The Church: what it was, is and is becoming

Matthew 16:13-20; 13:31-32

Sorry of the delay in posting these notes.

This is a sermon I have been wanting to preach for sometime. The effect of post-modernity on our society has been studied from many perspectives and the impact on the church has been written about by many people with more specialized training in sociological stuff than I have. However, I am living it. Having been raised in the church and now having provided almost 40 years of leadership, has given me some perspective that I would not have otherwise. Also, having worked with the church in a non-western culture for a season has been extremely beneficial on a number of levels.

Anyway, these are extremely stressful times for churches and church leaders. But my gut tells me it is good. As society falls apart around us, we are forced to return to our roots, which is Jesus and his teaching, and to be more focused, more radical, more clear and more intentional about who we are and what we are called to be. It is no longer enough for a church to simply be busy running programs--we must be focused on personal transformation so that we become strong in our faith to with stand the forces being imposed on us by an increasingly hostile world. Actually, churches that are busy with program that is not transformational in nature, will find themselves in worse shape, in my opinion, than those which don't do anything.

Maybe the most important point I make in the sermon is this: We do not go to church; we are the church!

In the sermon I quote Sky Jethani, who is an editor for Leadership Journal, a premier publication for church leaders. I am currently reading his book The Divine Commodity and With. I commend them both to you. The first discusses the impact of our current consumer culture on our lives, faith and church. The second explains why we changed our mission statement from Living for Jesus so others may know him to Living with Jesus so others may know him. I wish I had With back when we changed the slogan--it is a great read which also looks at what is wrong with the way we think about God and our faith today.

Next week's sermon will continue with this topic, with a closer look at what all this means for us as followers of Jesus.

Thanks for digging deeper.

What is that in your hand?

Exodus 4-1-5 (all of chapters 3 and 4).

I have always wanted to preach on this passage, but never have. As I considered what to share on this Sunday when we honor those graduating from various schools, I was led again to this text. I think for a number of reasons.

This is a great moment in the life of Moses. He's standing, as it were, at a crossroad in his life. Of course, right in front of him is the burning bush, and God is speaking to him from the midst of it. He could turn away, or he could stay. He chose to stay and hear God out.

God had a great task for Moses--go to the most powerful ruler on planet earth and tell him to let God's people go free. (Remember, the Israelites were providing untold hours of free labor for the Pharaoh.) It is no wonder that Moses had some excuses. The dialog between Moses and God, though somewhat anthropomorphic, shows  God's extreme patience with us, his willingness to provide for our fears, and his awesome power which takes what little we have to offer and empowers that with his power.

And that is the message I hope to convey in this sermon.

Sort of related to this sermon, but not really, is the question of the location of Mount Sinai, where Moses first encountered the burning bush and later came with the Israelites and received the 10 Commandments. The traditional site is in the southern section of the Sinai Peninsula. If you are interested, here is a site that reviews the info, and another one that argues for a different location. I also like this Rabbi's conclusion.

Thanks for digging deeper.
(By the way, I will be on vacation the next to Sundays.)