Renewal

There is much conversation these days about the renewal of the church.  Certainly for all the good that comes from the church’s existence, there is a great blessing for the world.  At our best, the church comes through in time of crisis, as well as comfort and direction for those wondering about life’s purpose.  Yet something is missing from Christian congregations across this country.  We’ve been about much good, but our sins and shortcomings regularly overshadow a positive presence.

Some generations perceive the church as irrelevant, they don’t need it, and they can live good and fruitful lives without a church connection.  Sadly, I’d have to say in many ways they’re right.  For we in the church it is extremely easy to position the blame on those who are missing, but is that true or even helpful in the conversation?  Lately we at Olivet are engaging in the conversation in order to reinvent and renew our community and make meaningful connections.  It’s not easy; sometimes we have to hear things about us that we’d rather not hear or admit.  Jesus, it seems, was about this very thing; confronting the leaders to make fundamental and significant change.  Not just for the sake of change, either.  Jesus went straight for the heart both of the believer and the religious institution.  His intent was to change, transform and renew for the sake of the world.

I’m hoping we can all listen with care and compassion.  Not, (this may sound weird or even, dare I say, heretical), for building up the church, but for the sake of those whose lives may be gracefully impacted by Jesus’ love.  What do you think?  I’d love to hear more comments and ideas.

Peace,

Kris Gorden

Gifts

We recently dove into a Spiritual Gifts Inventory during a Sunday morning worship.  I’m not sure what people expected before taking the inventory, other than many were confused at what such a thing is and how it would be used.  Would this be another relatively useless “time and talent” sheet we’re so fond of in organized churches?  Maybe it would be something cleverly used to get me to sign up for something, like a committee.  (Good God!  Who needs another committee meeting!)

Using an inventory in worship seemed like a risky thing to do.  Yet if we asked people to come to designated times, my guess is three or four people out of 4000 would have shown up.  Besides, to discover, claim and offer our gifts is a powerful act of worship, is it not?  Admittedly, my expectations were kind of low.  Even though we would work through the inventory and score it collectively in the service, how many people would actually do it and turn it in?  100-150 was my best guess.  What a surprise to receive over 350 with more still coming in!  Some were pleasantly surprised at their results, while most remark they feel affirmed in their giftedness.

 God grants a powerful lot of gifts to each.  It’s too common, however, for us to be humble, not brag or flaunt our gifts lest we be seen as braggarts or egotists.  This is a sad development for church communities across the nation.   My hope and prayer is that this first step in claiming our gifts will blossom into a field of ripe service for the kingdom.  It doesn’t argue theology, get caught up in the “who’s saved, who’s lost” debate, or get bogged down in meetings to discuss what we should meet about.  All indications are that a plunge into spiritual gifts becomes the gritty work of sharing a love that transforms and cares for the world.  Here’s to unwrapping the gifts.