Category: Ministry

Posted in Ministry

Back to back

Posted on by William Douthwaite

Last week, two of my members died within days of each other. Both had slowly succumbed to the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease over the past few years. Both had been faithful members of the church for many years. I preached at both their memorials, held within days of each other.

I am very thankful for the comfort and encouragement found in God's Word at this time. I find that I need it just as much as the families. At one service, I spoke of how God never forgets us, even when minds fail to recognize our loved ones. Jesus calls his sheep by name, and in time, raises them to eternal life. At the other, I made the observation that when it seems like our loved ones are slipping away, they never slip away from our Heavenly Father. Nothing can separate us from his love in Christ Jesus.

I am also very thankful for the many members of our church who visited the families, attended the services and helped provide a meal afterwards. The time you spent with them and for them is a powerful message in itself. We're the body of Christ. When one part grieves, we share in that sorrow. And when we celebrate, we share the joy. This is so much a part of what it means to be the church.

At times I have been tempted to say that we, as Americans, just don't do death very well. But I have observed that when we do it as a church, we do it very well indeed. Gathered around the words and sacraments of a resurrected, living Lord, we look through the tears to our resurrection, reunion and rejoicing in eternity.

Yes, by the grace of God, I believe we do this very, very well.

 

Posted in Ministry

Give it a try

Posted on by William Douthwaite

It's just about time for the church's annual meeting where next year's budget is approved and leaders are elected for various positions on church council, elders and those who take care of the property.

About thirty-two years ago, certainly a long time ago in a place far away, I was first asked to serve on a church council. I think they asked me to serve as chairman of education. I was just a couple of years out of college and had only been attending the church for that time. But these folks were so good at inviting and encouraging me to get involved, and I was so excited to do it.

Within months after I began worshiping there, they let me play trumpet for worship. Then they let me sing with the choir. Then they asked if I would teach the high school Sunday School class, which then led to working with the youth group. I was so eager to get involved and loved every opportunity I had to serve.

I didn't, however, spend much time on the board, because my job moved me to another state and I began attending another church. They asked me to make visits with the evangelism team, and I jumped right in. It was great (in no small part because we would go out for a drink afterwards.) And it was valuable experience as I then began my seminary studies that fall.

Well, things have certainly changed. On the other side of the pulpit, I've discovered that finding people to serve in leadership is a daunting task. Invitations are met with a quick, “No.” Rarely a “let me pray about it” or “tell me more about the position” or “how much time does the job take?” Just, “No.” It's puzzling, especially when I remember how excited I was to get involved.

The reasons for that “No” are many. “I haven't been here very long.” “I really don't have time.” “I don't like to get involved in church politics.” “I'm going to be traveling a lot.” “I'll help, but I don't want to be in charge.” “I'm not well.” I understand. But when this response comes from everyone who's asked, you begin to wonder if there isn't something going on. A conspiracy? Probably not. Just complacency.

You get the most out of church when you do it rather than watch it. The church is always people who are gathered and then sent. We are gathered to participate in what Jesus Christ has done for us, and sent to share it with others. From “hear the word” to “eat and drink” to “go and tell,” we are invited to be an active part of His kingdom here on earth and eventually in eternity.

Now I know that everyone has different God-given abilities. Not everyone is a leader, or a teacher or a bookkeeper. However, when I encourage someone to serve in a leadership role, it is because I've seen in them something that fits the job. From experience to personality, you are a good fit. All I ask is that you take some time to pray, to talk about the job, and to consider your part in the body of Christ.

Having said all that, I am very grateful for everyone who has served in leadership at the churches where I've been. When you work side-by-side in the kingdom, you help each other see how our Lord and grow in faith together. I appreciate the time, energy and resources you invested in your area of ministry. You are the ones who encouraged me and will encourage others to serve, too.

 

Posted in Ministry

A supermarket office

Posted on by William Douthwaite

I ran out about noon today to the supermarket to grab some bread, olive oil and dipping spices that I had promised as a snack for confirmation class and ended up reconnecting with some people I haven't seen for a while. If I had known how much I could get done in the produce section, I would be spending more time there!

WIth a small bottle of orange joice in my hand for someone in the office who thought they might be coming down with the flu, I saw a familiar face. Speaking her name, she recognized me, and we had a great conversation catching up on years of kids, relationships and life. I don't know how long its been since we talked, but I'm guessing around eight years.

Out of the corner of my eye, I then saw someone I haven't seen at church for a while, and have been trying to contact. We got to talk for a few minutes. He shared the usual explanations — basically busy, busy, busy. But, he's been listening to my sermons online each week. Apparently, I'm inspiational.

On my way home I realized I had gotten more done at the grocery store than at any other place this week. I truly appreciate the divine appointments schduled for me today.

 

Posted in Ministry

Church shutdown?

Posted on by William Douthwaite

As the government shutdown continues, I wondered today what would happen if there was a church shutdown. Furloughed workers, closed parks and postponed paychecks have already affected Americans. How would a church shutdown affect us?

I'm not entirely sure what would cause a church shutdown. A budget impasse at the annual voters meeting? A carefully engineered lay-revolt against clergy-driven programs and projects? What effect would a 21-hour sermon would have a positive or negative effect on the congregants?

There's an upside. It would free up your Sunday morning for sleep, breakfast,, chores or “Face the Nation.” You'd keep a few extra dollars in your pocket. You could stay out later on Saturday night.

There would be some challenges, of course. A big backlog on baptisms, weddings and funerals. Furloughed donut shop and church supply house workers. Delayed missionary paychecks and postponed counseling sessions.

Unfortunately, many would not even notice a shutdown or the absence of the church. It's never been a significant part of their lives, so they really wouldn't miss it.

Amazingly the church is one thing that will never shutdown. It's endured war, persecution, natural disaster and the assaults of the devil himself. And it has survived. Built on a simple confession of faith, that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God, it is amazingly resilient. Shut it down, and before you know it, there's been a resurrection and it comes back to life.

For that very reason, there will never be a church shutdown.

 

Posted in Ministry

Absent

Posted on by William Douthwaite

Should you tell your congregation when you aren't going to be preaching? It could be a vacation week, or a conference, or a mission trip with the youth. Do you advertise your absence and who will be there in your place? Or do you let it be a surprise?

Here's the rub. If you let the cat out of the bag, it is almost guaranteed that attendance will be down those weeks when you are gone. Bit if you don't, few enjoy the surprise of a substitute preacher, no matter how good he may be.

I did both this year. In July, I was gone for three weeks attending my sons's installation as pastor at his first church, followed by two weeks on with a medical mission trip to Kenya. I put the information out far on advance,m including whee I was going and who would be filling for me. My thought was, “I should trust my people, and believe that their worship attendance is not all about me.” Worship attendance was down about 20 % those weeks I was gone.

Then, I had went to preach at a nearby church who was also meeting to call a new pastor. I only told my elders, letting my absence and substitute be a surprise to everyone else. I believe our attendance was right on average. But I felt like I was being a bit deceptive and sneaking around behind their backs.

I know that churches with more the one pastor don't always advertise who will be preaching. They want the message to be primary, and the communicating personalities secondary. By nature we all have our favorites.

This whole issue makes me wonder how many in our churches have a personal relationship with the preacher rather than with Jesus. No now would admit that, but it happens. Flattering, but a bit disturbing.

 

Posted in Ministry

Can I read the Bible on my phone?

Posted on by William Douthwaite

 

“Pastor, is it OK if I use my phone/tablet to access the Bible during church/the sermon/bible class?”

That is a question that excites me! You see, in our Lutheran tradition, few worshipers bring a Bible to church. I'm guessing less than 10%. I'm not entirely sure why. Maybe it's because we print the readings in our worship folder. Maybe you just never got used to doing it. But if you are asking if it's OK to have God's Word in front of you during the sermon or class, I'm all for it.

Now of course, you are going to have to ward off some serious temptations. Like texting your friend to let her know you really like her dress. Or checking Facebook to learn what some of those who aren't in worship are doing with their Sunday morning. Or reading the Sunday paper.

But there are also some amazing possibilities at your fingertips. Check another translation to see how words and phrases are expressed. Check the definition of a word you don't understand. Bring up a map of a place you've never heard of. Text a question to the pastor. (I'll answer as soon as I can.) Message your friend and tell them, “You should have come to church this morning. We talked about ______.” Or Shazaam one of the worship songs or hymns to download later. Take some notes.

Seven years ago, we wouldn't have even asked this question. Six years ago the first iPhone was released. God has kept up with the technology quite well. Many of my confirmation students are using their phones to access bible in class. On Thursday mornings, about half of the men in bible class use a tablet.

Whatever gets you into the word. (Just make sure your phone is on silent.)

 

Posted in Life, Ministry

I think you should go

Posted on by William Douthwaite

 

As my wife prepares to lead another mercy medical team to Kenya in November, recent events have given us cause to reflect on the risks involved with her return to that country. Since her first trip there in July, a very carefully planned terrorist attack on the West Gate shopping mall in Nairobi has created concerns about her returning to that country. More than a few family members and friends have discouraged her from going. The Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod leadership is in a wait and see mode until later in October. Our missionary friends on the ground in Kenya are safe, cautious and encouraging so far. And her husband? Well, here's why I am encouraging her to go as planned.

First, staying home is not necessarily a safer option. With recent shootings at the Washington Navy Yard and Newtown, CT and the bombs at the finish line of the Boston Marathon, there have been more problems at home than abroad. Those headlines don't include the narrow misses, planned attacks that were averted by authorities. Those dangers are an ever-present reality in our world, in both cities and rural towns.

Second, travel security will be on higher alert now than before. You will see it everywhere in Nairobi. Plus, once you fly in, you will only be there for a short time before you head out to a rural village in the west. Missionaries and church leaders are already planning for your safety.

Third, Jesus told us not to be afraid of “those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both body and soul in hell” (Matthew 10:28). If you feel called by God to do this kind of work, his commission must carry the most weight in any decision to go or not.

The real danger? It doesn't come from a flesh and blood enemy. We're in a spiritual battle, and if the enemy can convince us to stay home rather than go to the ends of the earth, then we lose, and so do so many others who desperately need some good news — the good news — that the church brings into the world.

And, if it's your time, wouldn't you rather go out making a difference instead of just sitting around the house watching reruns? Maybe you call that foolish. Maybe you call it faith. But while some might be afraid of dying, maybe we need to more afraid of never really living.

Posted in Ministry

Fall conference time

Posted on by William Douthwaite

Last week I spent three days at the Port-o-Call Hotel in Ocean City, NJ at our (English) district professional workers conference. It stood out as different from past conferences in a number of ways:

  • I didn't have an ocean side room this year. There is a silver lining to that, though. We had more people (forty-two) register for the conference this year than any I've been to since coming to the English District. That's the upside to a balcony overlooking the parking lot.
  • The main presenter, Rev. Dr. Lawrence Rast, president of Concordia Theological Seminary, Ft. Wayne, was engaging and interesting as he talked about cultural changes and the consequent challenges for the church and ministry. Typically, the presentations are as exciting as watching paint dry. His humor, observations about the past and the present, and engaging conversation were great.
  • I had great conversations with old friends I only see once or twice a year, with new workers in our region, and with the bishop himself. There is always a lot to catch up on, new challenges, new people to meet and some new opportunities for ministry.
  • We drove to a local congregation for our worship one evening, rather than using the daily conference room. It turned out to be encouraging for that church as well as a good experience for us.
  • The weather was absolutely gorgeous. The temperature dropped into the upper 40s at night, quite a difference from the daytime 90s I left behind in Florida.

Those of us who come up from Florida travel the longest distance to attend, but this year, it seemed worth it. Good job, organizers! We'll be back next year.

 

Posted in Grace, Ministry

Better than OK

Posted on by William Douthwaite

I wasn’t all that thrilled with last Sunday’s sermon. It was OK, but I wasn’t sure I really connected with the congregation.

Then I began to get some unusual feedback. Unusual because it went beyond the usual, “That was a good sermon, Pastor.” The first comment at lunch that day was, “When we heard the sermon, we knew what we had to do.” Another person three days later told me, “Once we heard your sermon, we were no longer undecided. We had to get involved.” Yet another listener emailed me during the week and stated, “After the sermon, I applied for a local volunteer position, and was immediately accepted.” Not just one, but three people took action because of something they heard in the sermon.

My text and topic really isn’t relevant here. The truth is, I should know better by now. After twenty-seven years of preaching I should know that God’s Word will not return to Him empty, but will always accomplish what He intends. Sometimes I get to hear about the response. Other times I don’t. But I should know that He will do exceedingly more than I ask or imagine. But I am still surprised sometimes.

So I am either putting too much pressure on myself, or I am not trusting God very much. Or I am guilty of both. In any event, when I do get some feedback like that, I know I can relax a little and trust God more. And I can do that right now, because Sunday is always just few days away.