Rob Prince's Blog, page 2

I am a Nazarene

Not all Christians agree with everything that the Church of the Nazarene believes. For crying out loud, not all Nazarenes agree with everything in the Manual. If we did the Manual would never change, but it does change every four years. As such, through it all, we strive to have unity in the essentials; liberty in the non-essentials and charity in all things. (Key word: “Strive” we aren’t always united and/or charitable, but we sure should “strive” to be.). 

There are some things that the Church of the Nazarene is pretty rock solid on even as others disagree. For example, we Nazarenes have always practiced both baby dedication and infant baptism. Not everybody does. Karla and I baptized Alex and dedicated Ben (I don’t know why). I tell folks the jury is still out on which one is better. Infant baptism has been around since the earliest Christians. The anabaptists stopped practicing infant baptism a few hundred years ago, and offered baby dedications instead. So we do both. We Nazarenes have such a strong view of the prevenient grace of God, and it is wonderfully demonstrated in infant baptism. God loves that baby, while it’s still being formed and His love never stops. In baby dedication, the emphasis is on the parents commitment to raise the child in the a Christian home. Speaking of baptism, in believer baptism, we will drip, douse or dunk. It’s not the amount of H2O applied that matters, baptism proclaims the amount of grace applied in the individual’s life. 

We have always ordained women. In fact, percentage wise, we had more female pastors in our early years than we do today. People who don’t agree site Paul’s words to Timothy about women being silent in church (ignoring the context of the trouble making women in the local church at Ephesus at the time). They forget about Peter quoting Joel saying, women will be prophesying in the end times. They also look over the obvious citation of Priscilla and Aquilla leading a church in Romans 16. Or Lydia being a church leader in Philippi. Or the resurrected Jesus, giving Mary Magdalene the first glimpse of His glory, and commissioning her to tell the others about it. If women are good enough proclaimers for the resurrected Jesus, they are good enough for us!

We have always believed that God can make people holy today. We are a holiness people. Always have been. In both Old and New Testaments God says, “Be Holy.” Would God Almighty really tell us to do something that is impossible to do—or something that only a few select people could be?  I don’t think so. Holy living is possible and encouraged for every faithful follower of Jesus. The evidence of such holy living is the fruit of the Spirit demonstrated in the believer’s life.

We have always upheld a traditional view of marriage between a man and a woman. Many congregations are debating the biblical record these days. A few years back, when the question of human sexuality arose in the General Assembly, 97% of the delegates voted to uphold the traditional standard that we have always affirmed. That doesn’t mean we exclude people or are unwelcoming. We encourage all. Welcome all. Love all. Show grace and mercy to all.

Some things change. When I was a kid, Nazarene’s didn’t go to movies. We didn’t dance either. I got out of 5th grade square dancing because my mom sent a note saying “dancing was against our religion.” If I held a membership class that day, every boy in the fifth grade at Marquette Elementary School would have signed up to be a Nazarene. We’ve changed non-essential elements of life as culture has changed. We aren’t Amish after all.

Some things are still up for interpretation and we don’t fight about it— if folks choose to land some other place than where other members have landed– It’s OK. As such, Nazarenes don’t have a preferred Bible translation (although the Foundry uses the New International Version in its Sunday School materials). We don’t have a set view on Christ’s return (other than Jesus is coming again). We don’t have a set view on creation (other than God did it). We don’t tell people who to vote for in elections. Not sure Jesus would be an elephant or a donkey. We tell folks to read their Bible; pray about it; and decide. We leave room for folks who disagree or doubt or are seeking. 

Some things change. Some things don’t. Some things we leave up to the individual to figure out. That’s Nazarene-dom in a nut shell—and I’m glad to be a part of it.

The Nazarene Pastor Shortage and What One Church is Doing About It

On Flint Central Church’s recent mission trip to Panama, a high school student preached the Sunday morning message (with a translator) in the Panamanian church. By all accounts, she did great. Two students came home from the mission trip announcing that they were sensing a call into ministry. There are at least two other high schoolers who also have expressed an interest in becoming a pastor. If you are counting at home that is 5 students expressing an interest in ministry.*

Why does Central church have so many young men and women called into the ministry? 

There are probably a variety of reasons. I’ll list a few possible answers: 

1) There is a healthy church culture. The board and pastoral staff are aligned. Students view ministry positively because of the church culture that has developed. 

2) The church emphasizes “Growing Together.” Students have seen in their parents, grandparents or many other adults a faithful witness. There is a mutual love between the older, seasoned Christians and students.

3) The church has had great youth pastors who have inspired our students on what they could become and have modeled faithfulness before them.

4) Opportunities have been given for students to hear from the Lord: Mission trips, NYC, D-Now, retreats and camps. God speaks when students getaway and can listen to God. 

5) God calling people into ministry is mentioned from the pulpit and in youth group from time to time. The students have seen their peers called into ministry and have been open to God speaking to themselves too. Sometimes it’s a snowball effect, one student is called into ministry then another and another and another… it just keeps growing.

6) There have been opportunities for ministers-in-training to serve at Central as volunteers and interns. For example, yesterday’s summer combined adult and student Sunday School class was taught by a recent high school graduate.

7) The church puts its money where its mouth is. This year Central Church gave out over $26,000 to in scholarships to 18 Olivet Nazarene University students. There has been an emphasis on education and the church has helped provide for it.

And most importantly, 

8) Central church is a praying church. They’ve followed Jesus’ instructions: “pray to the Lord of the harvest to send out workers into his harvest” (Luke 10:2). The church has prayed and God has answered!

Corporately, the Church of the Nazarene needs to pray too. The Church of the Nazarene is in desperate need for young men and women to be called into the ministry. The current clergy are aging (writer included. Deep Sigh!) and we need more pastors. On our district there are 8 churches in need of a pastor. From what I can tell (I may be wrong) none of those churches have any prospects. No interviews are lined up. No one is knocking on the church doors to become the next pastor. The Eastern Michigan district is not alone. There is a pastor shortage and it’s going to get worse as we old timers die off.  After all these years, Jesus words are still true. The fields are still ready. We need to pray for (and develop) workers more than ever.

*This is not a new phenomenon at Central Church. Here are the 20-somethings from Central Church in ministry (or training): Bryce Potts is a student at Taylor University studying to be a worship pastor. He is interning at Central Church this summer. Two students are in Olivet’s summer PR groups (Tyler Chapin and Grace Bedell). Sarah Hurd is a youth pastor in Illinois. Tyler and Hannah VanSteenburg are pastoring in Madison Heights, Michigan. Of course, Haley (VanSteenburg) Baker is the wife of Central Church’s Mid-High Youth pastor, Tyler. While Justin Hilliard doesn’t have a ministry degree or pastor’s license, trust me, Central Church’s tech director (who grew up at Central church) is in ministry. Even though the Close sisters, Lydia and Sophie, expressed a call to ministry before coming to Central Church, I will include them too. Lydia and husband, Caleb, are pastoring the Refinery Nazarene Church in Brandon, Michigan. Sophie and husband, Ethan, are on staff at Devoted City Church in Raleigh, North Carolina. Another 20-something, Allie Degner, starts next week working at the Global Ministry Center of the Church of the Nazarene in the communications department, These are just the pastors and leaders in their 20’s—Flint Central has many other pastors age 30 and above who list Central church as their “home” church (including our own 30 somethings Pastors Sauer—Tyler and sister, Emily). If you are counting at home that’s 13 people from Central church in their 20’s in ministry.

Are American Christians Blind?

In John 9, a man, blind from birth, was healed by Jesus on the Sabbath. This got the pharisees in a huff (per usual). His parents, no doubt labelled “sinners” for bringing into the world a blind son, wanted no piece of the dispute. They had learned to keep their mouths shut around the pharisees (this is no surprise). But what strikes me odd about this brouhaha is the man’s neighbors (HIS NEIGHBORS!!) did not even know if this was the man who had been begging for years. 

John records it this way:

His neighbors and those who had formerly seen him begging asked, “Isn’t this the same man who used to sit and beg?” Some claimed that he was.
Others said, “No, he only looks like him.”
But he himself insisted, “I am the man.” John 9:8-9

How could one walk by a neighbor day in and day out and not see him? How could they not recognize him? Who was truly blind in the story– the man blind from birth or the people who refused to see?

Are Christians in America turning a blind eye on their neighbors too?  Do we see the suffering in our world? Do we see that injustices being done?  Do we see that law abiding immigrants are being rounded up and imprisoned without due process? Do we notice as they are being dragged out of churches? Are we singing “Turn your eyes upon Jesus” but not turning our eyes toward our brothers and sisters in Christ who are suffering? Do we sing a little bit louder as to drown out the cries for help?  Do we not see it? Or do we choose not to see it?  (see the Christianity today article about some detained Christians here).

What part of “Love your neighbor” have we missed? Will we be in with the other goats as the Judge tells us, “whatever you did not do to the least of these you did not do for me” (See Matthew 25)? 

No one wants criminals in the country. Everyone agrees they should not be allowed to stay. But what about the church-attending, law-abiding, asylum seeking neighbors?* Do we see them? What about those believers who have left their country of origin because of religious persecution or wanton violence? Do we care? Do we simply choose to listen to the narrative that what is being done is for “law and order”? 

“Law breaking is bad!” someone will shout. “They broke the law.” 

Tell that to Joseph in an Egyptian prison. 
Tell that to Shiphrah and Puah as they defied Pharaoh’s orders.
Tell that to Moses as he defied Pharaoh’s orders too.
Tell that to David as he was on the run from King Saul.
Tell that to Elijah as he was on the run from Queen Jezebel. 
Tell that to Jeremiah as he stood in the stocks. 
Tell that to John the Baptist as he was executed by Herod. 
Tell that to Peter and John when they boldly told the leaders that be, “Which is right in God’s eyes: to listen to you, or to him? (Acts 4:19)
Tell that to Stephen as the rocks were flying. 
Tell that to Paul as he sat in a Roman prison.
Tell that to Jesus as he hung on a Roman cross. 

It seems God fearing people have a long history of refusing to turn a blind eye to unjust laws or oppressed people.

Do we not see our neighbors? 

Are we blind?

*Honestly, “church-attending” isn’t even the issue. This is America. No one is forced to believe. 

Making Holiness Great Again

Making holiness great again is a worthy effort. What godly person doesn’t want holiness to be great?  The pharisees in the first century attempted to “make holiness great again.” Sadly, their version of “holiness”* was a strict adherence to the law, especially the sabbath laws. This approach weaponized holiness and put them in conflict with Jesus on multiple occasions. Theirs was a haughty brand of “holiness” that in the end looked nothing like the humble holiness that Jesus exuded. When holiness disintegrates into a prideful, battle weapon it is no longer holiness. It’s a self-congratulatory enterprise that looks more like the smirking pharisees on Good Friday, than the forgiving, dying Savior on the cross. It’s no longer great.

Religious bullying in the name of God Almighty is what Jesus abhorred. Could it be that Jesus is still disgusted by anyone touting a far less than great brand of holiness. A “holiness” more intent on keeping rules and keeping out rule breakers, than it is on a welcoming, Philippians 2:5-11, selfless-love brand of holiness?

Holiness is great when smugness is swapped with the unpretentious fruit of the Spirit.
Holiness is great when pride is replaced with humility. 
Holiness is great when it’s characterized by true righteousness not self-righteousness.
Holiness is great when perfect love chases out all fear.
Holiness is great when it looks like the open-armed father and not the angry, rule keeping older brother when his prodigal sibling returned.
Holiness is great when there are less pitch forks and torches and more flames of the Spirit. 
Holiness is great when the miniscule search for specks in the eyes of offenders gives way to 
lumberjack-ian task of log removeable from one’s own optic nerves. 
Holiness is great when it looks like Jesus.

One of the core values of the Church of the Nazarene is “holiness.” It would have been one of the pharisees’ core values too. Do we look more like the pharisees or Jesus? The pharisaical brand of “holiness” is one where there are multiple boxes which need to be checked. Accordingly, if not all of the boxes are checked, then it’s not “holiness.” The Jesus brand of holiness has only one box: holy forgiving selfless love.** If it’s checked, it’s holiness. Let’s strive to check that box. Let’s make that brand of holiness great again.

*The pharisees’ “holiness” is in quotation marks, because it’s something, but whatever it is– it’s not holiness. 

**Please Note: Jesus made demands on his followers (most notably “pick up your cross and follow me”). But those demands flow from a heart of love, not out a code of ethical boundaries. Those demands reflect–  Holy. Forgiving. Selfless. Love. 

Is it time for the Silent Majority in the Church of the Nazarene to speak?

Most people in the Church of the Nazarene (CotN) are silent when it comes to the happenings of the church. I’m not talking about those members on the fringe that barely know they attend a Nazarene church. No, these silent folks are “in the know.” They know all about the CotN. They observe social media happenings concerning the CotN. They pay attention to the issues in the church and in the world. They hear the chatter from the conservative groups, progressive groups, charismatic influenced groups, our college happenings or things on the mission field (both good and bad). They have opinions regarding these things. They simply keep their thoughts to themselves.

This is especially true for those in leadership positions. There must be a class when one enters the Global Ministry Center (GMC) on the how to avoid making comments on social media. Don’t “like” any opinion. Don’t address any problem. Don’t offend one side or the other. Be quiet.

I can’t blame them. I’ve seen people take a position (it’s happened to me) and one side or the other goes ballistic. Their name and opinion gets dragged through the mud. Their outlook was lambasted. People assumed this or that about the person. Usually it’s not good. People they thought were their friends (not just “Facebook friends,” but real ones) write hurtful things. Any response would come across as “defensive.” They’ve learned their lesson. “Stay quiet.”

(I’m pretty sure I have the inglorious distinction of one who has offended just about everyone at one time or another with these little 500-700 word blogs. Yet here I am, blabbering on. Apparently, I have not learned my lesson). 

There is a reason why the cliché, “The squeaky wheel gets the grease,” is true. We’ve seen it happen over and over in the church. The ones who yell the loudest– get the attention. No matter if their opinions are contrary to the stated doctrines of the Church. No matter if the loudest and angriest display very un-Christlike attributes. No matter that their bullying tactics intimidate people into silence. No matter that their message of aggression and callousness is what non-believers also see. “Truth,” they say, is what they are defending. But if “truth” is conveyed in an untruthful or un-Christlike manner is it still the “Truth”? “If you can’t stand the heat get out of the kitchen,” the theological bullies tell us. That’s another truth-filled cliché which is leading the silent exodus of sound-minded people. 

I’ve heard some opinions say, “80% of Nazarenes are nice and wonderful followers of Jesus and there are 10% of Nazarenes are on either end of the bully stick.” 10% ultra-conservative bullies and 10% ultra-progressive bullies. I tend to think the percentages are not nearly that strong. My estimation is that it’s only 1% on either end. Maybe less. At least, 98% of Nazarenes are following after Jesus and striving to live a holy life. The squeaky wheels are 2% (maybe less), but those squeaky wheels get a lot of the greasy attention on social media and elsewhere.

Solomon was right. “There is a time to be silent and a time to speak” (Ecclesiastes 3:7). It should go without saying (but I’m writing about it so maybe it’s not so obvious): We can’t always be silent. There is a time to speak. Former “CBS Evening News” anchor Scott Pelley said, “The most important thing is to have the courage to speak, to not let fear permeate the country so that everyone suddenly becomes silent. If you have the courage to speak, we are saved. If you fall silent, the country is doomed.”  Substitute the words “Church of the Nazarene” for the word “Country” and there’s a lesson for my fellow Silent Majority Nazarene members (yes, I count myself in that group). There are times when we can’t be silent. We must speak. It may  upset 1% on either end of the Nazarene spectrum, but we cannot fear. Take courage. Speak. 

Do Nazarenes Truly Believe Article of Faith XI?

In the world of denominationalism, the Church of the Nazarene (cotn) is small. Yes, it is inching close to 3 million members worldwide. Yes, there was slight growth in USA/Canada last year. Yes, in the world of “holiness” churches, the cotn is a bigger group than most in that very small subset. Still, in the Church universal, the cotn a small tribe. 

Being small has some benefits. Like the sitcom Cheers bar, it seems everyone knows your name. Often it’s more like family than a denomination. There is a comfortable familiarity, going into a Nazarene church on the other side of the world and seeing posters for the World Evangelism Fund or an alabaster offering. It’s easy to think, “Yes, these are my people.” 

But being small, also means when a family member leaves or is asked to leave, you know it. It hurts just a little bit. Sometimes it hurts a lot. 

People leave for a variety of reasons, I’ve had people move to a community without a cotn and have joined another church. For some, sinful choices lead them to no longer fellowship in the cotn. Others got miffed at someone (Read: often the pastor) and have joined another church. Occasionally, an elder or licensed minister has gotten sideways with a doctrine or belief and have felt, he/she needs to exit. In rare cases (very rare) an elder is asked to leave. Ordered to do so by a church trial, if necessary. Those rare instances, usually make headlines on social media. It gets the usual characters grumbling, but trials for heresy are extremely rare.

The eleventh Article of Faith, the Manual of the cotn states: The Church is a historical reality that organizes itself in culturally conditioned forms, exists both as local congregations and as a universal body.Notice the capital “C” in “Church” and the word, “universal” regarding the Church. Nazarenes recognize that there are Christians in other traditions that will likewise receive an eternal reward and hear the Master say, “Well done, my good and faithful servant.” One need not show their Nazarene membership card or give St. Peter the secret Nazarene handshake (we don’t have one of those, do we?) to gain entrance through the pearly gates. 

Since Article XI exists, doesn’t it make sense that when someone leaves to join another church (for whatever reason) we would not besmirch their name or in other ways cast doubt on their faithfulness or Christian standing. Instead, we would wish them well and continue to pray for their good standing before the Lord. We wouldn’t celebrate the aforementioned exit (especially on social media). We wouldn’t draw lines in the sand. We wouldn’t contact lawyers. We would say, “Brothers and sisters, we may differ on some of the finer points of our faith but we are part of the Church universal. Go and be well.” 

At times, when someone leaves, it feels like a divorce. Betrayal even. Someone has to be right and someone has to be wrong. But does it have to be that way? Can’t two things be right at the same time? Neither party is evil. Both are trying to “work out their salvation in fear and trembling” (Philippians 2:12). Can’t there be a world where both the witch-hunts and the brazen, willful disregard to the Manual are out of bounds those who swore to uphold it? Moreover, can’t we refuse to resort to name calling while walking out the door or shouts of distain from inside the holy confines toward those walking away?

Being a part of the Church (capital “C”) means (in a too simplistic way) we have common beliefs regarding the primacy of Christ and the inspired Holy Bible containing all we need to know regarding salvation. After that, aren’t we all are “working it out.” If we truly believe Article XI, those exiting for another church would still feel loved. If we truly believe Article XI, we wouldn’t be so territorial. If we truly believed Article XI we would be sad, maybe even heart-broken, when one of our own sheep heads to a new pasture, but we wouldn’t be un-Christ-like. Not if we believe, Article XI. 

Has the Death of the Church of the Nazarene Been Greatly Exaggerated?

The famous quote about his death being exaggerated is attributed to Mark Twain over an obituary mistakenly printed. I wonder if the same can be said about the Church of the Nazarene (CotN)?

Someone has a disagreement with the CotN and conclude, “this is the death of her.” Splash their overly pessimistic opinions on social media. The usual suspects of disgruntled former members quickly chime in. “Their done. Dead. Put a fork in her,” they say.

I imagine it was that way when the Missionary Bible folks thought TVs were too worldly in 50’s and left the CotN (minus the social media, of course) or when some folks exited over charismatic gifts in the 70s or when those who disagree with the CotN’s stance on human sexuality walk out today. “They are wrong,” they shout, “Turn out the lights, the party is over.”

But is that accurate? The church is growing in various parts of the world. Africa passed the USA a few years back in membership. Even USA/Canada had slight growth last year. Not everyone is leaving apparently. There have been a few pastors who’ve turned in their credentials, but it’s not an avalanche. A few churches have exited too, but, again, it’s a trickle not Niagara Falls. 

This is not to say, the church is without error. No doubt wrongs have happened. Dirty church politics have been played. There are leaders who have no business leading. Good members have been quieted. For some, politics seems more important than the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Rumors were started (even during the General Assembly voting process prompting chastisement from more than one General Superintendent). There have been unfair District Superintendents (Clarification: my use of the word “unfair” is an attempt to be kind. I’ve been lied to and about from some leaders in our tribe. That’s not only unfair, it’s unChristian). Even so, the church is full of good apples. Not bad ones. Leaders included. Good grief, it’s a church made up of flawed people. There will be messy situations by virtue of that fact.

I don’t fault those who feel that they can no longer fellowship in the Church of the Nazarene. I’m saddened by their exit. But there’s no judgment from me. I hope that they find a Gospel proclaiming church that lives into the words of Jesus.

As for me, I still believe in our theology. I still believe in our efforts to make Christ-like disciples. I still think we are a church that welcomes the stranger, folks on the margins, and the downtrodden (I know my local church does). I still believe in our leadership. Does that make me a Pollyanna? I hope not. I hope it makes me expectant of good days ahead. I want to believe in the best of people. I want to trust the Holy Spirit’s leading. I want to think the “old gal” still has some life in her. I want to think her death has been greatly exaggerated. 

This Pastor Needs the Jesus of Easter Maybe You Do Too

In my sixth decade of life and closing in on my fourth decade as a pastor, I hope I’m not turning into the stereotypical codger saying, “Get off my lawn, you blank-ity-blank kids.” Life could easily devolve if I lose my Center. Fixing my eyes on the Jesus of Easter is my only hope.

The church isn’t fair. Nepotism, cronyism, fundamentalism, materialism and a host of other bad “isms” infect the church. I need to constantly remind myself Jesus is the way.

Church leaders (both lay and clergy) have flat out lied to me. Not little white lies. Big black lies. I get it. The church is made up of people and people are people and sometimes people bare false witness. That’s why it’s so important to focus on Jesus. He is the Truth.

People are angrier. Less respectful. Have greater expectations and less patience. It can suck the life right out of you. That’s why it is so important to remember that Jesus is the Life.

I’ve been figuratively punched in the stomach plenty of times. I’d heal quicker from a literal punch. Jesus takes care of His battered sheep. He is the Good Shepherd.

It’s easy to get distracted. I’m at my best when connected to Jesus. He is the Vine.

When depleted and defeated, hungering for truth and justice, it’s Jesus who fills me. He is the Bread of Life. 

In dark times, and there have been dark times, He rescues and redeems. Jesus is the Light. 

When I feel boxed in, trapped by life’s circumstances, through him there is peace. Jesus is the Gate. 

This Easter season, I need to be reminded, maybe more now than ever, He makes the impossible possible. Jesus is the Resurrection!

I’m still trusting in the GREAT I AM.

Disappointed in some Corners of the Church of the Nazarene (USA Version)

Sometimes I’m disappointed in my tribe. Not my local church mind you (I’m super biased but Flint Central Church is a great church). No, I’m saddened by USA/Canada version of the Church of the Nazarene. Here’s why: a highly qualified female candidate was not elected to be the lead pastor in a local church (in this case, the District Superintendent was strongly supportive of her. It wasn’t his fault that she wasn’t elected). I’m convinced there was only one reason for her failure to reach the two thirds threshold required by the Manual. She is a female. In far too many places, we will let females be our children pastors or our youth pastors, but that’s it. In far too many places, a female pastoral candidate has no chance of becoming the lead pastor.

It’s a local church issue, you might defend the tribe. I wish that were the case. I wish it were just one local church with a lack of biblical understanding or a lack of Nazarene history and tradition or because (I hate to write it) misogynistic attitudes among the congregation that voted against the over qualified female candidate. But is it a local issue? I’m not so sure.

Yes, we (finally) have a couple of female District Superintendents in USA/Canada (two  in USA; one in Canada). Are three out of 80+ districts really worth celebrating or should we be weeping?  Yes, we have a female General Superintendent. But even she was never a solo pastor. I sometimes wonder if even Carla Sunberg would be elected to be the lead pastor in some of our churches. Of the COK churches (larger churches in USA/Canada), there are only three female pastors (Shawna Gaines at Trevecca Community, Selena Freeman at The Well in Springfield, MO and Beth Nelson at Prairie Heights in Fargo, ND).  Again three out of top 100 or so churches isn’t a great record. Just ask former Nazarene large church pastor, Tara Beth Leach, of the remarks and attitudes she encountered and had to endure in our tribe. It’s not a good report. 

Maybe it’s time for the USA/Canada region to learn from the Asia Pacific Region. That forward thinking region has a “Women in Leadership Coordinator” on its regional leadership team. Dr. Lynne Bollinger is serving in this role. It seems that USA/Canada needs to think of better ways to develop and elevate women in ministry too. But it’s not just giving a seat on the leadership team that’s needed. We must educate our people of the numerous Biblical references of female leaders. We need to call out misogynistic churches and leaders and remind them that “our sons AND DAUGHTERS will prophesy.” We need to confess that our polity (we have always ordained women) and our actions have not always matched.  

To be sure, there are other problems in the church in America. It’s not always easy building a growing, Christ-honoring church in our current culture. Our leaders have a lot on their plates. Prioritizing the endorsement and encouragement of female leaders will help us in dealing with some of these other issues. God speaks through women. We need them. We need their voices.  Just as God used Miriam and Deborah and Esther and Mary Magdalene and Phoebe and Priscilla and… well you get the idea… God will use today’s female leaders if we give them the opportunity. 

Blog less. Write More. (Famous Last Words, by Yours Truly)

During my sabbatical, I have made a commitment to blog less and write more. So what did I do, my first Monday back in the office? I wrote a blog about the need to not post on social media on matters we know nothing about in regard to our Nazarene colleges and universities (honestly that should be our position on all things). The post was read by many people. Unfortunately soon it devolved into name calling and the comments reflecting the exact opposite of what I had just written. UGH. People. 

It was a “welcome-back-to-the-real-world” moment for me. We live in a divided world. Sadly, including the church. Someone asked me to recall the days when the worst thing a Wesleyan could call a fellow believer was a “Calvinist.” Now, it seems that people are ready to toss our brothers and sisters in Christ into the fires of Hell over the slightest disagreement. We are quick to judge. Quick to anger. For all practical purposes quick to toss aside the grace that was so freely given to us. This should not be us.

Christians will not agree on everything. The Bible isn’t crystal clear on every topic. It takes prayer and discernment and sometimes some of us will get our wires crossed and come to a different opinion. It doesn’t mean that the other is totally wrong and have sold their soul to the devil. It means we simply disagree. 

Sunday, I talked about how the Pharisees were the “holiness people” of the first century. Their brand of “holiness” was constantly running up against Jesus. At times, I see the same “holier-than-thou” and “holiness-as-a-weapon” brands of holiness infecting some of us in holiness traditions. We need to be very careful or Jesus will likewise refer to us as a “brood of vipers” and “white washed tombs.” 

My fellow, holiness people, please let us act like it. Holiness isn’t about what you know, it’s how you live out what you know. Our world needs holy people living, posting and acting like Jesus.

My goal of a book a year will not be accomplished with days like yesterday. I need to blog less write more.

(FYI… I wrote this for the Church Board and Pastors of Central Church. Obviously, I also posted it to my blog. I know, two days in a row a blog post… so much for writing less blogs. Ugh. I have turned off the comments… not because I want to quench discussion, simply I don’t have time to monitor this today. Many blessings. And I mean it, I plan to blog less, write more.).