Engaging the Challenge

This past winter on an evening journey to the airport, I encountered a substantial snow storm. Strong winds drove heavy snow across the roads. Even with my eyes wide open I was blinded, unable to see the front of my car. I inched forward without any idea where the road was. I didn't know if I was wandering into the oncoming lane or edging toward the ditch – an extremely unnerving experience.

It is not easy navigating a storm. Sight is limited. Knowledge is inadequate. Understanding is incomplete.

I felt vulnerable.

The storm image seemed like a fitting theme for the Assembly in Winnipeg, July 2-6, 2014. Over 500 delegates and guests gathered to engage the work of the church and study the account of Jesus calming the storm in Mark 4: 35-41. The story of the disciples’ fear resonated with many. With waves threatening to swamp the boat, fear seemed understandable. Much less understandable is the way Jesus swept aside fear as evidence of an underdeveloped faith. Surely one cannot be blamed for fearing potential disaster?

Assembly participants considered the parallel between the disciples’ experience on a stormy sea and the changing context for the church in Canada. Familiar waters have been replaced with uncertain and rising waves. What we always considered to be truth is no longer common knowledge or accepted practice. People are discerning faithfulness differently.

For many, this new context of questioning is disconcerting. It feels like the church is drifting in a sea of compromise. Some resonate easily with the disciples, feeling as though the church is being buffeted by intense waves. Discerning eyes widen, peering for some sign of God’s assuring presence. And all the while Jesus seems asleep in the stern, head tucked into a soft pillow. Like the disciples, we want to awaken Jesus and say; “Don’t you care if we drown?”

Mark 4:35-41 is an appropriate text. It is a fitting story for the church to wrestle with.

As the Assembly unfolded, I began to wonder if we are misreading our context. Perhaps it is not a threat as much as it is a challenge. A threat conjures up impulses of defence, while challenges stir preparedness for thoughtful and rigorous engagement.

In my encounter with the church, few youth and young adults express fear regarding its future. From those who are not succumbing to apathy, I sense yearning for the church to pull away from the dock and sail into the sea. Many others would rather stay moored in the harbour and wait for the storm to pass. But our youth and young adults are calling for a more active engagement.  Perhaps they are more comfortable with waves.

I left Assembly heartened and encouraged – not that the storm will pass, but that our ship is sufficiently sea worthy. I left assured. When faith is in the boat with Jesus, the church is never threatened. So we can confidently prepare to engage unsettled waters ahead.

A visit to Canada

I need help sorting out my feelings.

Desmond Tutu’s visit to our Canadian oil sands on Saturday, May 31, 2014 has created an emotional storm within me. His assessment of Canada’s energy oil sector is disturbing, describing it as negligent and driven by greed. Journalists following the visit have pushed back, calling Tutu uninformed and too simplistic (“Tutu’s illogical oil sands dream,” National Post, June 2, 2014).

It is hard to know what to think. Economy is an important factor. The National Post article estimates that the oil and gas extraction employs more than 120,000 Albertans and will provide combined provincial-federal tax revenue of nearly 80 billion dollars by 2035. This is no small matter. However, to be fair the article should have also provided estimated tax revenue and employment figures if Canada were to rapidly increase green energy research and development.

Tutu is charged with unfairly placing blame on the oil industry when in fact, according to the article, Canadian consumers are increasingly rejecting energy efficient vehicles in favour of gas guzzling cars and trucks. That is a fair critique. However, consumer purchasing practices did not support society’s decision to ban public smoking or raise the alarm of unhealthy fast food consumption.

As a church leader, I struggle. I have no desire to be engaged in argumentative political debate. But sometimes our commitment to following Christ propels us into undesired dispute. If governments initiate military action to defend easy access to global resources, I think God calls us into dispute. If governments disregard the disadvantaged in favour of the disproportioned elite, I think God calls us into dispute.

Tutu’s visit stirred up the climate justice debate. But I think the debate remains misguided. The call to quickly wean ourselves off of fossil fuels is growing louder. Resisters paint an illogical picture of global societies being confined to bicycles. Rather, we need the imagination of active societies fuelled by green energy alternatives.

I feel conflicted. I struggle with the impulse to be quiet and mind my own business. Yet I wrestle with the sense that God is asking communities of faith to be an alternative voice; a voice that humbly stands in solidarity with our children and their future. It is not right if current economics sacrifices future quality of life. I cannot shake the history of South African apartheid. The struggle for equality continued for a long time before the statements of the Church emerged as a significant voice. Desmond Tutu represents that voice; a voice that helped mobilize the church across South Africa and the world.

Now that voice has seen it necessary to step into our context. As a Canadian church leader I feel deeply challenged. When a global defender of human rights feels it necessary to speak about my “neighbourhood”, I feel gently confronted and lovingly rebuked.  I need help sorting out my feelings. Perhaps I am misguided by emotion, but today I cannot help but feel shamed. 

When The People Speak

As a church leader, I often find myself being quoted. But it is important to acknowledge that my words are often inspired by what I have heard others say. Conversations are always a gift. Sharing perspectives and insights are acts of generosity; we are richer because of it.

I was reminded of this again when I was asked to serve as a Commissioner at the Saskatchewan Citizens’ Hearing on Climate Change in November, 2013. After hearing twenty hours of presentations, I felt very enriched. Each presenter brought a unique perspective out of a common concern. The environment has become unstable. The earth needs to be defended. Our children need proactive leadership to protect their future. Our standard of life should not sacrifice their quality of life.

Citizens had organized and offered practical insights. All requested concrete action from their leaders. The final report was released in April and deserves attention.

The Saskatchewan Citizens’ Hearing reminded me of the church. Gathered discernment is a clear Anabaptist value. Early Anabaptists believed there is a special manifestation of the Sprit of Christ when the people of God gather in worship and discernment. They took Matthew 18:20 seriously: “For where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them.”

As a community of Anabaptist/Mennonite congregations in the 21^st century, we still take this verse seriously. Although there are many ways to hear God’s voice, scripture reminds me that God often speaks through people.

As the church in cities, towns, and counties across provinces, we have been discerning together. The Being a Faithful Church process and the Future Directions Task Force both function with the belief that when the People of God gather in worship and discernment, God will be in their midst and from within the prayerful conversations together will speak.

It is an exciting process. It requires faith and trust that God will flow through the gathered community. When the Spirit of God stirs our hearts, the voice of elder wisdom and youthful ideal blend together in a rich expression of worship. We discern together because we love God together. We love God together because it is in one another where we see and experience our Risen Lord.

That is why I am excited about our Assembly this summer in Winnipeg, July 3-6. I have enjoyed the worship of many of our congregations since serving as Executive Director of Mennonite Church Canada. The variety of expression, the diversity of gifts, and the multiplicity of expressed passion reflects the joy of unity: a unity of love for God in multiple fashions. It is clear evidence that God is alive and the Spirit of God is active.

So when such richness is experienced from visiting individual congregations, imagine the opulent worship and passion that will be experienced when these congregations gather together. When the People of God gather, especially in times of uncertainty and change, it is a concrete reminder that we are not alone. People of God desire to bring out the best in one another. We are reminded of God’s presence in every handshake, every smile, every hug, and especially in every song we sing together.

I can hardly wait to hear the people speak, for then I will hear the voice of God.

Please bring your voice to the table by registering for Assembly 2014 – Wild Hope: Faith for an Unknown Season.

Simple Faith

I remember as a child hearing people who would thank God for almost anything good that happened. If they remembered where they had misplaced their car keys, they would thank God. If the sun shone brightly for a planned picnic, they would thank God. If they regained their balance after stumbling over a crack in the sidewalk, they would thank God.

Such thankfulness seemed exaggerated to me. And yet there was something compelling about such a worldview: that the Creator of the universe would have such interest in personal detail. I chalked it up to being akin to God’s concern for the fallen sparrows.

But it is also tempting to disregard such understanding as an overly simplistic faith. Surely people should not expect God to be their personal caretaker or body guard. Do people really think that God would push back clouds and hold back rainfall because one family or congregation had prayed for good picnic weather?

But I have come to a new appreciation of what may seem to be inflated appreciation. If we acknowledge God as the author of life, then all that is life is reason to praise God. When the sun shines through a clear sky, it is appropriate to thank God as Creator. When my stumble is recovered because of my sense of balance, it is appropriate to thank God as the One who crafted the complexity of the human body.

If praise is expressed as gratitude for only that which impacts me individually, my faith remains rudimentary. It can remain selfish in nature. But if praise is expressed as appreciation for the overarching governance of creation then it is elevated above the limitations of personal impact.

It is in this faith that I want to grow. When I see the beauty of a sunset, I want to yell out; “Well done, God!!” Not as a statement of appreciation as though God formed this beauty only for my benefit, but that God would form a creation that manifests such natural beauty for all to enjoy.

When my memory recalls where I have misplaced something, I want to be able to say; “Thank you God.” Not as a suggestion that God interceded on my personal behalf, but that God has ordained the mind to have the ability to recall. What a benefit to all humanity!

Such a faith will have no difficulty finding things for which to express praise. Such a faith will remain active in gratitude and exude infectious appreciation. I would like to be able to keep things simple.

God is good and the author of all things good. It is natural to express worshipful gratitude. If that is a simple faith; I’ll be happy to own it.

Asking For Money

In September a number of Mennonite Church Canada staff climbed onto bicycles and became part of the Ride for Refugee movement. It was a cold September morning, chilling our fingers and giving us plenty of reason to ride hard enough to work up a sweat.

I was thrilled by the initiative. Staff were taking a Saturday and raising money for the work of Mennonite Church Canada. This is no small matter. Many staff already volunteer evenings and weekends in support of their regular ministry work, in their congregations, and for other worthy causes.

When the initiative was first raised there was some hesitation. Some felt uncomfortable asking friends and family for what felt like financial support for their jobs. It is a common dilemma in the work of the church.

For much of the church how we engage our relative wealth is a touchy subject. Many pastors try to get someone else to preach about that topic because of the perceived conflict of interest. For pastors it can feel like they are preaching for their own salary.

Yet asking people to give financially is as critical as asking them to worship or pray. It is an important spiritual discipline, especially in such a market driven world that idolizes individual want and desire. Consumerism is given religious value. It offers fulfillment. The more you purchase, the better you will feel about yourself.

Followers of Jesus Christ are more aware of such incorrect assertions. They know that ultimate fulfillment is discovered when persons leave the entrapment of individualism and align their lives for the glory of God and the blessing of others. That is why generosity is an important spiritual discipline. It holds back the subtle influence of consumerism. It reinforces the intent to remain unattached to the lure of materialism. When followers of Christ give, it is an act of solidarity to the way of Jesus. To extend an invitation to others for such activity is a delight, not something for which to feel embarrassed.

So, it was a delight to be part of the staff group raising money for the work of Mennonite Church Canada. We began to realize that as paid workers of the church, we were not asking money for ourselves. We were asking for financial support for a movement that we love and are working hard to support. A pastor preaching about stewardship is not seeking personal financial gain. Rather it is an invitation to develop patterns and habits that reflect the commitments and yearning of the heart – to love the Lord our God with all our heart, soul, strength, and mind; and to love our neighbours as ourselves. This is a good thing to support.

So, when you receive an invitation to give, receive it as an invitation to express worship – even if the one extending the invitation is paid by the very work they support.

The Responsibility of Reputation

“What church did you say you belong to?’ The question caught me off guard.

“Mennonite Church Canada,” I responded, and continued to explain that we are a Protestant denomination.

“Oh, I know the Mennonites,” interrupted the US Border Patrol Officer. Then he continued to question me about some of our theological positions. I was a bit alarmed, not anticipating that a theological debate would determine whether I would be allowed to board the plane.

“I am just talking with you,” explained the Border Officer. But he held onto my passport and fixed his gaze on me as well.

“I know the Mennonites,” he continued. He explained how the Mennonites were good people who believed in service and helping others. 

This is not the first time I have experienced such accolades for our perceived peaceful character. But this conversation was different. The Border Officer also proceeded to explain Anabaptist history to me. I was about to give him a passing grade, until he credited Menno Simmons with the selfless act of Dirk Wilms, pulling his pursuer from  the frozen lake. He did seem to know a great deal about us. I almost suggested that maybe he should become a Mennonite as well. But he still had a firm hold of my passport.

The conversation ended and he wished me and my family of faith God’s blessing and wisdom.

Each time such a conversation occurs I am left feeling somewhat overwhelmed. We do have a good reputation. Such a reputation has been formed by generations of faithful living and humble service to God.

To accept the benefit of a reputation is to also accept the accompanying responsibility. It is a responsibility to our past, present and our future. A good reputation bears accountability to our past. The sacrifice and testimony of past generations requires a consistent display in the present if the reputation is to remain intact.

But a good reputation is also accountable to the present. The repute of our current faith movement requires the on-going display of generosity and self-giving service.

This is a not a responsibility unique to us as congregations and individuals in Mennonite Church Canada. It is a common responsibility for all who claim to be followers of Jesus Christ. A cynical secular society demands more of faith movements. The integrity of service, generosity and joyful sacrifice is the only platform acceptable for faith claims of redemption, restoration and salvation. No matter what we say, or how we say it – the hearing will only come through the experience of radical, self-giving love. This is how the Word of God came to us.

I often shudder at the responsibility of living up to the expectations modeled by those of my past and present community. To be a church that bears the reflection of Jesus Christ is not an easy endeavour.  Jesus is rarely restrained by rules. He rejects stereotypes and prejudices. He never plays it safe. But a church that resembles him is a church that awakens a divine hunger in all who experience it. The character of our engagement with life today will either solidify or erode a good reputation of the church.

May we continue to be a family of faith that will provide generations of commendations for our children and their children – so that all who speak of us wish to bless the God we serve.

What to do with Success

It is a common sentiment to wish someone a Happy New Year.

Happiness is often measured by the prosperity that comes from success and achievement.  But people in the church who are deemed successful in the eyes of secular society should be warned.  Such success is not always applauded by church communities.

As a teen I was a fan of Amy Grant, a new budding Christian folk singer. I first saw her perform at a Jesus Festival in Pennsylvania. Sitting on a high stool with only her acoustic guitar and soothing voice, I was captivated. Her honesty and simple love for God drew me in.

Her obvious talent soon made her a successful Christian artist. But then something happened. Her success with ever widening audiences opened doors of new opportunity for her and she started recording with a secular label. Her Christian character and message now had the potential of having an even broader impact.

However, many in the church were not impressed. In fact, her success was interpreted as compromise and abandonment of the faith. The church distanced itself from her. It was a difficult period in her career. As a young adult, I was disappointed by the treatment she received, and remained a quiet fan.

Since then I come to realize that Grant’s experience is not unique. It seems that when people in the church become successful they become suspect. Successful business leaders are presumed to be greedy; artists are assumed proud; and politicians understood as dishonest. It isn’t easy to be successful, especially in the context of the church.

Success does bring an additional strain on faithfulness. Fame will bring temptations of pride. Wealth will bring temptations of luxury and greed. Power will bring temptations of disregard.

Because of these elevated temptations, the church is tempted to shun success and shame those who experience success. I don’t think that is an adequate response for the Church.

Rather than discarding success, the church can be helpful in directing success to its intended purpose. From the call of Abram (Gen. 12) to the recognition of Christ (Jn. 12:32), the intended purpose of success and obedient achievement has been for the blessing of others and the worship of God.  For the Church to abandon successful Christians is to abdicate to destructive consequences. It is precisely the church that should help to bridge the gap between power and disregard; wealth and need; fame and the forgotten.  The church needs to continue mentoring those whose success has been crowned by secular society.

The church should always stand in solidarity with the forgotten, the disadvantaged, and the powerless. But it serves neither those in need, nor those in abundance by rejecting the resource of success.

I wish everyone success. For in God’s economy it will be a blessing for others.