Interesting Service
Well, first things first. I'm going to try to re-invite you all to be authors in the blog, and if you create a Google account (for which you only need a previous email address), then you should be able to sign in and post and comment. If not, I'll figure out why not and fix it! Thanks for trying!
I did an interesting service the other day. It was an interment service (graveside, burying ashes). The family described themselves as "Jewish-ish" in a sort of secular-humanist kind of way. However, they sought out clergy from Plymouth because they wanted (I suppose) a spiritual "marking" of this process. Oh, and no "Jesus stuff." So of course, I led off with "I am the resurrection and the life . . ." Just kidding. Instead, we created a service together, and I was able to open and close with an ecumenical prayer, tailored to the situation, and offer some words (2-3 minutes) about the interconnectedness and significance of our lives, and the importance of living life with a generous and unifying spirit that pointed to a meaning beyond our life. They were given a chance to share memories and offer words of thanks. All told, it was an appropriate and meaningful experience.
Of course, this situation raised many questions, but the two main dynamics at work are my faith that a relationship with God through Christ defines (or should define) our lives and the general ministerial instinct to meet people where they are and meet their unique needs. Life, of course, can't be a constant dance of adapting to make other people happy (or keep them from being uncomfortable); on the other hand, overly rigid principles or dogmatics create artificial barriers to relationship with people who may not share your worldview.
So I guess the question is: Where is the line? Did I do a disservice to my role and my faith by "watering down" the message, even eliminating any language of Christ from the service? Or am I better off embodying my faith in deed rather than word by caring for the spiritual needs of people wherever they happen to be, trusting that God will work through every relationship?
Any thoughts?
I did an interesting service the other day. It was an interment service (graveside, burying ashes). The family described themselves as "Jewish-ish" in a sort of secular-humanist kind of way. However, they sought out clergy from Plymouth because they wanted (I suppose) a spiritual "marking" of this process. Oh, and no "Jesus stuff." So of course, I led off with "I am the resurrection and the life . . ." Just kidding. Instead, we created a service together, and I was able to open and close with an ecumenical prayer, tailored to the situation, and offer some words (2-3 minutes) about the interconnectedness and significance of our lives, and the importance of living life with a generous and unifying spirit that pointed to a meaning beyond our life. They were given a chance to share memories and offer words of thanks. All told, it was an appropriate and meaningful experience.
Of course, this situation raised many questions, but the two main dynamics at work are my faith that a relationship with God through Christ defines (or should define) our lives and the general ministerial instinct to meet people where they are and meet their unique needs. Life, of course, can't be a constant dance of adapting to make other people happy (or keep them from being uncomfortable); on the other hand, overly rigid principles or dogmatics create artificial barriers to relationship with people who may not share your worldview.
So I guess the question is: Where is the line? Did I do a disservice to my role and my faith by "watering down" the message, even eliminating any language of Christ from the service? Or am I better off embodying my faith in deed rather than word by caring for the spiritual needs of people wherever they happen to be, trusting that God will work through every relationship?
Any thoughts?
posted by Aaron at
1:18 PM
1 Comments:
It seems to me that Jesus never demanded prerequisites for those seeking his assistance, other than the faith that led them to him in the first place. In fact, it was often only after their immediate (healing) needs were met that the opportunity to speak words of faith or the recognition of Jesus' divinity were possible. However, I don't think it is necessary to "put Jesus on the shelf" while you minister to those who are not yet ready to profess adherence to any specific doctrine. I think it is important that people understand that it is your Christian faith that provides the basis and motivation for your ministry to them, and that it is the work of God - both in you and in the ministry - that is the affective agent (not just some really nice, intelligent young man). For what it's worth....
Post a Comment
Subscribe to Post Comments [Atom]
<< Home