God’s Not A He Anymore
In church news this past week, one of the major headlines has been “Episcopal Church Votes to Stop Using Masculine Pronouns for God.” Some headlines use the word “ban” or “remove,” some say “gender references” instead of “masculine pronouns,” but they all get to the same basic point… The Episcopal Church has lost its mind! I wish that it was more of a joke than it is, but for the most part, I have read very few positive articles on the Episcopal Church’s decision. Many were quick to refer back to the Episcopal church’s decision to fully support the LGBTQ community, even electing the first openly gay bishop back in 2003. Because it’s often difficult to get to the bottom of what is going on in these quick news stories, I’m going to take a little bit of time to try to unravel some of this tangled web.
First of all, the headlines are slightly misleading. The most technically correct headline I could come up with is “An Episcopal Diocese Passed a Resolution to Avoid Using Gendered Pronouns for God in the Next Update of the Book of Common Prayer.”. It just rolls off the tongue, right? Now as someone who isn’t very familiar with the Episcopal church’s structure, I had no idea what a diocese was, but it sounds super official. To the best of my knowledge, in the Episcopal church, a diocese is something like one of our districts or annual conferences. So it’s not the entire Episcopal church. And it’s definitely not a final decision, even though it still could become an official decision by the entire denomination. But here’s what an Episcopal friend had to say about it.
"Y'all. Slow your roll. What they have done is to ask the Standing Committee on Liturgy and Music to consider the issue of expansive language for God as General Convention starts to think about revising the Prayer Book. It's a few steps shy of tabling the resolution entirely.
No diocese can unilaterally change the liturgy. It takes two successive votes of General Convention, six years apart, to amend the Prayer Book. Plus a study period beforehand that can go on for years and years. This is being misreported everywhere, and whether or not you think it's great or think it's terrible, it's important to understand what actually went down.”
So it’s not as bad as you might think. The Episcopal church has definitely not lost its mind. In fact, it’s very much trying to get a better image of God to come through. See, the Bible uses feminine imagery for God sometimes. In Hebrew the word for Spirit (רוה) (ruach) is feminine. But if you were to ask every kid in our church if God was a man or woman, they would almost all say man. And it seems obvious because we call him Father God and all our prayers and creeds use Father and masculine pronouns. Wait a minute... if the Bible uses several different gender connotations for God, why doesn't our prayers and liturgy do the same?
I’m not saying I agree with the diocese’s decision to update the Book of Common Prayer, but maybe they aren’t as crazy as the headlines are making them out to be. Maybe the resolution that says
“If revision of the Book of Common Prayer is authorized, to utilize expansive language for God from the rich sources of feminine, masculine, and non-binary imagery for God found in Scripture and tradition and, when possible, to avoid the use of gendered pronouns for God”
is the start of some serious conversations that we all need to have about who God really is.
Can't We All Just Get Along?
Ok, I might open up a big can of worms on this subject, but I feel it is necessary to offer my point of view. First, let me be clear I am a lover of all music. Many days I am in a blues mood, some day’s jazz, standards, classic rock, Christian, country and yes, even bluegrass. I have learned to play all of these genres at one time or another in my days as a musician. And have grown to appreciate all that every genre offers.
There is a saying called the last eight words of a church. “That’s the way we have always done it!” Change is part of a church’s existence. The Bible clearly says “Sing to the Lord a new song” Psalm 149. So change is encouraged for the health of the church. This is not saying anything old has to be put aside to “bring in the new.” On the contrary, everything can be honored and worshipped together. The bigger picture is what many overlook. The health of any church is its progression to adapt to change for the better of the mission.
When we were young, we told our parents “If its too loud your to OLD.” Now we complain that we don’t like the volume. We could just bring in a piano, guitar and sing some Matt Redman songs and some hymns and God would show up. Cause that is how it was done in the day. Here is the bitter truth, middle age and youth do not want to listen to music, “they want to experience it.” If they feel the kick drum hitting their chest, chances are they will say this is awesome! Youth will never say music is too soft. They will just say, “Looks and sounds nice” and disengage and go somewhere else. This is a generation we need to reach for the health and longevity of the church. Again, let me be clear on this. This does not mean we put traditions aside; we want everyone to join the celebration of what God is doing in our church. Pastor Scot Longyear a friend of mine from Maryland Community Church that has eight campuses offers earplugs at the doors as you walk into his church. He was asking everyone for grace for the bigger picture. If it is too loud, use the earplugs and raise your hands in worship. The next generation is just as important as our generation.
I remember my parents were not thrilled with the Beatles, Grand Funk Railroad, Kiss, Chicago, Eric Clapton and other groups I listened to growing up. Even though it was not their preference, they saw what an impact it had on me. When I walked into my church growing up, you could smell the hymnals. I had no idea what was being sung and was totally disengaged. But, when I saw someone with a guitar singing about God, it changed the way I looked at God. We need to look at ourselves and see the impact music is having on the next generation.
Reverend Billy Graham passed away a few weeks ago. The world lost an incredible servant, and for his entire lifetime, he proclaimed the name of Jesus. There was an article he wrote about the parishioners complaining about style and choice of music. Here is Billy Graham’s response.
I know this has been a controversial issue in many churches, and I don’t pretend to have all the answers, especially since I’m not particularly musical! But we have a singing faith, and God has given us the gift of music to praise Him. The Psalmist declared, “With singing lips, my mouth will praise you” (Psalm 63:5).
Instead of complaining to your pastor (or anyone else), I urge you to ask God to help you be grateful for all music that points us to God, new or old. No, you may not like some of it, but others do, and God can use it in their lives to encourage them and bring them closer to Christ. Remember: The old hymns you like were once new, and someone probably didn’t like them, either!
Sometimes, I’m afraid; a hymn can become so familiar to us that we sing it without even thinking about the words. But this is wrong because then our singing becomes empty and meaningless. Don’t let this happen to you, but meditate on the words of the songs you sing, and even turn them into a prayer.
Your music director has probably been wise to introduce new songs slowly; completely changing everything all at once can be disruptive. Pray for him and encourage him, letting him know that you’re grateful for his gifts. Yes, let him know you appreciate the old hymns, but support him also as he seeks to reach a new generation through music.
I realize the introduction of new music makes some people uncomfortable and it’s not the hymns. However, God uses it to grow hearts for many new people, to meet their needs. As I said my first Sunday here, there will be days that I play all the songs you like and days where I play none that you like. But the goal is to sings songs that glorify God, and lead you into his presence. So, I appreciate all types of music, and all will be celebrated, please know that all songs are sung to glorify God PERIOD!
Mike Conrad serves as our Worship Director. When he's not preparing for worship or playing an instrument, he enjoys spending time with his wife boating and fishing. Learn more about Mike here.
Are you a God-Worshipper?
Over the years this is what I have heard about Sunday mornings from friends not able to make it to church. At some point, all of these have been told to me.
To tired
To Sick
I have to fix the toilet
I don’t see how it will help me
They’re just a bunch of hypocrites
Too much hassle to get kids ready
All they want is money
I got in too late last night
It’s Raining
I don’t like the music
Regardless of what has been said, in today’s society, there are many distractions, which will keep you away from church on Sunday mornings. Now many reasons are legit, and life happens Monday thru Saturday, and we are not in a cocoon to know that stuff happens. Its how we conduct ourselves Monday thru Saturday in which we will make a big impact. Small things can be done during the week that will keep you close to your faith.
On your commute, turn off your radio and have a conversation with God. Pick a time and be consistent.
Do one nice thing for someone every day.
Think positive; no one wants to be around a negative “Nelly.”
Hug your spouse/kids like you mean it once a day.
Stop thinking about how we cannot do something and start thinking how can I succeed with the tools I have.
Be Thankful.
In Psalm 22 verse 22 the psalmist talks about how he tells his friends what to expect when you come to worship, Regardless of your circumstances the last line says, “ He has been right there, listening”
“Here’s the story I’ll tell my friends when they come to worship,
and punctuate it with Hallelujahs:
Shout Hallelujah, you God-worshipers;
give glory, you sons of Jacob;
adore him, you daughters of Israel.
He has never let you down,
never looked the other way
when you were being kicked around.
He has never wandered off to do his own thing;
he has been right there, listening.”
Are you a God-worshipper? To be the worshipper, you have to celebrate surrender and know that God has never let you down and never looked the other way. Certainly, there are times in my life I have been mad at God. I did not understand the circumstances I was in or the prayers I have prayed that were not answered to my satisfaction. But, over time I have tried to give up control and have more faith in His will not mine.
In Psalm 29:29 “God makes his people strong. God gives his people peace”. And in Matthew 11:28 “Come to me and I will give you rest.”
Apple had a slogan for its company and employees years ago.
“We need to come up with something the public does not know it needs, but when they have it they cannot do with out it!”
All of us in one way or another have a cell phone near us at all times. Something we cannot do without. We don’t have to have it but its something we have grown to depend on and rely on for our everyday lives. Everything is at our fingertips.
In these times do not forget that our God has never given up on us and he is always there to listen. And you don’t need a phone for that.
Mike Conrad serves as our Worship Director. When he's not preparing for worship or playing an instrument, he enjoys spending time with his wife boating and fishing. Learn more about Mike here.
Will Be Healed
In the book of Acts, chapter 5 verse 12 the Bible talks about the apostles healing many.
“The apostles performed many signs and wonders among the people. And all the believers used to meet together in Solomon’s Colonnade. No one else dared join them, even though they were highly regarded by the people. Nevertheless, more and more men and women believed in the Lord and were added to their number. As a result, people brought the sick into the streets and laid them on beds and mats so that at least Peter’s shadow might fall on some of them as he passed by. Crowds gathered also from the towns around Jerusalem, bringing their sick and those tormented by impure spirits, and all of them were healed.”
I want to look at few things in this scripture. “All believers would meet together on Solomon’s Colonnade (or Porch) no one else would join them, even though they were highly regarded by the people. This just sounds eerily familiar in today’s society. Here is what I mean. We (Christians) meet in Church even though the door is always open the fear of joining or attending is still there. We don’t bite. It’s the fear of I am not perfect, what will everyone think of me. Oh and the excuse “this is not my kind of service, or the music is not what I prefer.” Do we really think that is an issue in Heaven? Its worshiping God for who he is. Bow down and worship him. The song by Hillsong “Touch the sky” says “I touch the sky when my knees hit the ground.” We find it difficult to admit we do not have it all together. And we sure don’t want to go into church in front of people and declare we are a mess. But the truth is you do not have to be in Church to fall on your knees to surrender to Christ. This can be your path; certainly the Church is here for you. To be honest, I am tired of people thinking ‘Oh so you’re a Christian” some how that can mean we are weak. Far from it, just because we are surrendering ourselves to the guidance of Jesus does not make us weak. It makes us strong.
“I can do everything thorough him who gives me strength.”
We can be a witness to anyone we come in contact with, knowing that we are not perfect nor will we every be, but thought the blood of Jesus he has paid for our sins and we are forgiven. The next part of the scripture is the last line “all of them were healed."
During the past year I have lost a very dear friend of the family to cancer, and 4 more family and friends are fighting it now or have completed their treatment. Growing up you never dwell or think about disease or addiction with people you know. It was always “someone else”. And as you grow older the more you realize it’s all of your friends and family.
I believe “all of them were healed” in that time was a statement for the ages. All who ask for God’s love and forgiveness will receive God’s grace. All of our prayers are not answered for healing. I sat at the bed side held my friends hand and prayed for healing of her body. She was not healed. She was still the same person I knew for years, full of wit and sassiness she had always been just in a much weaker state. I do know she had great love for God and she is walking on streets of gold. We miss her but she was healed.
My prayer is anyone who comes in the doors of the Church “Will be healed” and know that God’s love is available and they will never feel like they are intruding.
Mike Conrad serves as our Worship Director. When he's not preparing for worship or playing an instrument, he enjoys spending time with his wife boating and fishing. Learn more about Mike here.
Environmental Holiness
I have a confession to make. Most of the time, my blogs just reflect whatever I’m trying to process myself. I’m definitely not an expert on the history of Israel, I haven’t been an activist concerning abuse in the church before, and I’m always talking to other pastors trying to get multiple sides of the story because I just don’t know what I don’t know. Over Christmas break, there were a series of events that caused me to really think about something called environmental holiness. At least that’s the fancy way to really talk about should we recycle.
I visited my sister in California who just had her second kid. In her house, they have two trash cans, and on the wall above each trash can they had drawn “landfill” with a frowny face, and “glass, paper, plastic” over the other one with the recycle symbol. I’ve never been so convicted of a stupid frowny face in my life. It got compounded by all the things that Californians do on a regular basis that caught me off guard. They used biodegradable straws everywhere, the grocery store didn’t give you bags, forcing you to either bring your own reusable bags or buy them from the store, they promoted carpooling with HOV lanes and parking centers and phone numbers all designed to reduce pollution (but probably mostly traffic, because traffic is awful).
Then, in one of my youth pastor groups, someone asked what our views on the theology of recycling was. There was mostly support for recycling, people would quote some scripture about God placing man as care takers of the earth and it seemed like a positive conversation… until we found out the reason it was brought up in the first place. This guy’s pastor had thrown away some trash in the youth’s recycling bin and said “well the Earth is only temporary”. And there it was, while we were all assuming that recycling lined up with just about any interpretation of the Bible from specific verses to broad strokes, we were faced with there are people who can still take another stance on scripture and come to the complete opposite conclusion.
To be clear, even thought the Bible never specifically addresses recycling, I personally think that you can make very strong arguments that environmental holiness is a thing and that God cares about how we treat the world. Recycling is one aspect of that. But at some point, if you really have to go to the lengths of hermeneutics and exegesis to determine if you should recycle there are some bigger issues. We shouldn’t have to invoke God to come to the conclusion we need to take care of His creation.
One of the more curious things I’ve been dealing with is that non Christians tend to have a very different set of moral standards, or at least a different cause for those standards. They don’t steal, not because the Bible says “thou shall not steal” but because they inherently understand that that hurts the other person. California, one of the more unchurched states in America, has this inherent understanding that we should protect the earth, not because God created it, but because they want their kids to breath clean air, see the great barrier reef, or just be able to go outside and enjoy nature.
So I guess the real question isn’t “Would God want us to recycle?” and then we research that and try to make Bible verses fit into our modern day context. Rather, I think we should be asking ourselves “how is it the rest of the world already understands the need and importance of this but we are still trying to Biblically justify it?”
While it’s a little late for New Years resolutions, I still think this is the perfect time to start being more aware of how wasteful we all are. Take those extra two steps to throw your bottle into the recycling bin (or better yet, use a reusable bottle), buy an extra trash can and mark it recycling, or just bring your own bags to Walmart next time.
