This is an interesting article from today's NY Times...about clergy's calling vs. congregation's expectations related to sermons and preaching.
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/08/08/opinion/08macdonald.html?_r=1&emc=eta1
In the article, Jeffery MacDonald says, "In this transformation, clergy have seen their job descriptions rewritten. They’re no longer expected to offer moral counsel in pastoral care sessions or to deliver sermons that make the comfortable uneasy. Church leaders who continue such ministerial traditions pay dearly."
What do you think? [Comment below...]
I know for me, in Seminary we were taught a few "slogans" related to preaching.
Examples:
"Preach with the newspaper in one hand and the Bible in the other."
"The Gospel comforts the afflicted and afflicts the comfortable."
"Speak the Truth in Love."
[I know these are both famous quotes, but I don't know who they are attributed to. (Sorry.)]
But... actually preaching in this manner is often more difficult to do in real life than in Seminary classes. In my preaching classes, though we didn't all always agree, it was a safe space to speak the Truth in Love. But in a congregation, preaching is different. When you know people and know the things they are going through, it does make it easier at times, because I can sometimes see how maybe the words I have been given to speak can bring comfort to difficult situations. But at the same time, it's difficult to follow what we were taught in Seminary, because it often gets us in trouble. The Gospel's message is so radical, so inclusive, so pushing of social and political norms of the time (and of our times as well). It got many in trouble by sharing it, including Jesus himself.
As the article talks about, I understand how pushing the limits of what people are comfortable with becomes so very tiring and difficult at times.
I also came across this article as well this past week. It's also very true. So many clergy are tired, burned our, and/or unhealthy.
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/08/02/nyregion/02burnout.html?pagewanted=1&_r=1&hp
Self-care, de-stressing, and taking care of ourselves was really emphasized in Seminary. But putting that to practice is tough. Days off, yoga, reading, watching TV, spending time with family and friends--these are a few ways I try to take care of myself. How do you feed your soul and fill your own well to take care of yourself?
What do you think of these articles?
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I wonder if there will be articles like this forever. I have heard from pastors with many more years of expereince that this is true of our vocation--in order to honor our call we will need to speak in ways that challenge and confront not comfort (always). It is hard to preach and proclaim the inclusive nature of the Gospel.
Last Night at Zacchaeus' Tree we had conversation around Isaiah 58:9b-12. (http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=isaiah%2058:9b-12&version=MSG) As we talked about the call to feed the hungry, give shelter to the homeless, etc. we came back again and again to counter cultural nature of that call. It is hard to imagine opening ourselves to relationships that will make life even messier. I can understand not wanting to be challenged, because it makes life more intentional and takes more time. however, I yet to meet someone who has begun to embrace the radical message of Jesus who regrets it. As Shane Claiborne says, "Jesus wrecked my life," but since the wreck I wouldn't want it any other way.
As pastors and leaders we get the message and must simply relay it to the people we serve--whether they or we like it or not. Quoting Gandhi: "An error does not become truth by reason of multiplied propagation, nor does the truth become error because nobody will see it."
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