"The Ministry of Intercession" Day 11
Yesterday I read a post by David Roseberry, Rector of Christ Church in Plano, TX. He started and has served at Christ Church for 30 years. He wrote a helpful post at www.AnglicanPastor.com on 30 lessons in 30 years. His 14th lesson was, "Younger leaders have incredible energy and vision and need to be placed in positions of leadership and influence. Practice a kind of 'reverse-mentoring'; let the younger teach the older." So last night at our 18-20 Something group in our backyard around the fire, I asked the small group (5 last night not counting Joy and me), "What do you notice about the church? What are obstacles to reaching your generation? What are our blindspots?" I wasn't ready for the depth of reflection.
-We want something different. We don't want the same technology, the same entertainment, the same gadgets, the same tricks, the same thing the world has to offer. We want an alternative. How is the church a different community than the host community?
-We want to go to worship, not always assumed that we rather be doing something else.
-We don't want bait and switch. We want something authentic.
I can't imagine this conversation even 5 years ago without the issue of music, style, and gizmos coming up. We have alot to learn from everyone!
When Jesus commanded us to pray, he didn't focus on project or program, he focused on people. Pray for laborers. We need laborers. Murray writes, "Pray that our churches may train their students to seek for the sending forth of the Holy Spirit. Pray that all believers may hold themselves ready to be sent forth or to pray for those who can go" (185).
We have a special need right now at Trinity. Ed Kise has said he is ready to finish his faithful work with the pantry ministry. I immediately tought, "WHO CAN REPLACE ED?" Silly thought, no one can replace Ed! Then the Lord reminded me that he is teaching us to ask. Would you join me in asking the Lord, "What is your agenda for the pantry ministy?" If it is his desire for Trinity to continue to reach out to deliver needed food to the needy, then we will pray, "Lord, send laborers into your harvest."
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