Pastor’s Thoughts

I’m awake early today. 5:30 am is a time in my life that is reserved normally for fishing trips, early departures for long journeys, and medical emergencies.

Today is a little different. I’ve had one of those dreams that wakes you up. We’ve all had them. But this one is a little different. I woke up from it, not because it was so disturbing, but because what I dreamed of demands our response.

I dreamed that we were a nation of castles, a little king in every one. And in a nation was besieged, the kings were busy defending their castles. I found myself in the turret of one of these castles, looking out at the horizon where the next castle stood.

Immediately, two things became clear to me at once. First, the neighboring castle would fall before the onslaught against it. And second, my castle was next in line.

Now, I should mention that I’ve been paying attention to dreams for a long time now. Plagued by nightmares as a boy, I read every book that I could get my hands on. I’ve even had some success with lucid dreaming.

While not every dream has a clear message, this one got my attention without delay. When churches become too concerned with their own existence and the defense of their own castles, its only a matter of time before they are picked off one by one. Sure, it will be the smallest churches first. And there are even some who say that the small ones should go.

That isn’t my point, though it bears considering. My point is that no castle should be so concerned with its own defense that its ruler should ignore the plight of his or her neighbors. And no church should be so wrapped up in its own existence that it ignores the shared mission of the greater Church.

The Calloway County Cluster of the United Methodist Church is sponsoring Holy Week services at churches across the county. I think its time we visited some of the other castles in the county. In learning from each other, we might just find a way to improve our own defenses–and learn to work together at the same time.

Filed by Joey at 9:24 pm under Church Leadership,Memphis Conference,Methodism
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Each week, I find myself sitting in the Fellowship Hall at the church, looking into the faces of some of the most eager disciples I’ve seen in a long time. This week, I really allowed myself to relish the energy and enthusiasm of these folks. They are really finding a deeper meaning in their discipleship.

And its because of SOAP. (If you don’t know what SOAP is, stop now, and find the link here on the site.

You’ll be glad you did.)

Instead of reading and studying to discover the smallest of the details, SOAP is designed to be more of a devotional reading. Rather than focusing on reading the text, we allow the text to “read” us. Instead of mastering the text, we’re allowing the text to guide us in the Master’s footsteps.

Some of my colleagues are clucking their tongues and shaking their heads. But I’m confident that God still speaks to people who don’t have advanced degrees. Even if they don’t have a commentary, or a Bible dictionary.

Are those tools good? Yes. Are they absolutely necessary every time a Bible is opened?

Hardly.

Its time again for the church to read the Bible with more in mind that just trying to critically examine every word of it. The things that were taught in seminary are valuable, but the truth is that much of the course content isn’t for common consumption. Not because they can’t do it, but for the same reason that there are some people who climb telephone poles while the rest of us are quite successful with just picking up the phone.

Filed by Joey at 10:13 pm under Church Leadership
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There are several seminars on the way that I am absolutely stoked to be a part of:
Men Hooked on Christ (see the calendar entry and brochures in the document section) and the Small Church Summit (both sessions, again, look them up on this site for more information).

What is so special about these two events? They strike at the very heart of ministry at South Pleasant Grove UMC. MHoC is all about Men’s Ministry, which is the next frontier for our congregation. We are blessed with several gifted men who are beginning to find their way as disciples. And the Small Church Summit features answers to several questions that we’ve been struggling with as a congregation for years.

Aside from the ordinary fear and trembling that goes into preparing for seminars like these, I’m feeling a great sense of enthusiasm for these dates.

I hope you’ll take a moment to learn more about these two events–and not just because I’m going to be there. Instead, look into these opportunities because they are the right thing at the right time.

Be ready! Be a part of these days!

Filed by Joey at 8:07 am under Announcements,Church Leadership,Methodism
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For three years, I managed to keep a weblog posted and published. Doing so clarified my thinking on a variety of issues. Readers also noted that reading my thoughts and concerns assisted them with their own process of thinking.

So I’m back.

Let me know how I’m doing.

Filed by Joey at 8:32 am under Announcements
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