The congregation that I am privilege to serve is Colonial Hills United Methodist Church in San Antonio, Texas. My ministry has been underway for almost two years. I am confident that God desires to build upon the vision that first gave life to this congregation--a living body of Christ that combined genuine Christian piety with acts of mercy and justice.
We stand on the edge of a renewed commitment to greatness as we seek to model for the church what it means to overcome my challengeing obstacles in this church's glorious past, and to emerge as a renewed community of Christian faith in the United Methodist tradition that impacts our community and world. We are called to be alive, as Keith Miller once wrote: in "a striking different way."
Part of this vision which is unfolding for me as pastor is that we must be committed to inclusiveness. This congregation will be noted for opening her doors to all people so that they can experience the variety of possibilities that God desires for each one of them as they enter into a relationship with Christ and become part of a vital community of Jesus. I have often said, "Lord, please send to us those who have been rejected by other congregations so that we can make your love know to all....the least and the lost, and the different."
Part of this inclusiveness of all persons means that we must strive to become a gift-evoking and gift bearing community of Christian faith. Our ministries must strive to enable every individuals to identify their spiritual gifts, and then give them the confidence to use those gifts in building up the Body of Christ.
Just a thought offered with humility.
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3 comments:
As I come this Blog and see zero comments at this time, it enforces the feeling that quite honestly, there is nothing more to be added or said.
The only response is action, both inner of one's self and outer of one's self.
The inner, do not judge on the surface any one you meet and the outer, give of your self openly, plant the seed, God takes care of the rest.
I was once questioned as why we handed out bibles to the homeless. The thought of this person was that they only go out and sell the bible to another for drugs or drink.
Well then, the end result is, someone who really needed a bible got one. The path of how they received it, is unimportant.
Thank you Pastor Ron
Scott H.
Time to comment -- although belatedly. More CHUMC members must reach outside their 'insulated boxes' of long-term friendships to include others in meals, conversations, coming to know the others beyond a polite "Hello, how are you?" Next church-wide meal, look at who is seated 'on the fringe' or 'outside the circle', looking a little out of place because 'everyone knows everybody'. The China dinner experience was not lovely for everyone -- we can each ask ourselves "Why would anyone say that?"
thanks !! very helpful post!
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