Prophetic Ministry

The prophets, Haggai & Zechariah, encouraged people to rebuild the temple, after returning from exile, and faced opposition and discouragement (Ez. 5.1). In the New Covenant, such temple imagery is transferred to the body: Christ’s physical body in history (Jn. 2.19-21), and his body now in the church (1 Co. 3.16 & 2 Co. 6.16).

Of all the spiritual gifts, however, it is only prophecy which is said to “build up” (edify) the church (1 Co. 14.4-5) – although all gifts are for the “common good” (1 Co. 12.7). Prophecy gives the assurance that God is present, and is speaking (1 Co. 14.24); whether manifested in charismatic utterances or anointed preaching.

Church Hurt

Throughout my ministry, I’ve often met people who have been hurt by their experience of church. Of course, sometimes their complaint may not be justified – but sometimes it is, and that should not be! We are here to heal not hurt. But these people (often called ‘victims’, but who are really ‘survivors’, of abuse) are frequently ignored, not listened to. Consequently, many drift away, or deliberately renounce, their faith, and church, because they equate their treatment, at the hands of pastors, and/or church members, with what Christ is all about. 

Church: Physical, Virtual, Aboriginal, Spiritual – Theological Options

During the pandemic, we’ve become sued to online church. Virtual gatherings, one-to-one conversations, and pastoral care, replaced ion-person physical encounters. In some cases, these were enrichments, enabling, for example, people to attend Life-Groups, who had never been able to come physically: e.g. single parents, shift-workers. 

Why I carry on

I read some social media posts recently, about how there seems to be a lot of pastors in the US, who are leaving vocational ministry. I don’t know if the same is true for the UK; and in any case, it is largely anecdotal, there doesn’t seem to be any statistical corroboration. But it prompted me to wonder why. Certainly, in Britain too, there is disillusionment among pastors.

In commenting, I'm not setting myself up as superior. I too have suffered from discouragement, disillusion, and depression, frequently during my ministry. I think I’ve not recovered from burn-out for the last ten years. Probably, once a week, I think about leaving it all. But somehow, I’m still here: it reminds of a TV sketch by Rory Bremner in the 1990s, of PM John Major, who despite all the scandals, kept repeating “I’m still here”.

Abuse in the Church

In my last post, I examined the way inner psychological wounds manifest themselves in the behaviour of male church leaders. This operates generally in a worship of power, and abusive dominance, especially towards females.

As I re-read it, however, I realised it could be taken the wrong way. I was trying to understand some of the causes of such abuse, but let me make it clear: to understand is not to condone, or excuse. We need to combine an understanding mindset, with robust policies, procedures, and penalties, towards transgressions, by leaders. 

The Emotional Wounds of Leaders

We have heard several reports of high profile leaders who have sexually exploited women. This is in addition to the sexual abuse of children in different denominations, plus the widespread abuse of power domination over people in churches and Christian movements. What is happening? 

Electro-Ecclesial Experiments

 

Our leaders met recently and decided to keep our church building closed for services,  until at least 15th February, in line with the government lockdown. Churches are allowed to meet, but following recommendations from the Baptist Union, it seems right to move online for two reasons: to protect our attenders & to protect society by not spreading the virus.

Many are disappointed by this. We have different opinions. So we must remain united and sensitive to each other; respecting each other’s viewpoints, attributing integrity to each other, as we each seek to be faithful to our God.

Decision and Design

 I had to make a decision, which disappointed many – cancelling physical services in our building. It was more difficult, because we are actually allowed to meet, by the government. The question is whether this is wise, in view of the rising infection rates, from the new strain of Covid. The government itself is being criticised for not taking responsibility. Naturally, noone likes to limit people’s freedoms, and shut things down. But, leaving restrictive measures until the last minute, makes it harder for people to plan. Part of leadership’s task is to make tough decisions; and, although not at PM level, this is also the Pastor’s role.

These Latter Days

 

No, I’m not going on an ‘end-times’ kick, but merely reflecting on how these ‘latter days’ of the pandemic are playing out. Ironically, as the vaccine begins to be rolled out in Britain, depression returns. Through most of the year, I had remained generally positive, responding to the emergency, with determined action. This was easy, because there were low expectations, nothing to justify. But underlying it, I suppose the perpetual darkness of the soul had persisted; what US singer Bill Mallonee calls our ‘blister soul’. 

Pastoral Conversations

Christians are not immune, from Covid or the anxieties it provokes. As the pandemic’s second wave worsens, fears are emerging among believers, provoking questions. So, my pastoral conversations have sharpened up: a kind of pastoral apologetics.

 

The Invisible Covid Church

Much of what we have done as leaders during Covid has been invisible to our membership. Our outreach – street evangelism, working with the local senior citizens centre – is not seen by them. Even the pastoral care, and small groups, all happen online, and so are invisible to those not actually involved in each activity. Our physical services, back in the building, although witnessed by some through livestreaming, are not experienced by many of even our supposedly ‘regular’ congregation, from pre-Covid days. The church is therefore fractured, and in its fragmentation therefore invisible to most people. 

Living with Uncertainty

Yesterday I spoke to some local shopkeepers oppposite our church building. They were worried about the loss of customers, and fearful because their landlord was still demanding high rents. One of our church leaders, who runs a web-design company, told me that many of his clients are experiencing uncertainty, because they don’t know how to plan for their businesses.

Flourishing and Fragmentation. Ministry in all seasons – including Covid

Miroslav Volf and Matthew Croasmun, in their book For the Life of the World. Theology that makes a difference, articulate a vision for a relevant Gospel-centred theology in this century. Written before Coronavirus, it nevertheless contains much that is applicable to our situation. For them, theology must be measured by its ability to promote “human flourishing”, in a holistic sense, in all areas of life.

However, realistic about our fallen world, and the as-yet unconsummated nature of God’s kingdom, Volf and Croasmun recognise that every empirical realisation of the gospel is also “fragmented”. In this half-time, this overlap, of the ages, our attempts at living out the new creation will be flawed, inadequate, and partial (1 Co.13.9-12) - although no less significant for all that.

Guilt

I feel guilty. I am not organising food banks or supplies for people during the Covid crisis. Am I reverting to type – my fundamentalist conversion during the tail-end of the Jesus movement overflow in Lancashire? Other churches seem to be doing so much – large ones like KXC starting up a brand new food bank, and smaller churches like Angel Baptist, and Notting Hill Community Church, feeding over 200 people every day with hot meals.

Pastoral Theology for the Pandemic

I’ve talked with a few pastors about how they’re coping with the lockdown. For some they’ve had a crisis of faith, finding it hard to even believe in Christ, because of the pressure. Others experience the pain of physical separation from their members, and wonder how to do evangelism when you can’t talk to people. 

Dark Energy: The Psychology of Ministry in the Time of Covid

The surprising thing, for me, is that the Covid crisis hasn’t made me depressed. Stressed, yes. But that’s a different feeling, with an obvious cause. However, while I pretend to copy Paul in his concern for the church (2 Co. 11.28), there is a danger of burnout. According to John Sanford, ministry burnout occurs when we use up our ‘fuel’, the spiritual and emotional resources, needed for pastoral activity. But where to find new fuel? My spiritual director recommended once that I look for where I find ‘energy’ during the day, suggesting this would be a sign of the Holy Spirit’s presence in my life.