And Jesus came and said to them, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.’
— Matthew 28:18-20
Thirty-two years ago today, I entered the ordained ministry in the United Methodist Church. On June 19, 1988, In the chapel at the University of Redlands, Bishop Jack Tuell ordained me to the life and ministry of a deacon. Two years later, on June 16, 1990, Bishop Tuell again placed his hands on my head and ordained me to the life and ministry of an elder.
I have reflected on these anniversaries this week. Surprisingly, I would not consider this year to be the most challenging in my years of ministry! In many ways, however, this is the most fulfilling, for I am finding in this community the resources and imagination to learn new ways of fulfilling my call and ordination vows.
Our ordering of ministry has changed slightly since 1990. The ministry of a deacon was then seen as a short term step toward being an elder; now it is understood to be a distinct form of ministry in which one may serve for a lifetime. I like to see the role as additive: I have both the responsibilities of an elder: leadership, spiritual care, administration of the sacraments, sharing the word; as well as the responsibilities of a deacon: practical, direct care of persons, assisting others in ministry, organizing believers for collective study and ministry.
And of course, ordination did not replace or take away my deepest and highest call to ministry. Being ordained did not make me a minister of the Gospel. That call and claim on my life came at my baptism. (For me that happened back in February of 1964).
All who are baptized are called to be in ministry. We are called and equipped to carry on the work of Christ in the world. One of the things I love about this church is that you all seem to understand this. There is no way that I should, would, or could stop you from caring for one another, from showing your love in the community in works of mercy and service, or from doing justice in the world.
Take a moment to reflect on your baptism. How are you answering your call to be ministers of the Good News of Jesus? What gifts have you discovered in yourself? What resources have you found? What do you need? How can we better be in ministry together?
God of the storm and God of the silence, we turn to you in our need. When we see those who are hurting, lonely, afraid and causing harm to others we hear your call to act. When we see the places of brokenness in the world we hear your call to heal and to be peacemakers. When we hear your call, let us also hear your claim upon us, and help us to know that you equip us with what we need for such a time as this. Open us to living and working in community with you and our friends in faith. And help us to know that you can see where we cannot, so that we may learn to trust in you and live in hope. This we pray through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Happy Anniversary!
George