This little piece of poetry came to mind while walking Dallas around the streets of Comer, Georgia USA.
I remember the day cotton died.
Momma fried a chicken.
Daddy hung his head and cried.
An Empire gone.
A King Dethroned.
A Way of Life no more.
Yes I remember the day cotton died.
We said good bye to fancy balls.
And big dinners in downtown hotel halls.
No new cars or Cuban cigars at the end of pick'n time.
We were happy to get a penny for the cost of a dime
When the price of cotton hit the floor.
We worked like fools with nothing to show
Except barely saving the family farm.
Yes I remember the day cotton died.
I went back to the place where I used to grow
To see what I could still see.
The family farm was such a sad sight it nearly brought me to my knees.
Where long white rows of cotton used to grow
All I saw were grass, weeds, and trees.
The old gin was gone cause it was scrapped for the tin
Back in 1973.
Yes I remember the day cotton died.
Sunday, September 4, 2011
Friday, August 19, 2011
Doggy Day Camp
I had to make my way to Atlanta today for another fun clergy meeting. On days like this I take Dallas with me to Atlanta and drop him off at Doggy Day Camp.
On the way to Atlanta this morning Dallas slept in the car. He woke up when we arrived at the Doggy Day Camp. He was so excited. I think he likes this place. He was ready to play with his friends.
I spent most of my scheduled day off in a meeting. Afterwards I helped my Aunt with her computer. She needed help installing a new printer. It wasn't as easy as I hoped it would be. Then I journeyed through Friday afternoon traffic while running errands around town.
I caught a quick dinner at a favorite Chinese place (Glad I had some extra Weight Watcher points to spend!) and made my way to the Doggy Day Camp. When I arrived Dallas was happy to see me. However, he wasn't ready to go home. He had a great day playing with friends and didn't want to leave.
On the way back home I got to thinking about Doggy Day Camp. The meeting I went to today was about strengthening clergy. Folks were talking about practices and programs that could make clergy more effective in their ministry. Some people mentioned learning from top notch clergy and innovators. Some folks mentioned the need for worship. Others mentioned the need for coaching. I wonder if we just need to spend some time a Doggy Day Camp.
Think about it-Clergy Day Camp. Spend a whole day or half the day in play with friends. We would be in a safe place where we couldn't get hurt by passing cars or other dangers. Our play friends would be other clergy who want to play and are good playing with others. There could be a Camp Counselor to lead play and stimulate recreation. When the day is over we would go home and get back into the routine of ministry.
At the end of the day we would be tired, but it would be a good tired. Not the tired from sitting in a meeting but the kind of tired you can only experience when chasing tennis balls and a Frisbee. The kind of tired that comes from fellowship with friends. The kind of tired from a day well spent in play and recreation. The kind of tired the tills the hard soil of the soul and mind and makes it ready for the planting of seeds.
Clergy Day Camp? I wonder if Dallas would let me go.
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
Home Alone
Over the past few weeks I've been letting Dallas, my four year old beagle, stay home alone. For the most part he has done very well. That doesn't mean he hasn't chewed up anything while left unattended; however, the damage list is short: his leash (Lupine Leash with a lifetime replacement warranty), a puppy house training pad (just in case he needs to go), and part of the table cloth on my breakfast table (I think he was trying to pull off the box of Wheat Thins I left on top of the table). So far so good. I hope and pray for continued success.
Leaving Dallas home alone has got me thinking theologically about life. First of all, God has not left us home alone. God has sent the Holy Spirit to be with us. The Holy Spirit is God with us. It isn't a thing but the third person of the Trinity. Several years ago, Kenneth Kinghorn wrote "Fresh Wind of the Spirit." It is a great, approachable and sound book about the Holy Spirit. If you have questions about the Holy Spirit I suggest you read it.
So God has not left us home alone. We have the Holy Spirit to comfort us, guide us, and sustain us along life's journey. We have the Holy Spirit to bring us into intimacy and realness with God. We have the Holy Spirit to make the Christian life Christian.
I don't know if my dog is personally aware of the Holy Spirit. I know God created animals. I believe animals are part of God's redemption of creation. I wish I knew that Dallas was aware of the Holy Spirit. Then he would know that he is never actually home alone. Perhaps, then he would find that perfect peace that comes from sleeping soundly on the couch?
Leaving Dallas home alone has got me thinking theologically about life. First of all, God has not left us home alone. God has sent the Holy Spirit to be with us. The Holy Spirit is God with us. It isn't a thing but the third person of the Trinity. Several years ago, Kenneth Kinghorn wrote "Fresh Wind of the Spirit." It is a great, approachable and sound book about the Holy Spirit. If you have questions about the Holy Spirit I suggest you read it.
So God has not left us home alone. We have the Holy Spirit to comfort us, guide us, and sustain us along life's journey. We have the Holy Spirit to bring us into intimacy and realness with God. We have the Holy Spirit to make the Christian life Christian.
I don't know if my dog is personally aware of the Holy Spirit. I know God created animals. I believe animals are part of God's redemption of creation. I wish I knew that Dallas was aware of the Holy Spirit. Then he would know that he is never actually home alone. Perhaps, then he would find that perfect peace that comes from sleeping soundly on the couch?
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Hospitality Gone Bad
So I was at a special church service last week when I saw an example of Hospitality Gone Bad. At this special church service it was common practice to announce special groups who were visiting such as Sunday school classes and other church groups. The worship leader would read off their name and ask the group to stand while the congregation clapped and said hello. On this evening a large group from the local homeless shelter was visiting and without thinking about it the worship leader asked the group to stand.
I didn't think much about it until the next day when somebody came up to me and asked me what I thought about it all. They assumed I was as upset as they were. After thinking about it, I realized we put the homeless in an awkward situation. However, homelessness itself is an awkward situation of its own.
Turns out that some of the regular attendees at this worship service were upset about the homeless being with them. I heard tell that some folks thought the group was a bunch of criminals. They felt their safety was at risk.
Looking back I wish I was paying more attention to it all. I should have stood when the worship leader asked all of the homeless to stand. Even though I have a roof over my head each night, I am actually homeless. You see, I have a strange conviction that this world is not my home.
I didn't think much about it until the next day when somebody came up to me and asked me what I thought about it all. They assumed I was as upset as they were. After thinking about it, I realized we put the homeless in an awkward situation. However, homelessness itself is an awkward situation of its own.
Turns out that some of the regular attendees at this worship service were upset about the homeless being with them. I heard tell that some folks thought the group was a bunch of criminals. They felt their safety was at risk.
Looking back I wish I was paying more attention to it all. I should have stood when the worship leader asked all of the homeless to stand. Even though I have a roof over my head each night, I am actually homeless. You see, I have a strange conviction that this world is not my home.
Monday, June 27, 2011
First Year Lessons
Yesterday (Sunday June 26, 2011) marked the end of my first year as the Pastor-in-Charge of the Colbert-Comer Parish. For the last twelve months I had the sacred privilege and honor of pastoring two special congregations. To be honest I really didn't know how things would work out when this appointment began twelve months ago.
I began my pastoral ministry with a part-time student pastor appointment to Highview UMC in Raywick, Kentucky. Highview met for worship on the second, fourth, and fifth Sundays. I was able to do most of my pastoral care work on those Sundays. It was common for me to come back to Wilmore after a ten to twelve hour Sunday.
After Highview I moved to my first full-time appointment to Smith Chapel UMC in Tunnel Hill, Georgia. Smith Chapel put me on a regular schedule of preaching every week. Office hours became normalized. My pastoral care work was spread across several days.
When I came to Colbert and Comer I didn't know how I was going to work out a balanced, effective, and practical approach to pastoral ministry. I said this when I was appointed and will continue to say it, "Serving a multi-church appointment is a lot like going to the prom with two dates and expecting both dates to leave the dance happy." You might think that is impossible, but I've learned a few lessons that are working so far.
1. Realize that each church is unique. Each church has their own strengths, weakness, growing edges, and needs.
2. Realize you can't be in two places at the same time. Do not double book yourself.
3. Realize you can't nor shouldn't do it all. Invite the laity to partner with you in your pastoral work. After all pastors are charged to equip the laity and inspire the laity to fulfill the call of their baptism.
4. Do your best to keep separate church business separate. Think about the prom metaphor. Would one date want to hear you talking about the other while you are dancing with them?
5. Be flexible. I try to have office days set aside for each church. It is a great way to ensure you are balancing your time with each church. However, emergencies do not follow office hours.
6. Have fun. I am really enjoying my time of ministry with the people of Colbert and Comer. I am doubly blessed. I am doubly grateful.
If you have insights, comments, or suggestions they are certainly welcomed.
I began my pastoral ministry with a part-time student pastor appointment to Highview UMC in Raywick, Kentucky. Highview met for worship on the second, fourth, and fifth Sundays. I was able to do most of my pastoral care work on those Sundays. It was common for me to come back to Wilmore after a ten to twelve hour Sunday.
After Highview I moved to my first full-time appointment to Smith Chapel UMC in Tunnel Hill, Georgia. Smith Chapel put me on a regular schedule of preaching every week. Office hours became normalized. My pastoral care work was spread across several days.
When I came to Colbert and Comer I didn't know how I was going to work out a balanced, effective, and practical approach to pastoral ministry. I said this when I was appointed and will continue to say it, "Serving a multi-church appointment is a lot like going to the prom with two dates and expecting both dates to leave the dance happy." You might think that is impossible, but I've learned a few lessons that are working so far.
1. Realize that each church is unique. Each church has their own strengths, weakness, growing edges, and needs.
2. Realize you can't be in two places at the same time. Do not double book yourself.
3. Realize you can't nor shouldn't do it all. Invite the laity to partner with you in your pastoral work. After all pastors are charged to equip the laity and inspire the laity to fulfill the call of their baptism.
4. Do your best to keep separate church business separate. Think about the prom metaphor. Would one date want to hear you talking about the other while you are dancing with them?
5. Be flexible. I try to have office days set aside for each church. It is a great way to ensure you are balancing your time with each church. However, emergencies do not follow office hours.
6. Have fun. I am really enjoying my time of ministry with the people of Colbert and Comer. I am doubly blessed. I am doubly grateful.
If you have insights, comments, or suggestions they are certainly welcomed.
Monday, June 20, 2011
The Prayer Mailbox
Every Sunday morning and several times during the week I check a special mailbox that stands right outside the front doors of Colbert United Methodist Church. This mailbox isn't there to collect mail. The evangelism committee erected this mailbox for two important reasons.
1. To collect prayer requests from the community and church members.
2. To redirect cars from cutting through our parking lot when going to the bank. Instead of putting up a barrier (something I am very much against) we put up the mailbox. In my opinion we redeemed the space.
Since we put up the mailbox three months ago, I've yet to open the door and find any prayer requests. That was until Sunday.
On Sunday morning I found the a request that makes this box and its ministry to the community worth all the days it stands empty. On Sunday morning I found a prayer request written by the hand of a child. It read, "My mom."
We do not know this woman's name or who wrote this heartfelt request, but I do know that Colbert UMC prayed and will continue to pray for "My mom."
1. To collect prayer requests from the community and church members.
2. To redirect cars from cutting through our parking lot when going to the bank. Instead of putting up a barrier (something I am very much against) we put up the mailbox. In my opinion we redeemed the space.
Since we put up the mailbox three months ago, I've yet to open the door and find any prayer requests. That was until Sunday.
On Sunday morning I found the a request that makes this box and its ministry to the community worth all the days it stands empty. On Sunday morning I found a prayer request written by the hand of a child. It read, "My mom."
We do not know this woman's name or who wrote this heartfelt request, but I do know that Colbert UMC prayed and will continue to pray for "My mom."
Monday, June 6, 2011
The Walk
The street I walk is dimmer now
For one who lit a lamp is gone.
The song I hear is quieter
For one less voice sings along.
But in my grief I do recall
good bye is not farewell.
For one day soon
The street we’ll walk
will never dim no more.
And the song we'll sing will never end
For we’ll sing it with the Lord.
For one who lit a lamp is gone.
The song I hear is quieter
For one less voice sings along.
But in my grief I do recall
good bye is not farewell.
For one day soon
The street we’ll walk
will never dim no more.
And the song we'll sing will never end
For we’ll sing it with the Lord.
Sunday, June 5, 2011
31 Reasons to be Thankful
I turned thirty one years old today. I have much to be thankful for and I think it is appropriate to share some of these thanksgivings with others.
31. Wesley Chapel (Decatur, GA) United Methodist Church Preschool program.
30. The Bracken Sunday School class at Trenton Street Baptist Church.
29. Krystals (I just saw a commercial on the TV).
28. Dallas (The Television series). I finished watching the entire season earlier this year.
27. The Cokesbury Worship Hymnal.
26. Naps.
25. Kenneth Kinghorn's modern translation of John Wesley's standard sermons.
24. IPad. I really enjoy preaching with it and using it in meetings and at Bible studies.
23. The Matt and Bubba show on AM1430 WGFS Covington. If you ever listened to it you know what a treat it was.
22. Willie Nelson.
21. The cold side of the pillow.
20. Northern Triple ply toilet paper.
19. Charles Martel's victory over the Moors at Tours.
18. John Wesley.
17. Trips to the Ale8-One machine at Fitch's IGA in Wilmore, Ky.
16. Penn Station East Coast Subs. Dear Jesus, please bring one to Athens!
15. Asbury Theological Seminary.
14. Salem Campground and Campmeeting.
13. Highview, Smith Chapel, Colbert, and Comer UMC.
12. Pandora Internet Radio. Where else could I listen to music from Mame?
11. Tuesday Prayer group at Ringgold UMC.
10. Dear church members who are now in the great cloud of witnesses. All of you were a special blessing to me.
9. Dr. James Buskirk's J-Term Evangelism class.
8. Captian D's.
7. Good BBQ
6. Dr. Pepper
5. Dallas (My Dog).
4. My family. Lord what a special blessing!
3. Grace.
2. Hope in a glad reunion day with the resurrected in Christ.
1. God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
If you were left on the list, then wait until next year. I will add you then! Truly I am richly blessed and I give thanks to God for each of these blessings and many many more!
31. Wesley Chapel (Decatur, GA) United Methodist Church Preschool program.
30. The Bracken Sunday School class at Trenton Street Baptist Church.
29. Krystals (I just saw a commercial on the TV).
28. Dallas (The Television series). I finished watching the entire season earlier this year.
27. The Cokesbury Worship Hymnal.
26. Naps.
25. Kenneth Kinghorn's modern translation of John Wesley's standard sermons.
24. IPad. I really enjoy preaching with it and using it in meetings and at Bible studies.
23. The Matt and Bubba show on AM1430 WGFS Covington. If you ever listened to it you know what a treat it was.
22. Willie Nelson.
21. The cold side of the pillow.
20. Northern Triple ply toilet paper.
19. Charles Martel's victory over the Moors at Tours.
18. John Wesley.
17. Trips to the Ale8-One machine at Fitch's IGA in Wilmore, Ky.
16. Penn Station East Coast Subs. Dear Jesus, please bring one to Athens!
15. Asbury Theological Seminary.
14. Salem Campground and Campmeeting.
13. Highview, Smith Chapel, Colbert, and Comer UMC.
12. Pandora Internet Radio. Where else could I listen to music from Mame?
11. Tuesday Prayer group at Ringgold UMC.
10. Dear church members who are now in the great cloud of witnesses. All of you were a special blessing to me.
9. Dr. James Buskirk's J-Term Evangelism class.
8. Captian D's.
7. Good BBQ
6. Dr. Pepper
5. Dallas (My Dog).
4. My family. Lord what a special blessing!
3. Grace.
2. Hope in a glad reunion day with the resurrected in Christ.
1. God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
If you were left on the list, then wait until next year. I will add you then! Truly I am richly blessed and I give thanks to God for each of these blessings and many many more!
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
For Whom The Bell Tolls
Almost a year ago I moved into the communities of Colbert and Comer, Georgia. The Bishop appointed me to serve the United Methodist Churches of these two fine towns. In the past year, I have officiated more funerals than I've done in the past six years of ministry. Over the past months I've been pondering the reality of these poetic lines from John Donne:
Each man's death diminishes me,
For I am involved in mankind.
Therefore, send not to know
For whom the bell tolls,
It tolls for thee.
It is hard to say good bye to so many so soon; however, the promises of the Christian faith tell us that good bye really isn't good bye but see you soon. In the face of death there is still hope. The bell will toll again, not to mark death but to celebrate the victory of a new heaven and new earth.
Each man's death diminishes me,
For I am involved in mankind.
Therefore, send not to know
For whom the bell tolls,
It tolls for thee.
It is hard to say good bye to so many so soon; however, the promises of the Christian faith tell us that good bye really isn't good bye but see you soon. In the face of death there is still hope. The bell will toll again, not to mark death but to celebrate the victory of a new heaven and new earth.
Thursday, May 19, 2011
Captian D's and the Church
It is common knowledge among my friends, family, and church members that I love Captain D's. I've been dining at the "Great Little Seafood Place" for nearly thirty years. It's safe to say I've eaten at Captain D's an average of once a week since I was just a tot. One week while at Camp Glisson I slipped out to visit the brand new Dahlonega D's three or four times in a week. I guess that makes up for this year's Forty Days of Lent when I fasted from the D's.
While enjoying the brand new Triple Treasure last week, I got to thinking about the connection, if any, between Captain D's and the Church. So here is a list of some of my tentative thoughts.
1. I like Captain D's because it is different. When it comes to fast casual dining (If you've gone through a Captain D's drive through you know it isn't a fast food restaurant) there aren't many seafood franchises out there. The only competitor that I can think of offhand is Long John Silvers. And for the record, I do not support seafaring terrorists.
2. I like Captain D's because the food is good. Captain D's cooks up some good food. I like they way the cook their fish. It is tasty. Very seldom do I get fish that tastes really fishy. Captain D's offers a variety of seafood as well. You will find baked, broiled, blackened, battered dip, and classic style fish. The D's also serves a variety of fish: cod, catfish, talipia, flounder, and trout to name a few. Then there is shrimp of all sorts: popcorn, double dozen, poppers, and classic style to name a few. D's also offers a variety of sides: corn, okra, broccoli, steamed vegggies, slaw, fries, and even fried pickles. You can even order some pretty good chicken at the D's. When I was kid Captain D's even offered hamburgers and cheeseburgers. In short, the D's offers a variety of good tasty food.
3. I like Captain D's because they aren't afraid to try new things. Captain D's is always innovating. They have the classic meals on their menu, but the D's isn't afraid to try new things. Last year Captain D's had buttermilk biscuit shrimp with gravy dipping sauce on their menu. Boy was it good! Sometimes these new menu items are great, but sometimes they are a flop. I wasn't a real fan of the Mardi Gras shrimp and I really don't like the new fish sandwich. Bring back the Captain Catch Combo!
4. I like Captain D's because they greet me when I walk in the door and are quick to say "Thanks for coming and come back soon" when I walk out the door. I feel welcomed at Captain D's.
So what about the church? Can we learn something from the D's? I think so.
1. Is the church different? Do we offer something different from the rest of what the world is offering? Take a moment at what the world is peddling. Is the church trying to offer the same?
2. Is what we are offering good? I personally am striving for excellence in my ministry. I will be quick to tell you that I got a long way to go. I was actually surprised that I created a bulletin without any errors last Sunday. Is the church doing its best to offer its best? And what is the church offering? There are a variety of needs in the world. Is the church doing its best to minister well to some of those needs?
3. Is the church willing to try new things? This doesn't mean we stray from the foundations of our faith. Captain D's still offers the classic meals that made them what they are; however, they aren't afraid to try new menu items. The world around us is changing. Is the church doing its best to meet those needs in the best way possible?
I think the following is an important growing edge for the church. When Captain D's adds new items to the menu it takes some items off the menu. Captain D's has expanded their menu over the years, but the menu isn't so big that it keeps them from being effective. I believe there are is likely a ministry or two in each local church that probably should be taken off the menu so a new ministry and the overall church can be more effective.
4. Does the church make people feel welcomed? Are we expressing gratitude and hospitality to the strangers among us? This goes beyond saying hello and goodbye. I really enjoy how Captain D's is always seeking customer feedback. One time I went to a Captain D's and had a really bad experience. I called the customer feedback number and expressed by concern. When I went back the store, I never experienced that problem again.
I've written more than I expected. This could be seeds for a book or a D.Min project. Now that would be interesting! I welcome any feedback.
While enjoying the brand new Triple Treasure last week, I got to thinking about the connection, if any, between Captain D's and the Church. So here is a list of some of my tentative thoughts.
1. I like Captain D's because it is different. When it comes to fast casual dining (If you've gone through a Captain D's drive through you know it isn't a fast food restaurant) there aren't many seafood franchises out there. The only competitor that I can think of offhand is Long John Silvers. And for the record, I do not support seafaring terrorists.
2. I like Captain D's because the food is good. Captain D's cooks up some good food. I like they way the cook their fish. It is tasty. Very seldom do I get fish that tastes really fishy. Captain D's offers a variety of seafood as well. You will find baked, broiled, blackened, battered dip, and classic style fish. The D's also serves a variety of fish: cod, catfish, talipia, flounder, and trout to name a few. Then there is shrimp of all sorts: popcorn, double dozen, poppers, and classic style to name a few. D's also offers a variety of sides: corn, okra, broccoli, steamed vegggies, slaw, fries, and even fried pickles. You can even order some pretty good chicken at the D's. When I was kid Captain D's even offered hamburgers and cheeseburgers. In short, the D's offers a variety of good tasty food.
3. I like Captain D's because they aren't afraid to try new things. Captain D's is always innovating. They have the classic meals on their menu, but the D's isn't afraid to try new things. Last year Captain D's had buttermilk biscuit shrimp with gravy dipping sauce on their menu. Boy was it good! Sometimes these new menu items are great, but sometimes they are a flop. I wasn't a real fan of the Mardi Gras shrimp and I really don't like the new fish sandwich. Bring back the Captain Catch Combo!
4. I like Captain D's because they greet me when I walk in the door and are quick to say "Thanks for coming and come back soon" when I walk out the door. I feel welcomed at Captain D's.
So what about the church? Can we learn something from the D's? I think so.
1. Is the church different? Do we offer something different from the rest of what the world is offering? Take a moment at what the world is peddling. Is the church trying to offer the same?
2. Is what we are offering good? I personally am striving for excellence in my ministry. I will be quick to tell you that I got a long way to go. I was actually surprised that I created a bulletin without any errors last Sunday. Is the church doing its best to offer its best? And what is the church offering? There are a variety of needs in the world. Is the church doing its best to minister well to some of those needs?
3. Is the church willing to try new things? This doesn't mean we stray from the foundations of our faith. Captain D's still offers the classic meals that made them what they are; however, they aren't afraid to try new menu items. The world around us is changing. Is the church doing its best to meet those needs in the best way possible?
I think the following is an important growing edge for the church. When Captain D's adds new items to the menu it takes some items off the menu. Captain D's has expanded their menu over the years, but the menu isn't so big that it keeps them from being effective. I believe there are is likely a ministry or two in each local church that probably should be taken off the menu so a new ministry and the overall church can be more effective.
4. Does the church make people feel welcomed? Are we expressing gratitude and hospitality to the strangers among us? This goes beyond saying hello and goodbye. I really enjoy how Captain D's is always seeking customer feedback. One time I went to a Captain D's and had a really bad experience. I called the customer feedback number and expressed by concern. When I went back the store, I never experienced that problem again.
I've written more than I expected. This could be seeds for a book or a D.Min project. Now that would be interesting! I welcome any feedback.
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
I passed
April 11, 2011 was a good day. I went before the Board of Ordained Ministry and was approved for Ordination. I've been working to this decision for several years. It's been a long road, but now I wonder what and where is the next mile marker.
Friday, March 25, 2011
April 11, 2011--The Next Mile Marker
On April 11, 2011 I will come to an important mile marker on a very long journey. This journey began when I was a child. As a little boy I would often tell people that I wanted to grow up and become a preacher. One day somebody took a moment to ask me, “Why?” I was quick to reply, “Preachers get to eat a lot of fried chicken.”
As the years went by I continued to hear God’s call and claim on my life. On my first summer youth camp trip I began to clearly understand what God wanted me to do with my gifts and graces. I began to believe God really wanted me to become a preacher.
In High School God to continued calling me to full time Christian service; but the halls of Heritage High School really wasn’t the place I wanted to tell people what God was calling me to become. In college the call continued. I thought I knew what God really wanted me to do, but it turned out that I was wrong. God was still calling me to full time pastoral ministry, so my journey to the pulpit became official.
You might be wondering how does somebody become a United Methodist clergy person, let me tell you the rest of my journey. I had been hearing God’s call for a long time so I began the journey by talking to my pastor. I remember telling my call story to Rev. Dr. Stuart Greene. After telling my story to my pastor I met with my District Superintendent and told my call story again.
The District Superintendent instructed me to read “The Christian as a Minister.” After reading the book I wrote down my call story. After a few weeks the District Superintendent assigned me a mentor. We spent several weeks working through another book and talking about what it meant to be in full time christian service. While working on this book I was encouraged not to tell people if I had made a decision to follow God’s call and claim. This was a time of discernment. I was to intentionally focus on hearing and understanding what God had been telling me all these years.
After a few months of discernment and working with my mentor I was given another book to work through. At the end of that time I had come to the conclusion that God still wanted me to become a preacher. I met with my pastor and talked about what I had learned so far on my journey. I then met with the Staff Parish Relations Committee. I told my call story again and shared with them what I had learned on my journey so far. The SPR Committee affirmed God’s call on my life. Conyers First United Methodist Church held a special Charge Conference and my home church affirmed God’s call on my life.
As you can tell, somebody wrestling with a call to full time christian service spends a lot of reading, talking, and discerning. When I received the approval of my local church I became a Declared Candidate for pastoral ministry. I then had to answer several questions in a written exam. I also underwent a psychological and health evaluation. I was also interviewed by the District Board of Ordained Ministry. At this interview a group of laity and clergy ask questions about God’s call and claim on your life.
The story continues. The District Board of Ordained Ministry affirmed God’s call and claim on my life. I was now a Certified Candidate. With my certification in hand I made my way to Asbury Theological Seminary. I spent four years in graduate religious studies. I went before the District Committee each year to answer questions about seminary and what God was doing in my life. When I became a student pastor I spent an intensive week at License to Preach School. Just so happens that Dr. Whetstone was the lead teacher.
During my final semester of seminary I prepared to go before the Conference Board of Ordained Ministry. I answered several questions that addressed Theology and Doctrine, The Practice of Ministry, and Called and Disciplined Life. I also provided letters of reference, background check, and credit check.
A few months before graduation I was interviewed by the Board of Ordained Ministry. At this interview the Board of Ordained Ministry affirmed God’s call and claim on my life, but wanted me to spend another year preparing for the next step in the ordination process. The next year I was interviewed and examined by the Board of Ordained Ministry. This time I passed. At Annual Conference 2008 Bishop Davis commissioned me as a Probationary (now Provisional) member of the Annual Conference.
Over the next three years I continued the journey to ordination. I was assigned a Covenant or Residency Group. This group provided accountability and support as I adjusted to life in full time Christian service. Over the past year I have been preparing to go before the Board of Ordained Ministry for Full Connection interviews.
At the Full Connection interviews the Board of Ordained Ministry, a group of clergy and laity from across the Annual Conference, will review the paperwork I have been working on for the last eight months. The Board will ask me questions about Theology and Doctrine, Practice of Ministry, and Called and Disciplined Life. In particular the Board will consider and examine my effectiveness in ministry.
This interview will take place during the afternoon of April 11, 2011. The Board will make one of three decisions. The Board approve me for ordination. The Board might see a need for me to work some issues out and come before them next year. The Board could possibly say, “Hugh we believe God is working in your life, but we discern that it isn’t within the United Methodist Church.”
The decision that will be made on April 11 will be final. Like I said this is going to be an important mile marker on a very long journey. I have been officially following God’s call and claim on my life since 2002. For nearly 10 years I have been trying to be obedient to what I believe God is calling me to do. Will you pray for me and the Board of Ordained Ministry on April 11? Over April 10, 11, and 12 the Board will be interviewing nearly three dozen candidates. Each candidate has been on a similar journey. Each candidate and each board member will be grateful for your prayers. I know I will be.
As the years went by I continued to hear God’s call and claim on my life. On my first summer youth camp trip I began to clearly understand what God wanted me to do with my gifts and graces. I began to believe God really wanted me to become a preacher.
In High School God to continued calling me to full time Christian service; but the halls of Heritage High School really wasn’t the place I wanted to tell people what God was calling me to become. In college the call continued. I thought I knew what God really wanted me to do, but it turned out that I was wrong. God was still calling me to full time pastoral ministry, so my journey to the pulpit became official.
You might be wondering how does somebody become a United Methodist clergy person, let me tell you the rest of my journey. I had been hearing God’s call for a long time so I began the journey by talking to my pastor. I remember telling my call story to Rev. Dr. Stuart Greene. After telling my story to my pastor I met with my District Superintendent and told my call story again.
The District Superintendent instructed me to read “The Christian as a Minister.” After reading the book I wrote down my call story. After a few weeks the District Superintendent assigned me a mentor. We spent several weeks working through another book and talking about what it meant to be in full time christian service. While working on this book I was encouraged not to tell people if I had made a decision to follow God’s call and claim. This was a time of discernment. I was to intentionally focus on hearing and understanding what God had been telling me all these years.
After a few months of discernment and working with my mentor I was given another book to work through. At the end of that time I had come to the conclusion that God still wanted me to become a preacher. I met with my pastor and talked about what I had learned so far on my journey. I then met with the Staff Parish Relations Committee. I told my call story again and shared with them what I had learned on my journey so far. The SPR Committee affirmed God’s call on my life. Conyers First United Methodist Church held a special Charge Conference and my home church affirmed God’s call on my life.
As you can tell, somebody wrestling with a call to full time christian service spends a lot of reading, talking, and discerning. When I received the approval of my local church I became a Declared Candidate for pastoral ministry. I then had to answer several questions in a written exam. I also underwent a psychological and health evaluation. I was also interviewed by the District Board of Ordained Ministry. At this interview a group of laity and clergy ask questions about God’s call and claim on your life.
The story continues. The District Board of Ordained Ministry affirmed God’s call and claim on my life. I was now a Certified Candidate. With my certification in hand I made my way to Asbury Theological Seminary. I spent four years in graduate religious studies. I went before the District Committee each year to answer questions about seminary and what God was doing in my life. When I became a student pastor I spent an intensive week at License to Preach School. Just so happens that Dr. Whetstone was the lead teacher.
During my final semester of seminary I prepared to go before the Conference Board of Ordained Ministry. I answered several questions that addressed Theology and Doctrine, The Practice of Ministry, and Called and Disciplined Life. I also provided letters of reference, background check, and credit check.
A few months before graduation I was interviewed by the Board of Ordained Ministry. At this interview the Board of Ordained Ministry affirmed God’s call and claim on my life, but wanted me to spend another year preparing for the next step in the ordination process. The next year I was interviewed and examined by the Board of Ordained Ministry. This time I passed. At Annual Conference 2008 Bishop Davis commissioned me as a Probationary (now Provisional) member of the Annual Conference.
Over the next three years I continued the journey to ordination. I was assigned a Covenant or Residency Group. This group provided accountability and support as I adjusted to life in full time Christian service. Over the past year I have been preparing to go before the Board of Ordained Ministry for Full Connection interviews.
At the Full Connection interviews the Board of Ordained Ministry, a group of clergy and laity from across the Annual Conference, will review the paperwork I have been working on for the last eight months. The Board will ask me questions about Theology and Doctrine, Practice of Ministry, and Called and Disciplined Life. In particular the Board will consider and examine my effectiveness in ministry.
This interview will take place during the afternoon of April 11, 2011. The Board will make one of three decisions. The Board approve me for ordination. The Board might see a need for me to work some issues out and come before them next year. The Board could possibly say, “Hugh we believe God is working in your life, but we discern that it isn’t within the United Methodist Church.”
The decision that will be made on April 11 will be final. Like I said this is going to be an important mile marker on a very long journey. I have been officially following God’s call and claim on my life since 2002. For nearly 10 years I have been trying to be obedient to what I believe God is calling me to do. Will you pray for me and the Board of Ordained Ministry on April 11? Over April 10, 11, and 12 the Board will be interviewing nearly three dozen candidates. Each candidate has been on a similar journey. Each candidate and each board member will be grateful for your prayers. I know I will be.
Saturday, March 19, 2011
The Lesson of the Buttercup
Spring time is busting out all over. Almost over night trees are budding and in bloom, dead grass is green again, and flowers are blooming in strange places. I have a kind affection for yellow buttercups that bloom in random locations. I often wonder how those flowers got there.
In the countryside there are usually one of two reasons why a buttercup is blooming in the middle of a field. First, it could be a reminder each year of the old house that once stood there long ago. The house might be gone by momma's flower bed still blooms. Second, an animal could have ate the flower and pooped the bulb out in the middle of the field.
It doesn't matter how it got there, but the buttercup blooming in the middle of the field does teach those who choose to look at it a lesson. It doesn't matter if you were planted there or you landed there after a series of strange events you got to bloom where you are planted!
In the countryside there are usually one of two reasons why a buttercup is blooming in the middle of a field. First, it could be a reminder each year of the old house that once stood there long ago. The house might be gone by momma's flower bed still blooms. Second, an animal could have ate the flower and pooped the bulb out in the middle of the field.
It doesn't matter how it got there, but the buttercup blooming in the middle of the field does teach those who choose to look at it a lesson. It doesn't matter if you were planted there or you landed there after a series of strange events you got to bloom where you are planted!
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Things that make me cry
As I was driving down the back roads of Clarke, Madison, and Oglethorpe counties today I started thinking about songs that tug on my heart strings and make me teary eyed. I welcome any comments.
5. My Old Kentucky Home. I spent four years of my life in the Bluegrass state. I just love this Stephen Foster classic. I often get teary eyed when the crowds sing the state anthem at the start of the annual Kentucky Derby.
4. The Church's One Foundation. Whenever we sing the third verse I can't help but get teary eyed as I sing "Though with a scornful wonder we see her sore oppressed, by schisms rent asunder, by heresies distressed, yet saints their watch are keeping; their cry goes up, "How long?" And soon the night of weeping shall be the morn of song.
3.Sweet Sweet Spirit. This is the song or anthem of Salem Campmeeting. At Salem we sing this wonderful hymn at every worship service. When you get sawdust in your blood, you too will get teary eyed when you start to sing this great hymn.
2. Jesus, Keep Me Near the Cross. We did not sing this hymn in the church of my childhood. I was introduced to this great hymn of faith in the United Methodist Church. I make sure the churches I serve sing this hymn during Lent and on Good Friday. When we sing "Near the cross, a trembling soul, love and mercy found me; there the bright and morning star sheds its beams around me," I get teary eyed. Fanny Crosby's lyrics speak of the gracious power of the Cross.
1. And Can It Be. We jokingly call this the Asbury fight song. At chapel services we would sing it loud and often. I encourage you to look up the background story of this hymn. It is a great story. By the end of the fourth verse I am often in tears. "Long my imprisoned spirit lay, fast bound in sin and nature's night; thine eye diffused a quickening ray; I woke, the dungeon flamed with light; my chains fell off, my heart was free, for O my God, it found out me! 'Tis mercy all, immense and free, I rose, went forth, and followed thee."
What songs tug at your heart strings? What songs make you cry? Use the comment to share them.
5. My Old Kentucky Home. I spent four years of my life in the Bluegrass state. I just love this Stephen Foster classic. I often get teary eyed when the crowds sing the state anthem at the start of the annual Kentucky Derby.
4. The Church's One Foundation. Whenever we sing the third verse I can't help but get teary eyed as I sing "Though with a scornful wonder we see her sore oppressed, by schisms rent asunder, by heresies distressed, yet saints their watch are keeping; their cry goes up, "How long?" And soon the night of weeping shall be the morn of song.
3.Sweet Sweet Spirit. This is the song or anthem of Salem Campmeeting. At Salem we sing this wonderful hymn at every worship service. When you get sawdust in your blood, you too will get teary eyed when you start to sing this great hymn.
2. Jesus, Keep Me Near the Cross. We did not sing this hymn in the church of my childhood. I was introduced to this great hymn of faith in the United Methodist Church. I make sure the churches I serve sing this hymn during Lent and on Good Friday. When we sing "Near the cross, a trembling soul, love and mercy found me; there the bright and morning star sheds its beams around me," I get teary eyed. Fanny Crosby's lyrics speak of the gracious power of the Cross.
1. And Can It Be. We jokingly call this the Asbury fight song. At chapel services we would sing it loud and often. I encourage you to look up the background story of this hymn. It is a great story. By the end of the fourth verse I am often in tears. "Long my imprisoned spirit lay, fast bound in sin and nature's night; thine eye diffused a quickening ray; I woke, the dungeon flamed with light; my chains fell off, my heart was free, for O my God, it found out me! 'Tis mercy all, immense and free, I rose, went forth, and followed thee."
What songs tug at your heart strings? What songs make you cry? Use the comment to share them.
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
The Spirituality of Puzzles
For three days now I have been stuck in the parsonage. I haven't spent this much time in the house since the week I was stuck at home with the swine flu. When I had the swine flu I slept most of the day. Sleep is a good time killer.
Before the snow arrived, I went to the store and picked up necessary supplies. You can't go through a blizzard without bread, eggs, milk, soda, water, and pizza. I also picked up a 1000 piece puzzle.
I bought the puzzle in case the power went out and I found myself stuck at home without television, internet, and Netflix. Praise the Lord the power has yet to go out. However, that didn't keep me from trying to put the puzzle together.
It takes a long time to put 1000 puzzle pieces together. The puzzle really helped me pass the time away.
While putting the puzzle together I started thinking about faith and spirituality. In many ways our lives are like puzzles. We are composition of several fragmented pieces. When we put the pieces together we realize who we are.
If you have ever put a puzzle together you know it isn't easy. The puzzle I bought was collection of various Saturday Evening Post covers painted by Norman Rockwell. I started the endeavor by finding all the straight edge and corner pieces. I always begin a puzzle with the frame.
Next I sorted out the colors. This puzzle had a large blue image. I sorted out all the blue pieces and started putting the pieces together. I was able to get most of the image pieced together. There were a few pieces I couldn't find.
These blank pieces are what got me thinking about life and spirituality. Most of our lives have missing pieces. We are not a complete image. We need something to fill in the blanks.
That is where Jesus comes into the picture. In Christ we become fully human. I guess you could say Christ provides the pieces to fill in the blanks of our lives. However, I think Christ does a bit more.
Have you ever tried to put a puzzle together without looking at the picture on the box? I wouldn't even try to put a puzzle together without an image to work with.
Jesus is our image. Jesus not only fills in the missing pieces of our lives, but when we look at him we see what our lives are supposed to look like.
So how is the puzzle of your life looking? Are the pieces coming together? Do you have missing pieces? Do you have a bunch of random colored pieces that you are trying to sort through? If you are having problems, then maybe you need to get some help and look at the cover of the puzzle box.
Before the snow arrived, I went to the store and picked up necessary supplies. You can't go through a blizzard without bread, eggs, milk, soda, water, and pizza. I also picked up a 1000 piece puzzle.
I bought the puzzle in case the power went out and I found myself stuck at home without television, internet, and Netflix. Praise the Lord the power has yet to go out. However, that didn't keep me from trying to put the puzzle together.
It takes a long time to put 1000 puzzle pieces together. The puzzle really helped me pass the time away.
While putting the puzzle together I started thinking about faith and spirituality. In many ways our lives are like puzzles. We are composition of several fragmented pieces. When we put the pieces together we realize who we are.
If you have ever put a puzzle together you know it isn't easy. The puzzle I bought was collection of various Saturday Evening Post covers painted by Norman Rockwell. I started the endeavor by finding all the straight edge and corner pieces. I always begin a puzzle with the frame.
Next I sorted out the colors. This puzzle had a large blue image. I sorted out all the blue pieces and started putting the pieces together. I was able to get most of the image pieced together. There were a few pieces I couldn't find.
These blank pieces are what got me thinking about life and spirituality. Most of our lives have missing pieces. We are not a complete image. We need something to fill in the blanks.
That is where Jesus comes into the picture. In Christ we become fully human. I guess you could say Christ provides the pieces to fill in the blanks of our lives. However, I think Christ does a bit more.
Have you ever tried to put a puzzle together without looking at the picture on the box? I wouldn't even try to put a puzzle together without an image to work with.
Jesus is our image. Jesus not only fills in the missing pieces of our lives, but when we look at him we see what our lives are supposed to look like.
So how is the puzzle of your life looking? Are the pieces coming together? Do you have missing pieces? Do you have a bunch of random colored pieces that you are trying to sort through? If you are having problems, then maybe you need to get some help and look at the cover of the puzzle box.
Thursday, January 6, 2011
Discipleship plans and Cadilacs.
The church's mission is to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. Lately I've been thinking a lot about our mission. I just finished reading the book Simple Church. I'm also working on my responses for the ordination exam. Between the two discipleship has been on my mind lately.
The other night at a church board meeting we started talking about discipleship and what a disciple looks like and how do we make disciples. The issue brings forth a conversation that takes more than one board meeting to complete. This will be and should be an ongoing dialoge.
My mind got working. I started thinking about cars, pretty cars. In my opinion a classic Cadilac is a thing of beauty. But a Cadilac wasn't always beautiful. It began as scrap metal. The factory transforms the metal into something beautiful. I'm thinking the church is God's factory. The people of the church work the line. We all play a part in changing metal into beauty.
I'm now wondering how effective the factory is working and if we need some retooling?
The other night at a church board meeting we started talking about discipleship and what a disciple looks like and how do we make disciples. The issue brings forth a conversation that takes more than one board meeting to complete. This will be and should be an ongoing dialoge.
My mind got working. I started thinking about cars, pretty cars. In my opinion a classic Cadilac is a thing of beauty. But a Cadilac wasn't always beautiful. It began as scrap metal. The factory transforms the metal into something beautiful. I'm thinking the church is God's factory. The people of the church work the line. We all play a part in changing metal into beauty.
I'm now wondering how effective the factory is working and if we need some retooling?
Sunday, January 2, 2011
Three Gifts for the King
Today's sermon tied in with the celebration of Epiphany. I entitled the sermon "Three Gifts for the King." The Wise Men brought three gifts to Jesus. These gifts were gold, frankincense, and myrrh. The early church saw great symbolism in these three gifts. Gold represented the kingly role of Christ. Frankincense represented the priestly role of Christ. Myrrh represented the prophetic role of Christ.
This morning I encouraged my congregations to offer three gifts to Christ in 2011. I did not ask them to bring gold, frankincense, and myrrh but to offer Christ their worship, relationships, and service.
In regards to worship I encouraged the church to be at church. If it is a Sunday morning and they are able to come to church, I want to see their smiling faces. If they are unable to come to church on Sunday or if it is another day of the week, I want them to spend time with God. I encouraged them to sing spiritual songs, pray, read their Bible, or read a devotion.
In regards to relationships I encouraged the church to come to Sunday School or be part of a small group. I also wanted them to invest in the lives of others. I shared some of the following ideas: take your spouse on a date, turn the tv off and eat dinner as a family at the table, and schedule a play date with their kids.
In regards to service I encouraged the church to be a blessing to others. God has given us the gift of life to share with others. Each day we should do at least one good deed.
I believe if we spend more time in worship, relationships, and service in 2011 than we did in 2010 we will notice a great change in our lives. Are you up to the challenge? Will you offer these three gifts to Jesus?
This morning I encouraged my congregations to offer three gifts to Christ in 2011. I did not ask them to bring gold, frankincense, and myrrh but to offer Christ their worship, relationships, and service.
In regards to worship I encouraged the church to be at church. If it is a Sunday morning and they are able to come to church, I want to see their smiling faces. If they are unable to come to church on Sunday or if it is another day of the week, I want them to spend time with God. I encouraged them to sing spiritual songs, pray, read their Bible, or read a devotion.
In regards to relationships I encouraged the church to come to Sunday School or be part of a small group. I also wanted them to invest in the lives of others. I shared some of the following ideas: take your spouse on a date, turn the tv off and eat dinner as a family at the table, and schedule a play date with their kids.
In regards to service I encouraged the church to be a blessing to others. God has given us the gift of life to share with others. Each day we should do at least one good deed.
I believe if we spend more time in worship, relationships, and service in 2011 than we did in 2010 we will notice a great change in our lives. Are you up to the challenge? Will you offer these three gifts to Jesus?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)