A recent article in Christianity Today posed this question: Does motive matter if a ministry is doing good deeds? And you might expect there was a range of response from Daniel Akin's (Pres. of Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary) "yes" to John Schmalzbauer's (Prof. at Missouri State U.) "no."
Perhaps it just depends on what ministry is trying to accomplish. If you are trying to show the love of God by whacking someone over the head, that's probably a bad idea all around. If you save someone from an on-coming train, why you did it may not matter at all.
But what if that is the wrong question? God can work even through us even with our motives good and bad. And after all, aren't our motives mixed most of the time anyway? What if the question was: In whatever we do, are we letting God's will be done? But that can also lead us down a thorny path of theological intrigue.
Perhaps the best we can do is love God with all our hearts, souls, minds, and strength; be in a grace-infused community of believers--hopefully that is a church; and trust God for the rest.
Have a wonderful weekend.
Grace, Kathy
February 10, 2012
February 6, 2012
Boundaries: What Do You Do?
Last week I was talking with a friend, whose husband is a pastor. She explained a situation with someone at her church, which left her feeling uncomfortable and perplexed. She described how a leader in the church, comes to her, places his hands on her shoulders and massages gently. He does this with other women too. She does not know if she should say anything to this man--she fears angering him--with possible repercussion to her husband, in a fairly recent appointment.
Interestingly, I had a similar experience a few days ago. I was a presenter at a district event. I entered the church, and was talking to a few people in the hallway. The pastor of the church, whom I do not know, came to me, wrapped his arms around me, got right in my face, and said, 'Can I help you find your room?' I was astonished. I stepped away quickly from his "embrace" and said,"No I know where to go."
Maintaining appropriate boundaries in a church can be very delicate for a pastor/spouse/family and a congregation.
How do others handle such situations?
Jacquie Reed
Fishers, Indiana
Interestingly, I had a similar experience a few days ago. I was a presenter at a district event. I entered the church, and was talking to a few people in the hallway. The pastor of the church, whom I do not know, came to me, wrapped his arms around me, got right in my face, and said, 'Can I help you find your room?' I was astonished. I stepped away quickly from his "embrace" and said,"No I know where to go."
Maintaining appropriate boundaries in a church can be very delicate for a pastor/spouse/family and a congregation.
How do others handle such situations?
Jacquie Reed
Fishers, Indiana
January 30, 2012
General Conference Information
This year's General Conference promises to bring needed changes. Even though I have heard this many times before, I remain hopeful that the changes will be helpful. I promise these changes, if adopted, will effect you and your family. See the information about appointments, pension, power of the bishops, in particular.
With 87 days left until 2012 General Conference begins in Tampa, Fla., several resources to help prepare for the UMC's every-four-year lawmaking session are now available. An overview of issues presented at a recent Pre-General Conference News Briefing, an overview of the restructuring legislation that will go before the assembly and videos of the Pre-General Conference News Briefing are available. The Advance Edition of the Daily Christian Advocate, the official journal of General Conference, is now online and available for download. The advance contains all the legislation submitted for consideration by the delegates.
For more information, go to:
http://www.umc.org/site/c.lwL4KnN1LtH/b.6171105/k.1E2E/General_Conference_2012.htm
Grace, Kathy
With 87 days left until 2012 General Conference begins in Tampa, Fla., several resources to help prepare for the UMC's every-four-year lawmaking session are now available. An overview of issues presented at a recent Pre-General Conference News Briefing, an overview of the restructuring legislation that will go before the assembly and videos of the Pre-General Conference News Briefing are available. The Advance Edition of the Daily Christian Advocate, the official journal of General Conference, is now online and available for download. The advance contains all the legislation submitted for consideration by the delegates.
For more information, go to:
http://www.umc.org/site/c.lwL4KnN1LtH/b.6171105/k.1E2E/General_Conference_2012.htm
Grace, Kathy
January 26, 2012
What Lent Study Style Are You?
Lent is a time of preparation for Easter, but it means different things to each of us. We prepare in different ways. Some focus on Jesus' time in the wilderness, some on Holy Week, others on Easter itself and what comes after. Whatever your style, there are studies to take you or your group on a meaningful path to Easter.
The Traditionalist
If it's less than seven weeks before the first Sunday succeeding the first full moon after the Spring Equinox, then it must be Lent! The liturgical seasons are important to you and you're so devoted to the lectionary you wonder if Jesus handed out a bibliography of Old Testament readings with every parable.
You prefer straightforward, Bible-based studies and devotions that engage the mind and touch the heart. You probably have your favorite Lenten study preordered by Proper 27, but if not, you may want to check out Call Him Savior or Mosaic: When God Uses All the Pieces, by Shane Stanford.
The Neomonastic
Taize, candles, lectio divina . . . It's ancient-modern all the way for you, as you find meaning in simplicity, self-denial, fasting, and spiritual practices. Your focus on Jesus' time in the desert, resisting temptation, lends itself to a more austere observance culminating in meditation on Christ's suffering.
You'll love Simplifying the Soul, from Catholic author Paula Huston, a collection of daily practices for Lent that draws on the wisdom of the Desert Fathers and Mothers. And Holy Week just wouldn't be, well, holy, without walking the Stations of the Cross. Pray the stations with Paul Hoffman's photographs and meditations, or Alfred McBride's The Challenge of the Cross, which includes a fifteenth station for the resurrection.
The Pre-Easter-er
It's not Lent, it's our Easter series. Isn't Lent that stuff that gathers in your belly button? Christ is risen, so why focus so much on his suffering and death? For the seven weeks (or six, or four) leading up to Easter, you want to focus on what Christ's death and resurrection mean for us today. Themes of redemption and new life reign. Try Beth Moore's Breaking Free, J. Scott Duvall's New People Forever, or John Stott's LifeGuide Bible Study, The Cross.
The Jesus Journeyer
For you, Lent is all about following the path of Jesus, studying and discussing death and resurrection, sin and atonement. You embrace the roller coaster of Christ's final week in Jerusalem, pondering everything from the donkey Jesus rode in on to those war drums that end Mel Gibson's Passion of the Christ.
Lucky you, there are many studies available exploring Jesus' journey to the cross, many with a DVD component. Check out The Last Days of Jesus by Matt Williams, and two from Adam Hamilton: 24 Hours That Changed the World, and his newest, Final Words from the Cross.
The Activist
If you're more focused on the actions and attitudes that got Jesus on the wanted poster in the first place, you may be an Activist. You're tired of giving up something for Lent—you want to give back instead, focusing on living out Jesus' values in the world. If this is you, you won't want to miss A Place at the Table: 40 Days of Solidarity with the Poor.
So what "style" are you?
Jessica Kelley
http://www.ministrymatters.com/all/article/entry/2332/whats-your-lent-study-style
The Traditionalist
If it's less than seven weeks before the first Sunday succeeding the first full moon after the Spring Equinox, then it must be Lent! The liturgical seasons are important to you and you're so devoted to the lectionary you wonder if Jesus handed out a bibliography of Old Testament readings with every parable.
You prefer straightforward, Bible-based studies and devotions that engage the mind and touch the heart. You probably have your favorite Lenten study preordered by Proper 27, but if not, you may want to check out Call Him Savior or Mosaic: When God Uses All the Pieces, by Shane Stanford.
The Neomonastic
Taize, candles, lectio divina . . . It's ancient-modern all the way for you, as you find meaning in simplicity, self-denial, fasting, and spiritual practices. Your focus on Jesus' time in the desert, resisting temptation, lends itself to a more austere observance culminating in meditation on Christ's suffering.
You'll love Simplifying the Soul, from Catholic author Paula Huston, a collection of daily practices for Lent that draws on the wisdom of the Desert Fathers and Mothers. And Holy Week just wouldn't be, well, holy, without walking the Stations of the Cross. Pray the stations with Paul Hoffman's photographs and meditations, or Alfred McBride's The Challenge of the Cross, which includes a fifteenth station for the resurrection.
The Pre-Easter-er
It's not Lent, it's our Easter series. Isn't Lent that stuff that gathers in your belly button? Christ is risen, so why focus so much on his suffering and death? For the seven weeks (or six, or four) leading up to Easter, you want to focus on what Christ's death and resurrection mean for us today. Themes of redemption and new life reign. Try Beth Moore's Breaking Free, J. Scott Duvall's New People Forever, or John Stott's LifeGuide Bible Study, The Cross.
The Jesus Journeyer
For you, Lent is all about following the path of Jesus, studying and discussing death and resurrection, sin and atonement. You embrace the roller coaster of Christ's final week in Jerusalem, pondering everything from the donkey Jesus rode in on to those war drums that end Mel Gibson's Passion of the Christ.
Lucky you, there are many studies available exploring Jesus' journey to the cross, many with a DVD component. Check out The Last Days of Jesus by Matt Williams, and two from Adam Hamilton: 24 Hours That Changed the World, and his newest, Final Words from the Cross.
The Activist
If you're more focused on the actions and attitudes that got Jesus on the wanted poster in the first place, you may be an Activist. You're tired of giving up something for Lent—you want to give back instead, focusing on living out Jesus' values in the world. If this is you, you won't want to miss A Place at the Table: 40 Days of Solidarity with the Poor.
So what "style" are you?
Jessica Kelley
http://www.ministrymatters.com/all/article/entry/2332/whats-your-lent-study-style
January 25, 2012
On-line Bible Studying at Your Church?
Today in the church bulletin there was a notice about a new Bible study beginning this month. I was excited because I was hoping to start a new direction in 2012. I read the notice further , and quickly was dismayed - the class was online. Although I knew that many colleges and even high schools have online classes, but a Bible study?????
I remember the rich discussions from numerous Bible studies, including Disciple through the years. I also treasured the prayer support and opportunity to get to know others each week.
Maybe I need to adjust to the times, but I know that I would really miss the aspect of community that comes with studying God's word.
Are there other churches doing online studies?
Jacquie Reed
Fishers, Indiana
I remember the rich discussions from numerous Bible studies, including Disciple through the years. I also treasured the prayer support and opportunity to get to know others each week.
Maybe I need to adjust to the times, but I know that I would really miss the aspect of community that comes with studying God's word.
Are there other churches doing online studies?
Jacquie Reed
Fishers, Indiana
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