Ministry...where you are?

Are you doing your part today?

Or are you patiently waiting for your vicar, pastor, or priest to start preaching the gospel to all who would hear - and those who won't!!

I've had to re-learn (and am going to keep re-learning) a valuable lesson this week. And my cell group is mostly to thanks.

What?

We are all involved in the ministry of reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5:20) - but we can all learn how to minister when we look at Paul.

This week we were exploring 2 Corinthians 6:1-13 (the passage from Sunday morning, which I blogged on here). The original sermon had presented the passage as an explanation of Paul's ministry - the pattern of his life. The point wasn't made emphatically that this wasn't just a ministry for apostles, but everyone. We should all pattern our lives around Paul's motifs of URGENCY, AUTHENTICITY, and VULNERABILITY.

So what?!

I particularly enjoyed the discussion we had on Tuesday night and want to record some of the more salient points:

We must be urgent. But let us be specific about what it is we're urgent about. Firstly, we must always be urgently seeking to declare the gospel to those around us. There is an evangelical impreative here - "Now is the Day of Salvation!" (2 Cor 6:2). But lest we get wrapped up in a world of incessant proselytism, we must heed the warning to not receive grace in vain. This stopped us short - it can, surely, only be a Christian who receives grace in vain. We must never take for granted or devalue the glory of grace - nor must we cease working with God to see change and growth in our lives. We must be urgent not only for more Christians, but urgent that we be more Christian - we need to be more Christ-like.

The issue for many in cell is how to encourage this growth. Certainly the usual Christian jargon tripped off our lips: we need more prayer, more Bible, more quiet, etc, etc...but how?? There was an acknowledgement that it is entirely possible to become a Christian but you carry on regardless, no transformation takes place. [I would want to explore this idea though - isn't the mark of genuine faith the transforming presence of the Spirit?]

As a cell we all agreed with the second point, that of authenticity. In fact, cell is one of the places par excellence where the rough and the smooth are seen together. If your experience of Christian fellowship was restricted only to church services then, yes, you might get the impression that Christians are people who have it together - who don't get rocked by the storms of life.

When a non-Christian encounters the Christian community of cell they quickly realise that real faith is marked by the struggles and hardships, not just the blessings. As we discussed this point, we wondered whether the idea of 'life is a bed of roses for Christians' has been defeated in church - I've certainly not experienced that in all the churches I've attended. Is it not, therefore, one piece of baggage a non-Christian might bring to church with them. We have to challenge these opinions that we're immunised from life's troubles.

Within our own community we have people who are being pushed to the limits of their strength...and as a result our family feels more authentic and real than if we pretended God only wants to bring us strawberries and cream (much as we'd like that!!)

Fascinatingly, when we thought through the gospel reading (Mark 4:35-41) and the disciples' reactions to the storm, we realised that their expectation was simply that Jesus not be asleep. They had no idea he'd still the storm - just look at their reaction. So, if we're asked 'would Paul have responded in the same way?' obviously he would not have. Paul's EXPECTATIONS differed to the disciples because of the KNOWLEDGE Paul has about Jesus, who he is, and what he achieved on the cross and by his resurrection.

The real question might be: how might our responses to a storm differ to Paul's?

And then in conclusion, Paul shows his vulnerability - his need for love. Some translations of vv.11-13 might give the impression that Paul is in fact asking these Christians to not hold back - but jump into more of God. Other translations give the sense that Paul is saying - I've opened my heart to you, please open your heart to me.

This is a vital part of the threefold nature of ministry. If we simply look to the urgency and authentic lifestyle of Paul we might quickly say, "Well...obviously...Paul was a one off, a first century apostle with a very unique role in the history of the church. Look at me and my gifts/abilities - God clearly wants me to act differently!"

Knowing that Paul wasn't a super-human means we too can step into this type of ministry. Paul was not impervious to the emotional (and physical) drain of his struggles, and he desperately longed for human company and love (cf. 2 Tim. 4:9-13) - just like us.

Certainly, we have in the church a group of individuals who are set-apart for the important role of priests. But we must NEVER forget that we are all called to imitate Paul, as he imitated Jesus. When we reach out to the world (as we must) we should do so with urgency, honesty, and love.

Now what?

When we turned our minds to living this stuff out, and we considered our witness we were confronted by two questions:

1. In what ways is God calling us to minister - urgently, authentically, and with vulnerability - in our present situation?

2. What one thing could we do this week to ensure we are growing as Christians - taking the urgency of growth seriously?

Yesterday was an Ember day - a day to pray about and for ministry/those preparing for ordination/those who are priests...

The prayer book I use had the following prayers in them:

Loving God,

from birth to death you hold us in your hand:

make us strong to bear each other's burden

and humble to share our own

that, as one family,

we may rest in your strength

and trust in your love;

through Jesus Christ our Lord.

This first prayer, for me, gets to the heart of growth - bearing one another's burdens (a further mark of cell community as well). When we share our burdens with others we grow...



Almighty and everlasting God,
by whose Spirit the whole body of the Church
is governed and sanctified:
hear our prayer which we offer for all your faithful people,
that in their vocation and ministry
they may serve you in holiness and truth
to the glory of your name;
through our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

This second prayer focuses on our universal ministry of reconciliation - we are all called to serve God. As Peter reminds us, "you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you might declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light." (2 Peter 2:9)

Lest we get ahead of ourselves though...we must note that in this latter prayer it is the Spirit's work to enable us to minister. Indeed, when Paul lists his many hardships in the passage we looked at he suddenly starts referring to the various blessings he received.

I encourage you to think and pray through this list - asking God to bless you with these fruits/gifts:

Purity

Knowledge

Patience

Kindness

Holiness of Spirit

Genuine Love

Truthful Speech, and

Power of God

(2 Corinthians 6:6-7)

True Ministry (for the masses)

"Don't receive God's grace in vain"

"Now is the time of God's favour, now is the day of salvation"

"Having nothing, and yet possessing everything"

"Open wide your hearts"

I'm loving the current series at church on Sunday mornings - 2 Corinthians. We're simply following the lectionary readings, but it gives a greater sense of purpose knowing we're familiarising ourselves more with some slightly less well-known books of the New Testament. The series is called, 'Making True Disciples'.

Yesterday, 24 June, 3rd Sunday after Trinity, we read 2 Corinthians 6:1-13.

As I approach the passage I think I might have taken a very straightforward approach: God is seeking to be reconciled to each and everyone of us (cf. 2 Cor. 5:17-21). This great grace is on offer now - receive it. Have you received it? If not - receive it. If you have and you've blown cold, why? Step back into God's great plan for you. Perhaps you've encountered hard times - great! That's the moment when we most realise what we have in Christ. Open your hearts to the life God has for you.

Evangelistic and Encouraging - and probably shallow. Sure...these themes are here.

However, I was really rather taken with Phil Arnold's approach (Phil is our curate).

1. URGENCY (vv.1-2)
2. AUTHENTICITY (vv.3-10)
3. VULNERABILITY (vv.11-13)

Paul's purpose in writing is (in part) to justify his apostleship - the church in Corinth (that he helped found) considers him a less than impressive specimen of apostleship in comparison to others. In fact, some might suggest Paul's experiences of hardship are signs he was not a great apostle at all.

[As I write this, I can see how easily even I think this of certain leaders. How quickly I judge a person's success based on the relative ease with which they maintain their ministry]

Phil argued that the passage showed three ways in which Paul's ministry was characterised, and so in turn should mark all Christian ministry.

1. Urgency (vv.1-2)
So often in our lives we use all manner of excuses concerning our service to God. We can't find the time, or make sacrifices...or particular tasks will take too much time.

Or we are easily distracted from a legitimate task: that suddenly urgent chore, or the latest news article about this-or-that celebrity, or a website we've meant to look at for some time, and so the procrastination goes...

Or we are enslaved to the tyranny of the urgent. We are forced to fire-fight, to prioritise the urgent but sadly unimportant...

Paul was NOT a procrastinator, was NOT distracted, nor was he prone to focusing on the unimportant.

GRACE-FAVOUR-SALVATION

This is Paul's focus. Is it ours?

2. Authenticity (vv.3-10)
Real ministry is often done in secret. Either it's the tasks we do that are unseen, or the challenging people we chose to tolerate. Inauthentic ministry is marked by the tendency to put obstacles in other people's way. I was challenged to think that my bitching about another Christian, or work colleague could in fact be a cause of stumbling to another true friend.

I watched Frasier recently (Episode 17, Season 3, 'High Crane Drifter') in which he bemoans perceived rudeness of people around him. Something he says struck a chord, "Your rudeness will in turn cause me to be discourteous to another, and so on..."

Real ministry seeks to stop the chain-reaction of rudeness and discourtesy.

This happens because we see ourselves, always, as SERVANTS of GOD (v.4).

A life of service commends God's grace because real lives are marked by a balance between struggles/challenges and blessings/provisions.

There are, Phil contended, two problems if you see life as either only blessings, or stuggles:
i) if life is ONLY happiness and blessings, well you're either in denial or else likely to be very disappointed, or
ii) if life is ONLY struggles and challenges, well life is nothing but an endless stream of mishaps and soul-destroying battles.

The first is in plain denial of the experiences of every man, woman and child.
The second is in plain denial of the truth of the resurrection. God comes to bring life, joy and peace now.

Christian's are most attractive when they possess both (challenges and blessings)...in balance. I am more able to draw others to God if they see an authentic life... [I LOVED this point by Phil...] How many of us try to hide what God is doing...do we stress the struggles, or do we ignore the pain believing that Christians can't see us in need?? One is a problem about witness, the other is a problem with fellowship.

3. Vulnerability (vv.11-13)
Which is why, perhaps, Paul ends this passage with a reference to his own emotional needs. He is no superhuman, who faces the slings and arrows of life with a mere shrug of the shoulder. We might find his list somewhat intimidating - giving the impression of a hero (vv.4-5; cf. 11:23-27). Instead, Paul says - please love me?!

We may be called to a tough life - but this should weather us - not harden us [great point!]

We never get to the point where we don't need the love of other people.

True ministry involves all three elements: a life or urgency, lived with authenticity, and in relation to others in a spirit of vulnerability.

This is - after all - the life Jesus lived. He strained for the gospel, being with those around him in the good and bad, never pretending to be happy when he wasn't...our great servant King.

Phil's final point was simply to say that in ministry (a task that isn't actually for the professional Christians, but for all) we are commending ourselves to others. When we reach out to others we are saying - Accept me...my life, my message, my love.

For when another accepts me, they are, in fact, accepting Jesus.

Gideon or Gerrard?

I love and loathe being a football fan in equal measures this morning.

Last night sat with my friends (all male) watching England crash out (deservedly) to the Italians on penalties, I asked (whiningly), "Why do I get so emotionally involved in this??".

My wife often argues that she should get a refund on our relationship; apparantly I told her while courting, 'I'm not really into sport that much'. Whoops?!

The opposite really is quite true...I adore sport. In fact, and my wife will hate this, I really don't have enough of it in my life: playing it, watching it, talking about it.

Sadly, I wonder whether there isn't a snobbish-ness in Christian circles that this obsession with sport is rather too worldly and physical - it's just not spiritual enough. And as I looked around at my mates last night, chatting about plans to go watch a Blackburn Rovers-Crystal Palace game this coming season, the following thoughts crossed my mind: how do we make more space for blokey blokes in churches...? Is there something godly in this enjoyment of sport?

Analysis of failure

I've enjoyed listening to and reading the commentaries/editorials/blogs about the latest England tournament competition: the debrief is often the most enjoyable element (especially after last night's turgid offering). As an England fan I agree that we had some very tired players last night: Ashley Young underperformed in all four games, none of the inventiveness or flair he's shown for his club team; James Milner and Scott Parker worked hard (one fan described Milner as a Hamster on a Wheel! (lol)) but endeavour and a willingness to put your body on the line isn't enough at International level; Theo Walcott made an impressive cameo against Sweden but his two subsequent appearances were ineffectual; and, most especially for me, Wayne Rooney simply didn't look fit. He lacked the pace, touch or shots to warrrant his hyped tag as England's best.

The real 'heroes' were the defence - and our captain 'fantastic' Steven Gerrard. But...wait one moment...before you think I've disolved into hyperbole: our captain fantastic was chasing shadows last night - not released to dictate play (which Roy Hodgson (manager) clearly understands is Gerrard's natural role - centre-right midfield with some licence to move...don't get me started on how other managers have failed to use Gerrard to his abilities); our defence was more fortunate than obdurate against Italy; and Joe Hart - "one of the best keepers in the world" - flapped and punched too much, to say nothing of the clearly pointless last-minute revision and face-pulling he partook of in the penalty shoot-out.

That said - Glenn Johnson put in his best performance for England to date - his block in the last ten minutes was top-draw - and John Terry (whom I much malign...normally) was solid.

But as the inquiry continues, and English players are compared with their Italian opposites, particularly the "peerless" Andrea Pirlo, what does all this male-hero-searching really say? (As an aside I thought it laughable that the BBC pundits sought to clutch at straws at half-time by suggesting Pirlo would tire in the second half...ah well!)

Gideon

(If you celebrated the Birth of John the Baptist yesterday) Today's Morning Prayer Old Testament reading was Judges 8:22-35.

Gideon had been appointed by God to lead the Israellites in their uprising against the Midianites. His successful leadership led to the request for Gideon to be Israel's ruler (Judg. 8:22)...and not just Gideon but his son and grandson...a whole new dynasty.

We're so easy to acclaim individuals - aren't we?! We so quickly want to take someone who's successful on one occasion and stick them on some sort of pedestal. I, for one, am really nervous about the pressure the British Olympic athletes are being placed under. Jessica Ennis (English heptathlete) on the radio this morning sounded genuinely worried about letting the country down.

In Gideon's case he actually understood the error in the request to make him ruler - instead pointing out that Israel had one ruler - the Lord, Yahweh (v.23)

But....but...but...

The request had ensnared his heart and he makes an ephod, which in turn is worshipped by the people (vv.24-27).

"But alas! the way of the flesh is unbelief; though Gideon refused their proposals it affected his spirit. He seemed afterwards desirous to be something and to connect the deliverance [defeat of Midian] with himself. Gideon broke down. Sorrow and darkness shrouded the rest of his history and that of his family. That is an impressive lesson of the need of abiding in dependence upon God, walking in faith before Him. No past victories will secure the next step. " Taken from here.

So Gideon makes an ephod - the Israelites worship it.
But worse still...
Gideon dies - the Israelites immediately "prostituted themselves to the Baals" (v.33)

No sooner had Gideon died, than the Israelites - the very people who had offered Gideon's son and grandson the throne - turned their backs on God himself.

And so the pattern would go, for hundreds more years to come. Over...and over...and over again....the Israelites would put all their devotion and hope into men, individual men....Judges for now, then kings...and sometimes even Priests...but ever and always they would turn back to Baal...away from God.

Hope springs eternal

England fans are accustomed, by now, to expect failure with Penalties - 1990, 1996, 1998, 2004, 2006, and 2012...over...and over...and over again. And still we turn back and believe.

Why? Why do players like Rooney, Hart and Gerrard get lauded so?

Because we want a Gideon - we want a hero.

Perhaps, we are not so dissimilar to Gideon's followers...we want to be ruled, to have someone to idolise, to follow, to honour...

And so we must hear Gideon's call, "The LORD will rule over you" (Judg. 8:23)

We must not mistake the vessel for the deliverer - we must not worship or idolise the created over the creator.

We are to have one hope, one God.

So, while many across the country mourn with seriousness and depression another failed campaign, Christians dissimilarly disappointed should move quickly beyond this frustration and look back to our real hope, the one in whom we can place all our hope and trust. Jesus.

Postscript

[This all said, I think it is also important that Christian Men enjoy the freedom we have in Christ to take part in and celebrate physical activities - we are not to deny the body - but steward it well. And yes, perhaps, part of our often denied natural manhood is to find deep pleasure in sport. But that's for another blog...]

Corpus Christi - why do you take communion?

I grew up attending a fantastic Baptist church in Ashford, Kent. And I particularly remember the times I took communion in the evening services as a young teenager. In fact, it's likely that during one of those evening services as a 12/13 year old I really began to take seriously my faith and what I believed.

When I started studying Christian doctrine as a sixth-former (and having moved to another Baptist church) I studied Sacraments, which included communion. [In fact it's worth pointing out that there are multiple names for this particular element of church life. For some it is Communion, for others the Eucharist, for others Mass, and some simply call it the Lord's Supper. Whichever name you use says something about your particular tradition].

As I studied, I had a creeping realisation that my particular tradition had (whisper it) got it wrong. There was simply too much emphasis on the memorialism of the rite - too much remembrance and not enough active present faith.

And so, on this particular day, I want to ask...

What does Communion mean to you? Why do you take it? What does it do?

The reason for asking this on 7 June, 2012 is that today is a Day of Thanksgiving for the Institution of Holy Communion. It is called 'Corpus Christi' by some, and is a signifacnt festival for Roman Catholics.

As ever, the Anglican lectionary has this as an optional festival (or simply a commemoration), which means it has some significance.

I want to invite people to comment. Why do you take communion - why is it significant to you? What's your tradition? Does anything happen to you? Do you feel anything when you take it?

I will blog again later with some further reflections on the day...but let's get chatting.

Explorers in Prayer Day

Prayer life a bit dry? Fancy a shot in the arm for this essential aspect of our Christian walk?

Check out the Explorers In Prayer Day. This is an exciting opportunity to pause and reflect on our prayer lives...it's a one day event on Saturday 16 June at Pudsey Parish Church.

After the excitement and busy-ness of Hope & Gamble, I pleased to have been invited to lead worship by Jonathan Walker, who's leading this day. Jonathan's story about Prayer Eleven can be read here. The worship will be much more intimate and stripped away - me and a piano at present.

But I'm looking forward to it!