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“Do not be afraid, but speak and do not be silent.” ( Acts 18:9)

 

This month I have been teaching a 5 week course for the Diakonia program called Christianity in a Lutheran Key.  I love this course as it contains all the very truisms of the Lutheran faith  as far as why we exist as Lutherans. 

One of the books that I have for required reading is Pastor Kelly Fryer’s book, “Reclaiming the “L” word.”  From what I understand, Pastor David Pavesic used this book for a congregational study several years ago.  It is a wonderful book to learn why we are the church. 

One of things we discussed in our class this past week is the idea that vital congregations know they don’t exist to meet their own needs… churches exist for the other.  Have you ever thought about church that way or do you look at the church experience as a way to meet your own needs?   Fryer states that hey, “we pay the bills.  We do the work.  It is expected that we would, on a really bad day, imagine that what happens at church should make US happy.”  But in reality, we come to serve God and serve others.  Church was never meant to be a type of country club where we come to get our Jesus fix for the week. 

In this book Fryer points out Five Strategic Behaviors about fulfilling the mission Jesus has for the church.  For churches to be vibrant, we need to be able to charge by taking these strategic actions if we expect anything to really be different.   

  • Pray Aways – God must be a part of the work… prayer is getting God involved!
  • Set people free - Everyone has something to offer the ministry!  Be free to do it!
  • Take action - Never hesitate to get involved!
  • Expect Surprises -  We will make mistakes… it’s ok!  Learn and grow from these surprises!
  • Be hopeful -  All things come together for good when we trust God! This is God’s church! 

If we have learned anything here at Beautiful Savior these past months through our transition is that the church is a messy place.   And YES, this renewed church is full of the Spirit and full of life!  Last week at our God’s Work Our Hands ministry fair you saw how many of you are actually DOING the ministry of the church… the work of the church.  YOU have taken responsibility to help grow the ministries and have not only depended on someone else or the pastor to do ministry for you.   YOU are the church!  You are a part of the Priesthood of ALL believers. 

As Fryer ends this book she offers a prayer in which I want to share with you… pray with you…

“Mighty God!  We are your people. Give us a new vision for our lives and for our church.  Fill us with creativity and courage.  Set us free from everything that holds us back so that we can really BE your body in this world.  Put us to work, Lord God!  Use us to make a difference.  In Jesus’ name.  AMEN