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.
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
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.
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