01-28-24

ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS
January 28, 2024
A funny thing happened with yesterday’s Etching. The response, both on Facebook and by email, sort of felt like Bruce had gone fishing for some affirmations. That was not my intent. Part of it was a response to a couple of questions I had recently received in regard to the role of a minister, and though the four I mentioned (priest, pastor, preacher, and prophet) are never equally split in regard to time, unique ministry setting, or actual giftedness, they give some categories for how we think about the task. I believe all four of those roles are found in Mariah and Paula, along with Rev. Katelin Jordon, who is serving as a hospital chaplain, and Rev. Tamika Nelson, who is doing campus ministry. Yet in regard to context and where one’s gifts reside, people might encounter one role more than another. And again, it’s not like any one role will not have some hint of one or all three of the others. And then, remembering how our tradition, the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), has always placed great emphasis on the gifts of the laity, these roles are also found among the congregation in some very profound ways. And where the professional clergy might have weakness in regard to a certain role, it is amazing how God can often lift up that skill from among the congregation.

Make us more aware of the gifts you have placed within us, Gracious God. Though you have called some people to Ordained Ministry, there is no hierarchy within your church or the work that it does. Allow for there to be teaching and inspiration that continues to call forth and empower all the amazing gifts you have placed within each person. Amen.