Posted in Ministry

The Call (part one)

Posted on by William Douthwaite

Ι have been at my current church for over seventeen years. During that time, I’ve only had one call to serve another church, and that was fifteen years ago. While I have had a few phone interviews with call commitees, it’s been a long time since I had a call to consider. Most of my current congregation have joined since that time, so they hadn’t thought much about the possibility that I might go to serve somewhere else. When I received a call to a church in Erie, PA, it kicked off a month of prayer, discussions and meetings that will shape our ministry in the years to come.

I knew that I was on the short list of a couple of congregations earlier in the fall and was interviewed by phone in October. The call didn’t actually come until November 3. I received a phone call that Sunday afternoon from the chairman of the call committee in Erie that the congregation had met and voted to call me as pastor. The call documents would arrive in the mail later that week. I told my family and my elders, but not my present congregation as I awaited the additional information (compensation, church self-assessment and future plans). I did however begin to try and figure out when in the world I would be able to squeeze in a trip to Erie. I was already traveling to Philadelphia to help my dad move out of his home and Thanksgiving was fast approaching when i would have my whole family in town.

The call documents arrived in the mail on Tuesday. No surprises, really. The salary was a little more, but with higher taxes in that area, it was a wash. The history of the church was interesting, but more on that later. I planned a trip on the one Friday and Saturday my wife and I could get away and prepared to tell the congregation on Sunday morning after each worship service.

Sunday was interesting to say the least. Some (the elders and their families) knew the announcement was coming, but for most is was completely unexpected and a shock. Some who heard it believed I had already decided to leave while others began planning ways to try to convince me to stay. On Monday morning, I sent a letter to each family explaining the call and asking them for input.

Most of the initial responses were emotional. Many were about the weather. Then as the week progressed, I began to get some very well thought out emails and notes. Towards the end of week two, I heard that there were some in the congregation who thought it would be a good idea for me to move on. Finally, many wanted to sit down and talk with me about the call and my present ministry. I have to say that everyone who wrote and spoke with me expressed tremendous respect for the office of the ministry and the divine call. Many had been through the process at other churches, as pastors left and as new pastors were sought.

The responses that really got my attention were the ones stating that the church couldn’t and wouldn’t survive without me. Phrases like “you’re the glue that holds the church together” and “your departure would bring about the demise of the congregation” really bothered me. As I often remind my self, the church was here before me and it will be here after me. I was forced to confront the truth that many were a part of the church because of me. I know that this is true for many churches. As much as I want people to be connected to Christ, the reality is a connection either with or through me. This would continue to haunt me in the weeks to come and eventually help me with my decision.

Our trip to visit the church was a whirlwind tour. We left early on a Friday morning, connected in Philadelphia and arrived in Erie in the late morning. We rented a car and toured the church neighborhood, spent a few hours driving around Presque Isle, and visited a cemetery that overlooked a beatiful gorge where a friend’s father was buried. We ate supper that night with the chairman of the call committe and another couple. The next morning, we met with the call commitee and leadership of the congregation, got to see the inside of the church, ate lunch and flew home.

Now what? I had decided early on that I would take a month to make my decision. I wanted to ride the roller coaster of emotions and reactions. I wanted the congregation to think about the future. I wanted some time to reflect on my own ministry. November was a very good month for all of that.

Posted in Life

Take it or leave it?

Posted on by William Douthwaite

“Take it or leave it?”

My brother, sister and I asked our dad that question countless times over the past few days. The time had finally come to move him from the house he's lived in for 48 years – and the community he's lived in his whole life – to my brother's home. The two-story house with full basement and quarter-acre yard finally became too much for him to take care of alone at age 89.

 


 

We started planning moving day earlier in the year, realizing that “maybe next year” had finally become “definitely this year.” We wrote it on his calendar, making the event real, bad started planning. Some days he as all for it. Others, he was not going.

We didn't have to sell the house right away. All we had to do was pack, clean and winterized it for now. Knowing that the house would still be there, along with anything we didn't bring along, turned out to be a comfort. One step at a time.

Now, what do we bring? Just enough furniture, pictures and belongings to make his new rooms look and feel like home. Going through the house we asked, “Take it or leave it?” Not too complicated (in order of importance): recliner, picture of mom, TV, desk, bed, dresser, cedar chest, clothes and personal items. When we set it up in his new room, it looked pretty nice. Joanna, the youngest of the grandchildren, made a sign for his suite on that side of the house: “Grandpa Sweet.” (I told her that if grandpa was having a bad day, he could flip it over to say, “Grandpa Sour.” She didn't appreciate my humor.)

With all of us there, I think dad handled it well. Beautiful fall weather and colors, not too much traffic, and a glass of wine waiting for him when we arrived made it a very nice transitional day. It's a comfort to know that he's in good company with good care.

 

Posted in Grace, Ministry

A chance to help

Posted on by William Douthwaite

Yesterday while I was working ahead on a bible class I'm teaching, a young man stopped by church looking for some help. He needed a place to stay and some gas for his truck. I'm often ready to help but always willing to converse, but I just felt like I needed to hear more of his story.

His name was Adam and he looked to be in his early twenties. He was from Missouri, and with neither parent alive, there was nothing left there for him. Like so many others, he thought he could find some opportunity in Florida. His pickup truck was running, it was filled with power washing equipment, and the driver's window wouldn't close. The previous nights showers interrupted his sleep as he spent the night in his truck.

I had him follow me up to the gas station to fill up, and though I couldn't get him a room, I did give him some money so he could eat. There may have been more to his story, but that wasn't all that important. I told him he might have a better chance of finding some work just down the road in Bunnell. And then I said, “I want you to know why I'm helping you today. I believe that a long time ago Jesus gave his life for me,and though I could never pay him back for that, I can thank him by helping others.” As I spoke, he slowly smiled and said, “I know he's my Lord and Savior. I know where I'm going!”

He drove off and I drove back to church. Our conversation was brief, but meaningful for me as well as Adam. I wonder what his version of the story would sound like.

 

Posted in Life

Name after name

Posted on by William Douthwaite

My Bible read through brought me to First Chronicles this morning. You need to check it out. It's like reading an Old Testament phone book. Name after name after name, a carefully recorded list of tribes, families and descendants. It was like sitting down to read the church directory. So my devotional time in God's Word this morning, “for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness” was an OT Who's Who. I am thankful this is not the text for the sermon this week. Although, it would be entertaining to listen to the lay reader tackle this passage!

 

On the other hand, sometimes I pull out an old church directory and look through it, remembering people and families from the past. Or I'll come across a box of old pictures and relive some events from the past. Perhaps these chapters from Chronicles were how they used to do this, before photos and social media timelines.


This is also the time of year I look back and see which saints we'll remember next Sunday, as we observe All Saints and remember the faithful who have gone on to glory ahead of us. Everyone on my list this year was close — Veta, Lillian, Stew and Ron. Each one is a reminder of the difference we can make just by being good and faithful servants.

 

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.