unChristian

Posted on March 12th, 2008

I actually, for once, have finished a book. David Kinnaman and Gabe Lyons’s study of the younger generations they label the Busters and the Mosaics was a really good survey of who and what we are, since I am one of them. For me, it was helpful just to see much of what I think confirmed or explained in some way – at least I know it’s not just me (that that I really thought that)! However, I am not really sure what the book was trying to accomplish other than, “This is what it’s like.” And I’m not sure that it accomplishes that.

I found that I was nodding my head a lot in agreement, so I don’t think the book is wrong in any of what it says. But I’m not sure that it will change anything. I know of one older Boomer who started reading it, but hasn’t gotten past chapter 2. I don’t think he is sure what to do with the material. His attitude is more like, “If it’s that bad, what hope is there?”

I guess I’m not sure whether to recommend the book or not. I suppose it is best for someone who wants to understand where the younger generations are coming from, or for a member of the younger generation who wants to balance a traditionally conservative expression of Christianity with the thinking of his/her peers and professors.

Tags: book reviews, faith, Life
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Change

Posted on February 13th, 2008

It has been a year and a half since I began ministering here in New Jersey. Hard to believe it has been that long. Hard to believe it has only been that long.

When I interviewed for the position, I was told that part of my duties under the worship half of my job description would be to transition the church from organ-led traditional worship to a blended style of worship that includes organ/traditional music and other instrument/contemporary worship. (Caveat: I don’t think that an organ necessitates traditional or can’t be contemporary, but it certainly is not done in my current context, and I can’t exactly imagine “Blessed Be Your Name” from an organ.) I had made significant headway in that area at the previous congregation I served, so I was not intimidated by such a task. Taking a cue from an adjunct professor from seminary, I declared my intention to not introduce change until I had observed the church for a year.

The year was up last August, and, on cue, I began introducing new songs. At a board meeting in December, the discussion about the pace of change came up, and the general consensus was that things were not happening fast enough. The impression was that the congregation wanted more, more, more. So I revved things up quite a bit and started introducing more new music.

So this month, at another board meeting, the general consensus was that I am going to fast. Too much new. Too quickly. And I just find that ironic.

Generally, I like to introduce a song and sing it three weeks in a row, and then continue for a few additional weeks with familiar songs before introducing the next new song. I thought that is what I was doing. And I said so at the board meeting. I wanted further instruction on where the middle road was between the “not enough” of December and the “too much” of February. This morning I went back through all of the orders of service since August and reviewed what we have sung when, and how often. Turns out I haven’t been doing such a good job with my intended approach for introducing new songs. That’s what I get for being high and mighty and thinking that I know best automatically.

Nothing like a kick in the pants to get you back to where you need to be. Or should I say, get me back to where I need to be?

Fortunately, the church really does want the change. I’m thankful for a community that is willing to walk along the path together, and even follow someone who stumbles along, such as me.

Tags: change, Ministry, Music
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Pressing on

Posted on February 8th, 2008

I just reread my last post…written three months ago now.

Thanksgiving, Christmas, and our annual church business meeting have all come and gone and my ministry seems to have been largely unaffected by those events back in November. I consider myself very blessed to be in the community of faith in which I minister. The people proved to be very understanding. Large numbers of the congregation came up to me to encourage me by their own tales of having to face professional councils or exams multiple times to be certified for their careers. It was a relief.

We may have another go at the ordination thing come late spring. We’ll see…other things may get in the way of that. Initially, I piled up large stacks of books from my library to help me rework my ordination paper and retool my arguments. But they have mostly gathered dust. Orders of service, choir selections, Sunday school classes, and the many other details of ministry have come to the forefront, as it should be.

In the end, I am pretty sure that I just pushed too quickly. I brought up the idea for the ordination council, even though I have long believed that ordination is a function of the church, not the minister. Therefore, it should be the church that presses the issue, not me. And there are many other things that I pushed through that I probably would not do the same way, and would have regretted had the ordination gone through. God is gracious, even in the muck and mire of misery. Family, friends, and congregation members all hold me and my wife up in their prayers, and the effects are noticeable. I am not nearly as bitter as I thought I would be, and that is a blessing all to itself.

I hope to get back to writing more. Thanks for your prayers, whoever reads this.

Tags: Church & Theology, Life, Ministry
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Of books

Posted on October 10th, 2007

I love books. I’m a collector. Collector, mind you, not reader. Well, other than the first few pages – or a few chapters, if I’m really into something. I rarely ever finish them. But I do love crowding my bookshelves with them. There are just so many of them out there, and so much valuable information in them, to boot! What does it matter that said information never transfers from the ink on the page to a neuron in my brain…I have the information. It’s even somewhat readily available. It’s just not there instantly.

And for now I’m only reading thirteen books. Thirteen books that I have started and intend to finish. Some day. When my princess comes. Wait, that happened three years ago….

Anyone need some books?

Tags: Book Discussions, Life
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Home

Posted on October 7th, 2007

After a chaotic week, such as the one we have just had, it is so nice to be home. But I must admit that it is weird that home is different from the place where family is. We spent a lot of time with my Dad’s family, and we spent a short amount of time with my Mom’s family – so I saw both. At one point, while driving, I pondered how nice it would be to be within reasonable driving distance of family.

Then we boarded the plane this morning and arrived at our local airport. A couple from church picked us up, even parking in the lot ($7.00 for 45 minutes) and waiting for us inside the terminal. They offered to take us out to eat, which we gladly accepted, not having a clue what we had food-wise in the house. We had a good visit. And then just being in our house with the familiar surroundings – so many things we left in the middle during our rush out to the airport earlier this week.

It’s just so nice to have a home, and to be here at it. To be in the familiar. The comfortable. To return to normal after the extremely abnormal.

It is my prayer that you, too, have a place that is home for you.

Tags: Life
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