Finding Forgiveness
Here we are, our first Sunday of Lent. A time of reflection, preparation, a time of walking with Jesus Christ to the cross.
It’s also a time for turning from the sin in our lives and seeking forgiveness.
So to read from Matthew 18:15-35 is a good place to start.
Jesus offers us some simple steps when dealing with someone who sins in the community. First, you go and talk it over. If that doesn’t work, then you take a few other people with you, one or two, to talk it over again. If that doesn’t work, then you discuss it in front of the entire church! If that still doesn’t solve the problem, then that person is no longer part of your life. Don’t let that person have a hold on your life any longer. They cannot hold you prison to their sin, nor can you let it affect your life in heaven. read more…
an “outsiders” view
The following arrived in my inbox earlier this week.
Nick, I read your blog articles with faithfulness, almost every one of them. I feel more of a “friend” with you through your writings more than in any other way. I feel so bad for you as a Minister in this day and age when the Church seems to be crumbling all around us and I feel my own sense of guilt knowing that I too am part of the problem and not the solution. I haven’t personally been to Church in over a year, yet I feel increasingly closer to God. Does this seem bizarre to you? I admit that sometimes I miss feeling part of a “body of Christ” but in all honesty I can’t miss what I never had, it’s more of a longing for what might have been. I’ve struggled to find my place in my family church for more than 25 years (holy frig!). I wanted to get more involved and was often told that my attendance wasn’t regular enough to be considered. We probably attended every second week at that point and did miss time due to having a young family. I argued that for a lot of people perhaps feeling more a part of things would lead to better attendance and I still believe that to be true! Most people are desperately looking to be included, to feel worthwhile, to be given a job even if it’s a small one…I’ve gone to other Churches in my community with the same feeling of being an outsider, everyone desperately clinging to their place in the choir or whatever position they currently hold, lest some new person might come and snatch it away from them! Most Churches don’t seem to really WANT new Members, this is what I have personally observed. I’ve since tried to satisfy myself with my own personal relationship with Christ, time spent with my family and my charity work. My 14 year old daughter admitted to me a few weeks ago that she doesn’t really believe in God and now I have to live with the fact that I haven’t really fostered my children’s relationship with God by dragging them to Church every week. It’s a terrifying thought to me that my own children’s salvation is at risk….Add on to this the confusion that I feel about the hard stance that a lot of Churches are taking on issues (that I myself haven’t quite reached a decision on in my own heart) and I find myself in quite a religious mess most days. I really don’t know what religion I “belong” in any more. You probably think that this is just a slew of excuses, I’m sure that you hear similar things all the time but I really do see these issues as having a large bearing on why so few people attend Church anymore. I’m not sure why I felt compelled to share this with you but I needed to reach out and perhaps it is time for me to become encouraged again and do some more “Church shopping”. One thing I do know is I haven’t given up on God and he certainly hasn’t given up on me!
yes, it is more than numbers
A couple of days ago the moderator of the United Church of Canada posted about the nearly demoralizing statistics of our denomination, and in Christianity in general, in a post entitled, “More than Numbers”
In the post he highlighted the work of David Ewart, a retired minister, who has been documenting the decline of our denomination over the last 50 years, and lays out the trend for all to see. Which, in a nutshell, is, “Will the United Church see its 100th anniversary in 2025?” read more…
I saw the Simpsons in person
No not those Simpsons.
I was at the Acadia Divinity College Simpson Lectures. This year’s topic was “Church Renewal”, one I have been very much looking forward to.
I’ve been attending this annual Baptist conference for a 5 years now. Some years are better than others, but I always bring something home to think about around ministry.
This year was no different, in fact, I’ve probably brought too much back to think about.
I like going to this event because of one main reason: the Baptists are not afraid to talk about Jesus, the Gospel and evangelism. This year even more than usual, which makes sense given the topic.
Rarely do I find a gathering of people from the United Church of Canada as interested in these topics. Thank the Lord for Cruxifusion, because it’s the only place I’ve experienced a similar vibe in this denomination.
I’ve brought back many ideas from the Simpson Lectures this year, things like governance, outreach and even multi-site ideas.
I spent the week with people who are passionate about Jesus Christ and his call to make disciples of the world. We need more of this. In the United Church, we need more of this. In our local churches, we need more of this. In our communities, we need. More. Of. This.
The only thing that can save our churches is Jesus Christ. No pre-packaged program. No consultant. Nothing but our Lord and Saviour can move us forward.
We need him.
Please pray with me that he will come and bless us as we seek to grow as his disciples.
And now I can’t wait for the Cruxifusion conference coming up in a couple of months!
Lost Generations and Questions
I had my car at the garage last week. The owner knows who I am and what I do as he’s been my mechanic for the five years since we’ve moved here.
There was a woman, a few years younger than I am who works for one of his suppliers, in the shop coordinating some things. When the owner saw me he asked, “How’s the soul saving business?”
The young woman smiled, cocked her had and said, “I have to ask… soul saving?”
The owner and I both said together, “Church minister.”
A few minutes later the owner went back into the bay to deal with whatever and the young woman and I had a conversation. She asked what church I am the minister at and she shared that she is member of a church in the Sydney area. Her home church no longer exists. It amalgamated a few months ago, and hasn’t worshipped in its own building for over 2 years. She knew this, but hadn’t been to the new church “yet”. She also commented she missed the old church, despite rarely attending.
She talked about her concern for the church and wondered aloud how we can get people her age to attend. I didn’t say this out loud, but in my head I pondered, “If it’s as important as you make it sound, then go to church!”
To be honest, I’m getting tired of this conversation. People of all ages keep telling me they wish more people would go to church, when they themselves don’t go.
Let’s consider something… if you believe it’s that important to have a church in your community, and if you believe Christian values are that important to society, as you ALL say to me…
Then get your butt into a pew!
It’s simple. It really is that simple.
And if you go and aren’t happy with what you see. Go again. Then go again. Then go for a few more months. Then keep going.
If after all those months, things still aren’t resonating with you, then join the governing body or a committee of your church. Provide feedback. Say something! Take some ownership! But not until you’ve earned some respect and have become a regular attendee. No one wants to hear what’s wrong when you’ve only been there for two services over the 12 months.
You need to realize you have a role to play. You have a place in God’s plan. The best way to figure this out is to read your Bible, say your prayers and, yes, even go to church. Which should make sense, because you tell me it’s important!
So maybe you should take the first step.