Transition

Yesterday I did one of those most dreaded things: I announced to my congregation that I am resigning as their pastor.

 

What made this especially difficult is that this is a good church, we love the people, and there are no problems making it necessary for us to leave. Nevertheless, it was becoming more and more apparent that they need a different type of leadership to reflect the changed nature of the congregation. God has confirmed to me that I am no longer the best person for them. Yet, in light of our good relationship and to assist them with a healthy transition period I have given them ninety days notice of my departure.

 

On November 1st I will begin a new role, that of Area Administrator for the Pacific Northwest Assocation of the Church of God. This is an exciting opportunity that has recently opened up for me, and fits well with my gifts and extensive experience in district-related ministry. I look forward to working with approximately fifty churches in northern Idaho, northeastern Oregon, and most of Washington. There are some tremendous leaders and churches in this region, and all face the challenge of living in perhaps the most secularized part of the United States.

 

I would appreciate your prayers for my family and me as we face changes brought on by all of this.

 

And, despite those who jokingly suggest I am going to "the dark side", I plan on continuing to blog. In fact, I am committed to working even harder to seeing Church of God congregations and leaders strengthened in order to be more effective for the mission to which God has called us.

 

Our witness in Anaheim

Following the North American Convention in June I posted on our "witness in Anderson" based on the blog of a local resident.

 

We also need to be aware of the impact, both positive and negative, of our youth this past week in Anaheim. As I mentioned, on Thursday over 5000 of us went out on mission projects around Orange County. I know that we made a significant contribution to the people in the areas visited, and that our witness was strong.

 

But, not all is positive. The most disappointing aspect of IYC this year was the general behavior of the youth in the hotels and convention area. I suppose that this is nothing new, and is likely to some degree whenever you put that many teenagers together in one place. But, this year seemed worse than I can remember in recent conventions. The hotel hallways were busy, loud thoroughfares and gathering places late into the night (and early into the mornings). Excessive trash was evident. And, there were some isolated incidents that involved security and even the police.

 

What really brought this home to me (apart from the noise outside my door) was when I checked out of the hotel Friday morning. Adjacent to me along the Hilton's registration counter was a couple there to complain to hotel management about their disruptive experiences the night before. I made a point to talk to them after, offering my apologies on behalf of the throngs of us staying in the hotel. They seemed to be understanding of the realities of adolescent energy, and were more upset with the hotel for placing them among us than they were at the youth or the church. Nevertheless, is the kind of impression we are wanting to make as "grace agents"?

 

I know that the IYC staff went to great lengths to drill delegates and leaders on hotel etiquette and general behavior. But, obviously it didn't sink in. In many ways, I blame adults accompanying the students for not keeping closer tabs on their groups. And, all of this confirms some of the increasing suspicions concerning the lack of difference between most Christian youth and their unchurched counterparts. Certainly many present were providing a strong, consistent witness to hotel workers and guests, but the actions of a few have the potential to negate that which is positive.

 

IYC - Day four

Why does it have to end so soon?

 

Today concluded the 2006 International Youth Convention. In fact, it wasn't even a full day. Apart from checking out of the hotel and saying our good-byes, there was only a morning service on the agenda. Chris Tomlin was back. The message, focused on "purpose", was brought by Phil Jackson, a pastor at the House Covenant Church in Chicago, a renowned hip-hop church. A large number of youth committed themselves to full-time ministry by the end of the morning.

 

Like always IYC was a tremendous event, even for an "old" guy like me. The youth from our church really enjoyed the week, and most were spiritually challenged by the whole experience. I can't say that it was the "best" of all the IYC's I've attended, but I am nevertheless impressed by the exceptional work that the Youth Ministry Team and Andy Stephenson put into making this event a significant opportunity for Church of God youth.

 

See you in San Antonio in 2008!

 

IYC - Day three

Today is "mission project" day at IYC. Recent conventions have included a mission component which gives youth a real life experience in putting their faith into practice within the world. At 7am our group was scheduled to line-up to wait for a bus that would take us to our yet to be revealed location. "Impact Orange County" placed youth at variety of locations, including parks, schools, and to assist in the launching of a new church plant. Our bus took us to Wallace R. Davis Elementary School in Santa Ana, a school serving an underprileged and needy neighborhood. We were with over 100 IYC "Grace Agents" who descended on the property to spruce it up both on the outside and the inside. For over an hour and a half we picked up trash, swept up dirt and cleaned up rooms. The staff present where overwhelmed with our invasion. Before leaving they took the time to describe the community and the unique needs of the school, and strongly expressed their gratitude for the work we performed, which otherwise would not get done. I was especially impacted by the comment that they've had many church groups come around who just want to "talk" (i.e. preach) at them, but we were actually putting our faith into action. Before leaving they allowed us to pray for the school and the staff present.After an afternoon of free time, we reconvened in the arena for the evening service. Tonight's theme was on community, and featured speaker David Edwards. Chris Tomlin made a return appearance to IYC for the first time in four years, and led with his intensive worship style. The evening was capped off with the traditional "silent walk" (this goes back at least 30 years since my first experience with it) that led to a big "parking lot" behind the convention center and across the street from Disney and their evening fireworks display. Each group had the opportunity to build their community experience by celebrating communion.

IYC - Day two

Wednesday was "conference" day at IYC, with a full slate of options for high school students, college age individuals, and YMI (Youth Ministry Institute) for youth workers.

At dinner I enjoyed a special meal for Senior Pastors hosted by Ronald Duncan and our colleges. A relatively small event, but a valuable time for networking. And, a decent meal compared to the regular convention fare.

The evening service focused on the healing aspect of grace. Music was led by a fresh, original worship artist, Jami Smith. The message was a powerful story delivered by Debbie Morris, a victim of a vicious attack by the culprit featured in the movie, Dead Man Walking.

Got to get to bed. Our service project begins at 7am!

IYC - Day one

Apart from the unusually hot, humid weather it's great to be in Anaheim. And, I don't mean all the Disney kitsch (although I do confess to visiting the tourist mecca Monday). It's time for IYC! Maybe it's because it only takes place every two years, or because of all the youthful enthusiasm around here, but there's great anticipation leading up to the International Youth Convention. For example, the video countdown at the keynote service contributes to the excitement. And then when it finally starts everything is dramatic, even youth ministry team leader Andy Stephenson entered the Anaheim Convention Center arena in a Hummer! David Crowder, a return favorite from IYC 2004, provided his energetic brand of music. The highlight for me was to hear Erwin McManus, pastor of Mosaic church in Los Angeles. He did a masterful job of addressing youth, telling them that "grace equals crazy love".This year's IYC is a little smaller than normal, with only around 5000 registrants (this is not the Midwest!). The arena setting for the services is a nice change, providing a more intimate environment than at recent IYC's.Now that I'm back in my room, unwinding from the late night David Crowder concert, I can get ready for a good night's sleep and full day tomorrow.One last note. I had the privilege to meet fellow blogger Randy Bennett at Starbucks. Meeting people and connecting with friends is another great reason to come to these events!

Off to IYC

Within a few days thousands of youth and their leaders will be converging on Anaheim for the 2006 International Youth Convention of the Church of God. I have the privilege of accompanying youth from my congregation.

 

Despite my delusions I am no longer classified as a "youth", but I love IYC and attend at every opportunity (in fact, this will be my 10th IYC!). IYC, in my opinion, is the finest event the Church of God puts on at this scale and level.

 

When I can find a spare moment after hanging out with our youth, I will attempt to post my observations on this blog. Watch for them, hopefully beginning Tuesday night or Wednesday morning.

 

(NOTE: If any CHOG Blog readers will be in Anaheim next week contact me by leaving a message at the Hilton Anaheim where I will be staying. I'd love to meet you!)

 

Supporting Pastors

A couple of months ago I posted on "The Stresses of Ministry", indicating that I have come in contact with a number of pastors who are not only feeling stressed, but in some cases even ready to leave their church or ministry altogether. I'm sure there have been always been extra challenges facing those in vocational ministry, but it still is a valid concern for us to address in the Church of God.

 

There are no simplistic solutions, but let me share some of the key ideas that I have been thinking about in recent months:

 

1. Relational Support. It is far too easy for our pastors to be isolated, not only geographically, but also relationally. Sure, sometimes it's his/her fault for not taking advantage of meaningful connections that are available. The recent experimentation with SHAPE in some regions has been positive, and could provide an on-going mechanism for all ministers once expanded across North America. Of course, programs like this will only work if people participate. Would it be too radical for our polity to require all credentialed ministers to demonstrate that they are involved in some sort of formal support system?

 

2. Increased Education and Training. This topic can be controversial in our circles, especially if one were to suggest a minimum level of education required for ordination. Certainly the new Credentials Manual takes this position, but at the same time provides many alternative tracks, thereby lessening the recommendation of a seminary education. True, a seminary education does not guarantee the development of a good pastor, but apart from one it is difficult for someone to obtain the substantive theological education and professional training that is needed in many of the complex contexts in which we expect pastors to minister. Having said all of this, I also recognize that requiring more education is in itself an incomplete solution. As a church (both local and national) we must step up to the plate and provide greater funding to make it possible for those called to ministry to get the best preparation possible without imposing an unbearable financial burden on them. (NOTE: I still have more to say on education in the Church of God, but that will have to wait for another post).

 

3. Appropriate Compensation. I'm sure every pastor believes that he or she is not paid what they are really worth, and most congregations feel that they are unable to pay any more because of the limited financial resources available. Obviously there are bigger issues at stake here, including stewardship, and our preponderance of congregations heavily invested in building assets often at the detriment of long-term cash flow sustainability. Nevertheless, we must raise the bar on compensation for our pastors. The Board of Pensions has provided a great service to the church by developing some very helpful guidelines that should be taken more seriously. For those congregations that cannot meet these standards, there should be a greater openness to exploring different models of pastoral service (e.g. bi-vocational and multi-charge pastorates) or leveraging their abundant capital assets.

 

4. Accountability.  We cringe at this word in the Church of God. I am the last person who would ever call for a top-down structure that imposes itself on our congregations and leaders, but we all must be willing to accept the biblical models of accountability and interdependence if we are to remain healthy. These must be based more on covenants than pronouncements. Ministers must be willing to be personally accountable, and this is best accomplished through strong relationships (see #1 above). Congregations must also be willing to be taken to task for their organizational and relational dysfunctionalities, because often it is the Pastor who bears the brunt of them.

 

I'm sure there is more that can be said regarding the building and maintaining of healthy, effective pastors. I'd love to read some of your comments on the matter.

 

One year of CHOG Blog

Since I didn't want to interrupt the interview series with Jerry Hickson my first year anniversary celebration of CHOG Blog has been slightly delayed. Just over 12 months ago I began this blogging journey. And, compared to the many thousands of blogs that have been launched since but have died due to lack of activity, I'm still around.

 

Now, one year and over 100 posts later, I reflect on the whole experience.

 

Obviously blogging is still at its infancy. The technology has opened up some incredible new opportunities for the interchange of ideas, but there are some limitations. And, only a small proportion of the online population is really participating in it. Nevertheless, it has been impressive to see the rapid growth of Church of God blogs and bloggers. Last year there were just a handful on my blogroll. Today I list over 60 blogs, podcasts and feeds. I'm sure by next year there will be many more.

 

The reason I devote myself to this endeavor is that I sincerely believe that we need more dialogue within the Church of God. Unfortunately we have not always honored healthy discussion. Now it is possible for passionate individuals to express their thoughts, perceptions and feelings, and to be connected with others doing the same. I am convinced that these networks of conversation ultimately strengthen us, both individually and corporately.

 

Thank you for reading my posts, and for taking the time to leave comments occasionally, even if you haven't always agreed with me.

 

I believe that God will continue to bless us as we further engage with one another over the meaning and living of our faith, and as we encourage each other to fully participate in God's mission.

 

Jerry Hickson interview - part 6

Below is the final installment of an exclusive CHOG Blog interview with Dr. Jerry Hickson, author of Are You Sure You're Right? (Click HERE for more information on the book, including my review and critiques).

 

Q. I appreciate you expending the time and effort to write this much needed book. You've indicated that another book is under development that will include a discussion on our relationship with postmodernism. Can you share any tidbits to whet our appetities?

 

I'll answer that question and offer you a bonus!  I originally wrote nine chapters for this book.  The total went over the amount of pages budgeted.  So the editor asked that the original last chapter be held back for publishing later.  This chapter was on postmoderinism.  I am arguing that the Church of God is far better positioned than the evangelical movement to engage postmodernism in conversation.  This is because evangelicalism is wholly committed to the modern, or Enlightenment paradigm with its passion for propositional truth.  The Church of God, on the other hand, has always valued experience over doctrine.  Since postmoderns value experience, we have at least one point of common ground from which we can discuss the other issues. We may release this chapter as the seed of another book (in which case, I will need some help from others who really understand postmodernism.  Lloyd, do you know anyone like that?); or we may release it in an alternative format, perhaps something electronic.

 

Beyond that, let me mention that I am pondering a sequel.  In this book, I addressed the threat to the Church of God from the right wing.  I am developing the framework for a book that addresses the threat from the liberals.  I think I will call it "Have We Any Faith Left?"

 

Jerry Hickson interveiw - part 5

Below is part five of an exclusive CHOG Blog interview with Dr. Jerry Hickson, author of Are You Sure You're Right? (Click HERE for more information on the book, including my review and critiques).

 

Q. You devoted one chapter of your book to the matter of higher education. As a professor at a Church of God college, what role do you see our colleges and seminary having in helping us grapple with our movement's place within the larger spheres of both Christianity and society as a whole?

 

I can say that I do think I have such a place and I think I speak for my colleagues as well. I am not sure how many outside the academe see such a place.

 

Being in the "ivory tower" can isolate a professor and can cause him or her to lose touch with the realities of ministry.  But that can be overcome by maintaining involvement with a local congregation and continuing to participate in ministry at every opportunity.  Those who are on the field can "lose sight of the forest for the trees." 

 

I would hope that a person like myself can devote more attention to the changes in ministry methodology, culture, and academic discovery. Of course, we invest these into our full time students as they pursue their degrees.  We are eager to be of service to more mature servants as well, through continuing education, conferences, or writing.  I really believe I am here to serve the church.

 

I also see this as a mutual relationship.  I regularly invite working ministers into my class to teach my students about ministry. I have a hard time accepting the either/or equation that pits formal education against practical mentoring.  We really do need each other.

 

Jerry Hickson interview - part 4

Below is part four of an exclusive CHOG Blog interview with Dr. Jerry Hickson, author of Are You Sure You're Right? (Click HERE for more information on the book, including my review and critiques).

 

Q. But, do you think our people really care whether or not we have a distinct identity or are in  lock-step alignment with Evangelicals? Obviously your book can get people thinking about this, but how else can we change this apathy?

 

Maybe they don't care.  I don't know how to change apathy.  I probably don't care about it, either!

 

Some react negatively thinking that I am assuming some posture of superiority or trying to tell other people what they have to believe.  I just think there is something precious in our heritage that I would hate to see lost.  There have been things in our heritage that needed to be lost, too!  But the message of the Church of God is a unique combination of holiness and unity that should be properly expressed for the benefit of all. 

 

An underlying issue is the need to maintain paradox.  Modernist evangelicals tend to simplify everything to one side of the equation.  The message of the ChOG serves to maintain the equilibrium.  I had written a chapter about engaging postmodernism, but that will come out later in another work.  Instead of falling in together in a right-wing groupthink, I would hope we could find the balance of truth that is biblical.

 

Jerry Hickson interview - part 3

Below is part three of an exclusive CHOG Blog interview with Dr. Jerry Hickson, author of Are You Sure You're Right? (Click HERE for more information on the book, including my review and critiques).

 

Q. You say that the Church of God is losing its identity. Do you think that our fragile self-identity is the reason we have latched on to the much more visible Evangelicals, or has our close affinity with Evangelicalism simply eroded our own movement awareness and distinctives?

 

Or does our passion for inclusion overwhelm our doctrinal commitments?  I don't really know. The truth probably contains some of each.

 

For decades, we have evolved through a process of disowning things we used to believe.  Since 1930, our confidence about church-historical interpretation has eroded.  We no longer hold as tightly to the old way of thinking about divine healing.  We have modified our definitions of holiness.  It is not hard to understand that some of us wonder what we believe any more.  Our self-identity is further battered by the revelations of failures and misconduct among some of our leaders.  Then there is our size itself: we have never been of great number and many of us worship in small congregations. 

 

At the same time, evangelicalism has experienced rapid growth in numbers and social power.  Movements like Promise Keepers preach the Church of God message with more impact than we ever dreamed. So much of what evangelicals are doing is good.  So why not hitch our wagon with success?  Never mind Jerry's nit-picking about fine points of doctrine! 

 

The third option has merit, IMHO.  The pillars of the Church of God have always been holiness and unity.  "We reach out hands in fellowship to every bloodwashed one."  Discussion of doctrinal distinctives (like holiness?) make some uneasy for fear we will make some uncomfortable. But our forefathers never hestitated to preach the truth as they understood it even while practicing unity.

 

I would also restate the semantic issue.  I say that the Church of God is not evangelical.  But that statement can only be defended using a restricted definition.  With at least two broader definitions, the Church of God is most certainly among the evangelicals.  We wrestled with this issue, wondering if we should use another word in place of "evangelical."  I came to the conclusion that no other word would speak to the issues I am addressing.  "Fundamentalists" was so lacking we nearly eliminated it from the discussion.  The best way out as I could tell was to use "evangelical" while repeatedly underlining the specific connotation intended. Last Sunday, I was leading a discussion of whether "evangelical" is a positive or negative word.  Many church people have no idea what loathsome connotations are attached to that word by a lot of people within and without the Church. 

 

The bottom line is that people of the Church of God are increasingly looking everywhere but to  the Church of God to define their faith.  This is evidenced in our preference for any curicula but Warner Press, in our lack of support for CBH, in our support of any missionaries but our own, in our enrollment in any college but our own, in our attending spiritual renewal conferences from all quarters while attendance at national and state campmeetings and conventions dwindles, shall I go on?  I am exaggerating, but not much. 

 

Jerry Hickson interview - part 2

Below is part two of an exclusive CHOG Blog interview with Dr. Jerry Hickson, author of Are You Sure You're Right? (Click HERE for more information on the book, including my review and critiques).

 

Q. So, what prompted you to write this book?

 

The wisecrack answer is "Go read the Introduction."  (pause for laugh track)  Each chapter is the result of a thought process I have reflected on for years.  I kept notes in the back of my Bible on topics on which I would like to write if given the opportunity.  A charge from my department chair helped to bring them together into a single project.  I believe the Church of God is losing its identity.  Our passion for unity is causing many of us to set aside other things we have believed to become like evangelical Christians.  While we have much in common with evangelicals, the holiness movement from which we come has its own distinctives.  I was encouraged by a positive response from Warner Press that this book should be part of our centennial celebration as we mark 100 years of Church of God ministry based in Anderson, Ind.  It is also the 125th anniversary of the founding of the movement.  Since my book calls the Church of God back to her own heritage, the timing was perfect.  I was working on another book that in the long run will be more important to me.  But the old adage says, "A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush."  So I set aside the other book to write the one for which I have a publisher. Other issues that make the book timely are the war in Iraq, the Terri Schiavo case (just a year earlier), the popularity of the Left Behind series, my role at Warner Pacific College, and the increase of women preparing for ministry.  I thought I was making a bold move and anticipated a hostile response from those committed to the ultra-right.  To my relief, the response so far indicates that I am speaking for many, if not most in the Church of God. I still don't expect that anyone will agree with me at every point.  That is the beauty of the Church of God.  We try not to major on minors.

 

Jerry Hickson interview - part 1

Below is part one of an exclusive CHOG Blog interview with Dr. Jerry Hickson, author of Are You Sure You're Right? (Click HERE for more information on the book, including my review and critiques).

 

Q. Your book has been available for a couple of months now, and I'm sure you've received considerable feedback from across the church. What has been the response, and what have you learned from the entire experience so far?

 

I have been gratified by the response so far.  Almost all response has been positive.  The most negative response I have heard was a response to your blog, and I question whether he understands the Church of God.  He seems to have read a different version of Strege's book!

 

I expected to catch quite a bit of flak, especially from the right wing.  The inerrancy issue is a hot button, as are the issues discussed in chapter six and seven.  I had some retort over chapter two in a Sunday School class last weekend, but anyone who knows the Church of God recognizes that Calvinism is foreign to the Church of God. Likewise, the issue of women in ministry should only be objectionable to persons with non-Church of God backgrounds.  I am pleased with the affirmations I am receiving.  I welcome dialogue with anyone who thinks I missed the mark.  I hope they will be kind.

 

I learned a lot about the publishing process. One chapter on postmodernism did not make the final cut and may be released later in another format.

 

Are You Sure You're Right? - links

Over the past number of weeks I have provided a chapter-by-chapter review and critique of Jerry Hickson's new book, Are You Sure You're Right?: Evangelicals and the Church of God (Warner Press, 2006). I have done so because I believe it provides the starting point for some important discussion that needs to take place within our movement.

 

In the next few days watch for an exclusive interview that I will be conducting with Jerry. And, soon I hope to have a review for two other recently published Warner Press books: What's Right with the Church of God? by J. Thomas Pelt, and Preaching the Story by Jeffrey Frymire.

 

In the meantime, for the sake of convenience, I am providing a link summary of my posts concerning Hickson's book:

 

Review

Chapter 1 (Inerrancy)

Chapter 2 (Determinism)

Chapter 3 (Eschatology)

Chapter 4 (Women)

Chapter 5 (Education)

Chapter 6 (Americanism)

Chapter 7 (Life)

Chapter 8 (Unity)

 

Are You Sure You're Right? - Unity

This post is part of a series based on chapters from the new Church of God book by Jerry Hickson, Are You Sure You're Right? (For more information see my review).

 

The last chapter in Dr. Hickson's book is, in my opinion, one of the best, and is a fitting conclusion to his entire discussion. Here, in "Can We All Get Along?", he addresses the roots and implications of our teachings on unity.

 

Certainly the emphasis of unity is not unique to the Church of God, and there have been many others that have practiced it better than us. Hickson encourages us to recover this core doctrine in a manner that differs from what is typical elsewhere in Christianity, especially among Fundamentalists and Evangelicals. A major difference is that because of our holiness orientation we view unity as much more than uniform assent to certain beliefs. He states, "Whereas some Christian traditions define Christian identity in terms of commonly held doctrines, the Church of God has always defined Christian identity in more experiential terms". (p. 98)

 

Hickson points out that at one time we were open to dialoguing with groups that differed from us in many ways, such as liberals. Yet, as Evangelicalism gained in prominence we identified more with their values and perspectives, resulting in an increased "polarization of theological convictions" (p. 106). And, of course, we find it difficult to practice unity even within our own movement, as is evident in the alienating divisions among us in race, geography, and ministry style.

 

As I see it, Christian unity is one of the true tests of our doctrinal integrity, not just in belief or rhetoric but in practice. We still have a way to go.