just thrilled to be able to serve the Lord in his church. I remain thrilled to serve the Lord. It is such a privilege, most of us would do it for free. It is not what we do but who we are. Ministry is what flows out of us where ever we are. We don't stop serving others if we don't get paid.

I further believe that bi vocational ministry holds a great deal of promise in the post modern milieu. It provides ministers for smaller parishes, it keeps us in touch with our world in an important way. It gives us contacts and opportunities to share the gospel with people. But as I hinted in the title it is a knife that cuts two ways.

After all these years I still believe in the value and virtues of bi-vocational ministry but with reserve. One of the primary reasons many cite for doing ministry in this way is the very reason perhaps we should not. In the post modern world, it is said that the professional clergyman has lost his niche. It is no longer one of the more respected careers. To the secular person he is less and less needed. We now have doctors and medicine, psychiatrists, and psychologists, we have public education. To many the role of a pastor has paled and is no longer significant, except in religious matters. Ministry is not a "real" job, but a kind of parasite that lives off needy people. In this view full-time ministers live a sheltered life, and cannot possibly have relevance for people who work 50-60 hours or more a week, who struggle to make ends meet and whose only day off is Sunday. Much that is written on bi-vocational ministry trumpets this ability to be relevant and to connect with people in the "real" world. But is this true? Does bi-vocational ministry do all that? Or does it rather concede the point that Ministry is not a real job, so much so that a person can adequately pastor and grow a church on a part time basis? And if this is true what need is there of any "full-time" ministers? It makes you think doesn't it? However the proof is in the pudding as they say and anyone considering bi vocational ministry needs to be aware of the facts. There are few, very few bi-vocational ministers who can do an adequate job of pastoral care and ministry. Through out the history of the Church, bi vocational ministers are the exception not the rule. Even in the New Testament, where the whole idea of tent making originated, it was the exception not the rule. The Apostle Paul did it himself, but counseled Timothy the very opposite. In the Apostle Paul, we have a precedent. The over-whelming weight of scripture points the other direction.

My point is simply this, bi-vocational ministry is not the panacea that will cure the ills of the modern church. It is a "stop-gap" measure today just as it was for St. Paul. It is in many instances a doorway into community. But we must not kid ourselves about the quality of our ministry at the part time level. The apostles themselves did not feel it right to give up preaching the word and prayer for the sake of "serving tables." Neither should we.

Building for the Kingdom

I enjoy working with wood. Over the years, I've done a broad range of carpentry, from framing to trim. Cabinet making is my area of expertise, and I have built literally hundreds of cabinets over the last 10 years. But there is nothing as enjoyable and rewarding for me than building church appointments. I guess it's natural, being a minister, in love with God and his church. It reminds me of the great artistry that went into the cathedrals of old: The paintings, the sculptures, the stained glass. The best artists in the world were commissioned to adorn these houses of worship. I know its a stretch, because I cannot begin to compare with the likes of Michelangelo, but I can't help seeing myself in that company. In my youth I might have rejected such extravagance as an unnecessary expenditure. After all, "God doesn't live in houses made by human hands." "Such money could have been used to help feed the poor..." I see things differently now. Not that I care less for the poor now than I did then. Its just that when the tools are in my hands, and the work is for use in God's sanctuary, it is no longer an expenditure, its an offering. What's more, it is a return of the gifts to the giver. It is God who has given me the gifts and skills that I have. What better way to honor Him and give him thanks, than to use those skills for his glory?
There is yet another mystery that unfolds. While I especially enjoy building such pieces, how are they different from the every day kitchens that I build? Not as much as you may think. What I have learned over the years, is that every piece of work, made for any number of mundane purposes is also an offering. The Apostle Paul taught us that we should work heartily at whatever we do, as serving the Lord. In other words, even the very mundane, everyday work, is an opportunity to make an offering, to serve God in our labors. It is then that we realize that it is not the "stuff" that is the offering, but it is ourselves. In offering ourselves as living sacrifices, we consecrate all that we do for his honor and glory. I cannot in good conscience, do my very best for God's sanctuary, and then mediocrity, for another customer, for whom Jesus died. Doing my highest and best, pursuing excellence, has become for me a way of life. This is not just a way of life for ministers such, it is the calling of every Christian, no matter what their vocation. What ever you do, in word or deed, do all for the Glory of God.

Reprieve

Our world was hushed in a blanket freshly fallen snow when I awoke this morning. Sometime in the night the uneasy rhythm of freezing rain on our tin roof, was silenced by its more gentle companion. We awoke enveloped by a peaceful quiet--at least until the children began to stir. Snow means holiday to them, its like Christmas morning all over again, only this time in March. It means holiday to nearly everyone else in our county as well. Even a dusting of snow brings everything to an abrupt halt, a providential pause in our normal routine of hustle and grind. Reprieve. It is a beautiful thing.
It is fitting, as we near the end of the season of Lent, that God would reign us in with such a vivid image of His grace. Though our sins be as scarlet...It is as though Jesus is saying again, "Come away to a quiet place and find some rest." It is the beauty of grace. In our humanity, and rigor of devotion, we try as we might to subdue our flesh, our carnal selves, supposing this to be the purpose of Lent. But in so doing, we mistake the means for the end. At the end of the day we are still dust. Self discipline, is good. There is great gain in godliness as the Scripture says. Fasting and rigors of devotion, help us to grow. However, the end of this growth, is not perfection, as might be measured in human achievement, as much as self awareness and God awareness. Lent forces us to take a hard and honest look at ourselves with all of our frailty and brokenness--the revelation that our sacrifices, our victories only uncover the fact that the greater part of the work is remains undone. In that knowledge, we are finally able to behold the mercy and grace of God. We can hear with more clarity our Savior's gracious invitation, "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, I will give you rest." Relax. Pull your chair closer to the fire and let the penetrating warmth of his grace sooth and comfort you. Though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be white as snow.