Give Them Courage
A Text, a Sermon, and Weathering the Turning Tide
Quite a few years ago, I wrote often. An online course in 2008 with Geoff Holsclaw and David Fitch fueled my interest in Political Theology. Reading Carl Raschke and an online journal to which he contributed added to the drive to think through a form of Public Theology. By that, I mean how to think theologically in public spaces where the Common Good intersects Christian Faith.
The tide turned.
Once healthy conversations devolved into battling partisan followers. A common language that was once a helpful aid became a gotcha game. Nuance died. Ideological debates revealed so many empty cores that, frankly, I became discouraged. These circumstances appeared well before Rufo-ism became stock and trade, aiming to undermine confidence by hijacking words, infusing those words with alternative meanings, and then campaigning against ideas not remotely consistent with the hijacked terms.
A Text Message
David called the Office last week. Thinking I would be busy, he asked our secretary for my phone number so that he could text me. When Vera came asking if it would be acceptable to pass on my phone number, I realized who it was and picked up the phone. We chatted for a few minutes. David is now a medical doctor. He likely made the call between appointments. David wanted to respect my time and told Vera he wanted to shoot me a text.
It was good to hear from David. He is one of the young high school fellows with whom I played basketball while serving my first church. The coach at the small school allowed the Preacher to participate in practice. I kept up this habit wherever I pastored until I could not do so physically. The connection with the students was fun.
David had listened to a podcast interview I did with a cardiologist. He wanted to convey that he appreciated access to the conversation.
I went about my work.
Then I received the following:
Todd,
This is my number. Good to talk for a few minutes. If you or anyone in your congregation needs any help, feel free to reach out. Tell Patty hello fromus. Keep up the good work. WC and LaVerne would be proud of you. I can see her smiling face now. (Italics added.)
Encouraging.
WC and LaVerne opened their home to a pregnant Patty and me. It was a cold, snowy November weekend in 1988. The snow falling on that two-lane highway where you would have to pipe in ambient light was fierce. My goal was to keep it between the fence lines.
We were only in that small town for a short time. Yet, the memories of our first church and that small community left an indelible mark. So when David called and texted the call back to his grandparents, I was encouraged. Were it not that God had other plans for us, we may have found our way back to that part of Oklahoma a couple of times to pastor due to those friendships.
Pastors value encouragement. These words give us courage. When the tide shifted some years ago and accelerated during the pandemic, the number of pastors deciding to let go of the plow increased. I am talking about average pastors. Young pastors and older pastors alike found the climate tricky to navigate and with fewer and fewer words of encouragement. (I must say here that our church has been very encouraging and aware of what it has meant to navigate the rocks and the hard places.)
We do know others who have not found the same conditions. That is where a recent sermon reinforces the need for encouragement.
A Sermon
Last December, we were sermon planning for the Seasons of Epiphany, Lent, and Eastertide. I know Southern Baptists and the Christian Calendar seem to be an odd mix. Rarely a day goes by that someone isn’t making a pronouncement on social media,
If your Pastor/Preacher is not preaching chapter by chapter and verse by verse you need to look for a new church.
We settled on a series through Hebrews titled, Tired of It All. I knew I would be out of town a time or two, which would allow our other preachers to explicate the sermon or series of sermons that make up Hebrews. I also knew that our series would extend into Mother’s Day.
Despite the public position and protests of some in our denomination, I sent our friend Emily an email asking if she would like to come back and preach speak on Mother’s Day and bring our Hebrews series to a close. She agreed. Yesterday Emily put a button on our series and summarized the message quite well,
Endurance requires encouragement.
What a great line! Read Hebrews. Keep an eye on the imperatives. Listen as the Preacher points out the way Jesus is superior to all others. The Preacher speaks to encourage those facing discouragement, fatigue, and even a form of persecution. Jesus is not only the aim but the means - the Author and Completer.
Sermons are for all of us, not just the congregation.
Not Just Pastors, But Not Less Than Pastors
When I decided to pick up writing again, to be more frequent at it, I chose an aim to give courage. Of course, I want anyone who reads here to receive courage. But, I want pastors, particularly young pastors, subject to bouts with their idealisms and the changing tides of congregational life, to believe that there are those among their peers who want to help keep their hands to the plow.
Emily reminded us that the Preacher in Hebrews closes by reminding the congregation of Timothy and believers in Italy. They are not alone. Preacher, Pastor, young or old, you are not alone.
There are those out here who want to give you courage.