I just returned from a meeting put on for pastors by the Partnership for a Drug-Free Community. Now, you would expect there to be some "religious talk" going on at the meeting - and there was. But, only in the Bible Belt would the Madison County Sheriff (Blake Dorning) open the meeting with prayer and in his introductory remarks talk about the need for people to know Jesus Christ as one of the means of dealing with drug problems in the area. Candy Stephenson, a local parent who lost her son to an accidental overdose, shared her story and faith with a special emphasis on her personal knowledge that there is no guarantee that this won't happen in the church family. The guest speaker was Scott Hassell, Chief of Corrections, Etowah County (Gadsden, AL). I wasn't sure what to expect from Scott (probably something rather boring), but he talked about the program going on within the Etowah County jail that is having a great impact on helping people with drug dependency. He structured his remarks around the first three questions asked in Genesis. He preached a sermon much better than most pastors I know! Even though he can't use such religious language in his normal, secular job, he could in this environment. He was articulate, passionate, and without a doubt, a man of faith.
By the way, if you are in a church (pastor, lay leader, or just concerned member), get in touch with the Partnership for a Drug-Free community (256-539-7339). They have programs available that can make a significant impact in your church family - and they are FREE!!
Throw in a couple of preacher's comments and a good, free lunch and you have a gathering that just wouldn't happen in other parts of the country. I am proud to be living in the Bible Belt.
Tuesday, April 24, 2007
Tuesday, April 17, 2007
The Road to War
I have been reviewing some radio articles I have done in the past and came across one done just a little over 4 years ago. I was the pastor of St. Paul's UMC in Jamestown, ND and we were on the verge of war. With the continuing struggles in Iraq and Afganistan and the recent needless killings at Virginia Tech I thought I would share the thoughts again. I am afraid that they are just as pertinent today as in 2003.
Road to War
March 18, 2003
Radio Devotion, Jamestown, ND
I am 56 years old and 24 of those years were spent in military service. Those 24 years included combat in Viet Nam as a sentry dog handler in the Air Force, and 20 years as an Army chaplain – serving with many of the units that are now preparing for war. Military service is an honorable gift from citizens to their country, and we need to be in prayer for all of them – and their families. As you know, ND has more National Guard and Reserve soldiers (per capita) deployed than any other state – they especially need to be in our prayers.
I have been retired from the military less than three years – there are many of my good friends who are at this moment on the front lines in the Persian Gulf. Some, God forbid, may die. How I pray that there were no such thing as war. But there is!
But, you also need to know – as we are now in the shadow of war – the individuals who hate war the most are those who will be sent in harms way. This morning we do not remember in prayer soldiers, sailors, airmen, marines, and coast guardsmen who are some sort of evil, war-mongering members that are waiting for opportunities to kill. What they are, are men and women, moms and dads, sons and daughters who know it is their lives that hang in the balance; their lives that are offered in service to their country. It is for them we pray most fervently this morning.
Some would believe that such things as war can be averted – if we just talk long enough; if we can just negotiate a little more (and better). I wish it were so. This is not a time, however, to lift high our voice in self-righteous platitudes – invoking God’s blessings on our task and condemning others to a certain swift death and eternity in hell. If I understand the scriptures correctly – it will be Jesus who fulfills the role of judge, not any of us.
Just yesterday, I saw two famous television preachers talking about the coming war and how it was, without a doubt (in their minds), the end of time! The closing prayer of that program was filled with cries of self-righteousness; words of condemnation of anyone other than ourselves, and a self-assurance that God was on our side. I am reminded of what Abraham Lincoln said during the Civil War. When asked if God was on the side of the Union Army, Lincoln said that more important than asking if God is on our side, we should ask if we are on God’s side.
In recent Bible study sessions at our church we have talked much about being in “the last days.” Those “last days” began long ago, when Jesus returned to the Father – they continue still. Our scriptures (those that we hold so dear) remind us over and over again that wars and rumors of wars (and a lot worse) will continue to be our fate till God decides to set up his new heaven and earth. But till that day, times such as we are living in, will continue to exist.
The good news of the Gospel today is that in the direst of circumstances, God’s people are commanded to stand firm in the faith. If we stand firm – God’s promise is that we will endure, and prevail.
Join me in taking a stand today. Not a political or military stand. Not even a patriotic stand (though that is right and fitting). Join me today in standing in the gap – through prayer. If you will do that, let us begin now:
Our Father, your desire has always been peace for your creation; however, your creation has often turned its back on peace and cared only for its own best interests. How it must sadden you to see the world again on the edge of war. We thank you today, Father, not that we are right and they are wrong, but for the assurance that those faithful to you will endure till the end. In the days ahead we commit ourselves to you; to continued faith in, and service to, your Son Jesus the Christ and a continuous prayer in our hearts that peace will again come upon our land. Amen.
Just Thinking.
Road to War
March 18, 2003
Radio Devotion, Jamestown, ND
I am 56 years old and 24 of those years were spent in military service. Those 24 years included combat in Viet Nam as a sentry dog handler in the Air Force, and 20 years as an Army chaplain – serving with many of the units that are now preparing for war. Military service is an honorable gift from citizens to their country, and we need to be in prayer for all of them – and their families. As you know, ND has more National Guard and Reserve soldiers (per capita) deployed than any other state – they especially need to be in our prayers.
I have been retired from the military less than three years – there are many of my good friends who are at this moment on the front lines in the Persian Gulf. Some, God forbid, may die. How I pray that there were no such thing as war. But there is!
But, you also need to know – as we are now in the shadow of war – the individuals who hate war the most are those who will be sent in harms way. This morning we do not remember in prayer soldiers, sailors, airmen, marines, and coast guardsmen who are some sort of evil, war-mongering members that are waiting for opportunities to kill. What they are, are men and women, moms and dads, sons and daughters who know it is their lives that hang in the balance; their lives that are offered in service to their country. It is for them we pray most fervently this morning.
Some would believe that such things as war can be averted – if we just talk long enough; if we can just negotiate a little more (and better). I wish it were so. This is not a time, however, to lift high our voice in self-righteous platitudes – invoking God’s blessings on our task and condemning others to a certain swift death and eternity in hell. If I understand the scriptures correctly – it will be Jesus who fulfills the role of judge, not any of us.
Just yesterday, I saw two famous television preachers talking about the coming war and how it was, without a doubt (in their minds), the end of time! The closing prayer of that program was filled with cries of self-righteousness; words of condemnation of anyone other than ourselves, and a self-assurance that God was on our side. I am reminded of what Abraham Lincoln said during the Civil War. When asked if God was on the side of the Union Army, Lincoln said that more important than asking if God is on our side, we should ask if we are on God’s side.
In recent Bible study sessions at our church we have talked much about being in “the last days.” Those “last days” began long ago, when Jesus returned to the Father – they continue still. Our scriptures (those that we hold so dear) remind us over and over again that wars and rumors of wars (and a lot worse) will continue to be our fate till God decides to set up his new heaven and earth. But till that day, times such as we are living in, will continue to exist.
The good news of the Gospel today is that in the direst of circumstances, God’s people are commanded to stand firm in the faith. If we stand firm – God’s promise is that we will endure, and prevail.
Join me in taking a stand today. Not a political or military stand. Not even a patriotic stand (though that is right and fitting). Join me today in standing in the gap – through prayer. If you will do that, let us begin now:
Our Father, your desire has always been peace for your creation; however, your creation has often turned its back on peace and cared only for its own best interests. How it must sadden you to see the world again on the edge of war. We thank you today, Father, not that we are right and they are wrong, but for the assurance that those faithful to you will endure till the end. In the days ahead we commit ourselves to you; to continued faith in, and service to, your Son Jesus the Christ and a continuous prayer in our hearts that peace will again come upon our land. Amen.
Just Thinking.
Prayers for the Armed Forces
I thought I would share the following prayers with you:
Prayers for the Armed Forces
From the “Book of Worship for United States Forces.”
ARMY: O Lord God of hosts, stretch forth, we pray, your almighty arm to strengthen and protect the soldiers of our country. Support them in the day of battle, and in the time of rest and training keep them safe from all evil. Endue them with courage and loyalty; and grant that in all things they may serve without reproach; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen
NAVY: O eternal Lord God, you alone spread out the heavens and rule the raging sea. Take into your most gracious protection our country’s navy and all who serve therein. Preserve them from the dangers of the sea and from the violence of the enemy, that they may be a safeguard unto the United States of America, and a security for such as sail upon the seas in peaceful and lawful missions. In serving you, O Lord, may our sailors serve their country; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen
AIR FORCE: O Lord God of hosts, you stretch out the heavens like a curtain. Watch over and protect, we pray, the airmen of our country as they fly upon their appointed tasks. Give them courage as they face the foe, and skill in the performance of their duty. Sustain them with your everlasting arms. May your hand lead them, and your right hand hold them up, that they may return to the earth with a grateful sense of your mercy; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen
MARINES: O eternal Father, we commend to your protection and care the members of the marine corps. Guide and direct them in the defense of our country and in the maintenance of justice among the nations. Sustain them in the hour of danger. Grant that wherever they serve they may be loyal to their high traditions, and that at all times they may put their trust in you; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
COAST GUARD: O Lord our God, who stilled the raging of the seas by your word of power: watch over, we pray you, the men and women of the coast guard as they sail upon their missions of vigilant aid. Grant them courage and skill and a safe return. Fill them with a grateful sense of your mercy toward them; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Prayers for the Armed Forces
From the “Book of Worship for United States Forces.”
ARMY: O Lord God of hosts, stretch forth, we pray, your almighty arm to strengthen and protect the soldiers of our country. Support them in the day of battle, and in the time of rest and training keep them safe from all evil. Endue them with courage and loyalty; and grant that in all things they may serve without reproach; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen
NAVY: O eternal Lord God, you alone spread out the heavens and rule the raging sea. Take into your most gracious protection our country’s navy and all who serve therein. Preserve them from the dangers of the sea and from the violence of the enemy, that they may be a safeguard unto the United States of America, and a security for such as sail upon the seas in peaceful and lawful missions. In serving you, O Lord, may our sailors serve their country; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen
AIR FORCE: O Lord God of hosts, you stretch out the heavens like a curtain. Watch over and protect, we pray, the airmen of our country as they fly upon their appointed tasks. Give them courage as they face the foe, and skill in the performance of their duty. Sustain them with your everlasting arms. May your hand lead them, and your right hand hold them up, that they may return to the earth with a grateful sense of your mercy; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen
MARINES: O eternal Father, we commend to your protection and care the members of the marine corps. Guide and direct them in the defense of our country and in the maintenance of justice among the nations. Sustain them in the hour of danger. Grant that wherever they serve they may be loyal to their high traditions, and that at all times they may put their trust in you; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
COAST GUARD: O Lord our God, who stilled the raging of the seas by your word of power: watch over, we pray you, the men and women of the coast guard as they sail upon their missions of vigilant aid. Grant them courage and skill and a safe return. Fill them with a grateful sense of your mercy toward them; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Monday, April 16, 2007
Buying a weedeater
I remember growing up in Huntsville, AL and going to a cafe and being asked if I wanted something to drink. The answer was always, "I want a Coke." The response of the waiter or waitress was, "What kind?" To that I would say, "a Grape (or Pepsi, Orange, etc.)." Coke was just a generic name for a soft drink. We didn't ask for a pop or a soda - that is what my wife and daughters still ask for (they were born in North Dakota). Well, as of late, I have been in the market for a replacement weedeater.
I am just a country boy, so weedeater is a generic name for any gas trimmer you may see. Now, don't get me wrong, I am not some unsophisticated redneck. In fact, I am an alumnus of Vanderbilt University (home of the 2007 National Champion Women's Bowling team) and I started my task by going online and researching all sorts of weedeaters. I talked to friends and neighbors. I even narrowed it down to two models: Echo and Husqvarna. Echo is carried at Home Depot and Husqvarna is carried by Lowes - so my journey began.
I visited each store and (I know this will be hard to believe) had not one salesperson come to my assistance, even though I was handling the machines and reading info from all the boxes, etc. I even went to a local small engine store that carried BOTH brands I was looking for. In their showroom I browsed the models, took them down from the racks, and did everything possible to show I was interested. Nothing! Not one person even welcomed me into the store. Man, even at WalMart I get welcomed!! I was in the Nashville area a few days later, so I continued my quest. I got lucky at the Lowes because the salesman was very knowledgeable and almost sold me on the top-of-the-line Husqvarna. I decided I would wait and think through spending $265 on a weedeater. My rationale was that if I decided on the Husqvarna, I would certainly return to this store and buy from them since I had a real person talk to me that actually knew something. I still had found no one to tell me about the Echo brand. I also had the feeling that if I ever had a problem, no one at any of these stores would be able to help. I had gotten lucky with ONE salesman, but to think that I would be lucky with a repair issue was just more than I could imagine.
Easter Sunday during breakfast (following the 28 degree outdoor Sunrise service), I was talking to the owner of the Albertville, AL Ace Hardware store. I told him of my plight and asked what he would suggest. He mentioned the Echo and commenced to tell me more than I ever wanted to know about it. He then said that if I came by the store he would have someone who knew a lot more about weedeaters talk with me! If I bought one, they would take it out of the box, put gas in it and make sure it was operating correctly. Then, they would let me try it out, if I wanted, to make sure I understood how to operate it. Oh, they also provide repair service on-site! During the following week, I went 60 miles to Albertville, visited the local Ace Hardware store, and was treated like a real person by real professionals. Guess where I bought my weedeater? Guess what I paid for it? $199. Now I am a "Happy Camper."
I know, this doesn't sound like a theological discussion - and it isn't, in the strictest sense. But I have seen this "weedeater issue" acted out in churches all over the world. People wanting to be welcomed, treated like valuable assets, and offered help. All too often their experiences have been just like mine at Home Depot and Lowes. They know there is something there, but just don't know who to go to or how to go about getting what they want. Isn't that sad!
Is there any wonder why some churches grow and others, in the same area, do not? I don't think there is anything strange about that at all. It speaks for itself.
Just Thinking.
I am just a country boy, so weedeater is a generic name for any gas trimmer you may see. Now, don't get me wrong, I am not some unsophisticated redneck. In fact, I am an alumnus of Vanderbilt University (home of the 2007 National Champion Women's Bowling team) and I started my task by going online and researching all sorts of weedeaters. I talked to friends and neighbors. I even narrowed it down to two models: Echo and Husqvarna. Echo is carried at Home Depot and Husqvarna is carried by Lowes - so my journey began.
I visited each store and (I know this will be hard to believe) had not one salesperson come to my assistance, even though I was handling the machines and reading info from all the boxes, etc. I even went to a local small engine store that carried BOTH brands I was looking for. In their showroom I browsed the models, took them down from the racks, and did everything possible to show I was interested. Nothing! Not one person even welcomed me into the store. Man, even at WalMart I get welcomed!! I was in the Nashville area a few days later, so I continued my quest. I got lucky at the Lowes because the salesman was very knowledgeable and almost sold me on the top-of-the-line Husqvarna. I decided I would wait and think through spending $265 on a weedeater. My rationale was that if I decided on the Husqvarna, I would certainly return to this store and buy from them since I had a real person talk to me that actually knew something. I still had found no one to tell me about the Echo brand. I also had the feeling that if I ever had a problem, no one at any of these stores would be able to help. I had gotten lucky with ONE salesman, but to think that I would be lucky with a repair issue was just more than I could imagine.
Easter Sunday during breakfast (following the 28 degree outdoor Sunrise service), I was talking to the owner of the Albertville, AL Ace Hardware store. I told him of my plight and asked what he would suggest. He mentioned the Echo and commenced to tell me more than I ever wanted to know about it. He then said that if I came by the store he would have someone who knew a lot more about weedeaters talk with me! If I bought one, they would take it out of the box, put gas in it and make sure it was operating correctly. Then, they would let me try it out, if I wanted, to make sure I understood how to operate it. Oh, they also provide repair service on-site! During the following week, I went 60 miles to Albertville, visited the local Ace Hardware store, and was treated like a real person by real professionals. Guess where I bought my weedeater? Guess what I paid for it? $199. Now I am a "Happy Camper."
I know, this doesn't sound like a theological discussion - and it isn't, in the strictest sense. But I have seen this "weedeater issue" acted out in churches all over the world. People wanting to be welcomed, treated like valuable assets, and offered help. All too often their experiences have been just like mine at Home Depot and Lowes. They know there is something there, but just don't know who to go to or how to go about getting what they want. Isn't that sad!
Is there any wonder why some churches grow and others, in the same area, do not? I don't think there is anything strange about that at all. It speaks for itself.
Just Thinking.
Tuesday, April 10, 2007
Getting on with life
Well, I think I am over it. No, not Easter - but the hard freeze we had over Easter weekend. I returned home and found my geraniums looking like cooked spinach, my canna lillies looking even worse, and unbelieveably, the crepe myrtles and other plants I thought very hardy - looking rather sickly. At first I was pretty bummed out and rather sad. Now I am getting over it and have a new outlook on things. In fact, I have decided to make this spring and summer a Resurrection time.
I will say, though, that some things I thought for sure would be dead as a doornail were doing quite nicely. My clematis were blooming beautifuly last weekend and I was sure they would be dead, but they are fine. One of them is out in the open, climbing on my fence and is still rather new and spinley - it is doing well and starting to bud. Can you believe it? I couldn't, and yet here they are. Most of my hostas are OK - a little on the droopy side, but not too bad. So, another lesson - don't be too quick to write off something (or someone) that looks to be fragile. It just might have what it takes to survive!
One thing I am going to do now is just wait for the plants to rise up and become new again. I read in the paper this morning that that is the best thing to do for most of the bushes and trees, along with many of the plants. I am going to look forward to watching new growth come to the wilted branches and color break out again. Just like Easter all over again.
I remember my first garden. A couple of members of my first church (1976 in North Dakota) helped me put it in and it was a very large one. I planted way too many tomato plants and they started growing like weeds! Afterall, in the jet-black dirt of ND, you had to work at being a failure in gardening! Just as the plants got to about 3 feet high we had a tornado come through the area and the next morning my garden looked like a weedeater had gone through it. I was so discouraged - my first attempt at gardening and now this! I didn't pull up the tomato plants but just let them run on the ground - I just sort of gave up on them. However, they didn't give up on themselves. These things started growing and by the middle of summer I had ladies from the grammer school just down the street coming by every morning to gather up tomatoes by the bushel basket to take to the school kitchen. I learned a very good lesson in my first garden - don't ever underestimate the power of living things to rise up!
So, I have learned this week that it is OK to accept the present as long as you don't give up on the future. I believe that my yard is going to look as good as it ever did - even better. And, I am going to enjoy this "new life" even more than ever before.
Just thinking.
I will say, though, that some things I thought for sure would be dead as a doornail were doing quite nicely. My clematis were blooming beautifuly last weekend and I was sure they would be dead, but they are fine. One of them is out in the open, climbing on my fence and is still rather new and spinley - it is doing well and starting to bud. Can you believe it? I couldn't, and yet here they are. Most of my hostas are OK - a little on the droopy side, but not too bad. So, another lesson - don't be too quick to write off something (or someone) that looks to be fragile. It just might have what it takes to survive!
One thing I am going to do now is just wait for the plants to rise up and become new again. I read in the paper this morning that that is the best thing to do for most of the bushes and trees, along with many of the plants. I am going to look forward to watching new growth come to the wilted branches and color break out again. Just like Easter all over again.
I remember my first garden. A couple of members of my first church (1976 in North Dakota) helped me put it in and it was a very large one. I planted way too many tomato plants and they started growing like weeds! Afterall, in the jet-black dirt of ND, you had to work at being a failure in gardening! Just as the plants got to about 3 feet high we had a tornado come through the area and the next morning my garden looked like a weedeater had gone through it. I was so discouraged - my first attempt at gardening and now this! I didn't pull up the tomato plants but just let them run on the ground - I just sort of gave up on them. However, they didn't give up on themselves. These things started growing and by the middle of summer I had ladies from the grammer school just down the street coming by every morning to gather up tomatoes by the bushel basket to take to the school kitchen. I learned a very good lesson in my first garden - don't ever underestimate the power of living things to rise up!
So, I have learned this week that it is OK to accept the present as long as you don't give up on the future. I believe that my yard is going to look as good as it ever did - even better. And, I am going to enjoy this "new life" even more than ever before.
Just thinking.
Saturday, April 7, 2007
Good Friday
My wife (Pauline) and I attended the Good Friday service last night at First UMC in Albertville, AL. The service was what you would expect for the remembrance of such an event. The sanctuary was dark, a cross stood off to the right, shrouded in black, the pulpit was draped in black, and a lone spotlight highlighted the cross mounted on the wall behind the pulpit. Pastor Mike Ratliff spoke eloquently and the congregation sang the very somber hymns of Good Friday. All in all, a rather normal type service.
Then, for some reason I noticed them - two palm plants, one on each side and in front of the pulpit. Normally, everything is removed from the front; everything is bare. But not last night. I don't know if it was by design, but these two plants made the service something very special for me. You see, as Mike was speaking of the horrors taking place, the sacrifice being made, I was looking at the palms and remembering the sunshine, the cheering crowds, and how fickled we all are.
The palms took me back, out of the darkness of Good Friday, to the sunshine and joy of a triumphful entry. They were part of the joyous celebration of Jesus. The Jesus the people wanted. The Jesus the people had created in their own minds. But, as soon as they found out that the real Jesus was not exactly what they wanted him to be, and, God forbid, a Jesus who fully expected something out of them - they quickly turned on him. One moment the hero, the next moment a nobody! One moment beeing cheered, the next moment being booed! I saw in a new way, how closely related a thin, whispy palm is to an old rugged cross.
In a way, my journey last night back into the shushine took me to a much darker place than where Mike was taking me. It took me to a place oftentimes much darker than the cross - the darkness of my soul and I was reminded again that I too am guilty of wanting Jesus to be who I want him to be. And, everytime I do that, I send him off to the cross. To again atone for my fickleness.
I know we always have to have the memory of the cross at the center of our life. It is the symbol of the greatest sacrifice and the greatest gift ever given. But, maybe we also need to have a faint glimmer of a palm branch as well. I don't know about you, but I need to be reminded more than I like to admit, that I can very easily (and quickly) move from palm to cross. If God does not move at my speed or in my direction, I sometimes can get very disillusioned and very fickled.
Well, that was my Good Friday experience - and I am thankful for it!
Then, for some reason I noticed them - two palm plants, one on each side and in front of the pulpit. Normally, everything is removed from the front; everything is bare. But not last night. I don't know if it was by design, but these two plants made the service something very special for me. You see, as Mike was speaking of the horrors taking place, the sacrifice being made, I was looking at the palms and remembering the sunshine, the cheering crowds, and how fickled we all are.
The palms took me back, out of the darkness of Good Friday, to the sunshine and joy of a triumphful entry. They were part of the joyous celebration of Jesus. The Jesus the people wanted. The Jesus the people had created in their own minds. But, as soon as they found out that the real Jesus was not exactly what they wanted him to be, and, God forbid, a Jesus who fully expected something out of them - they quickly turned on him. One moment the hero, the next moment a nobody! One moment beeing cheered, the next moment being booed! I saw in a new way, how closely related a thin, whispy palm is to an old rugged cross.
In a way, my journey last night back into the shushine took me to a much darker place than where Mike was taking me. It took me to a place oftentimes much darker than the cross - the darkness of my soul and I was reminded again that I too am guilty of wanting Jesus to be who I want him to be. And, everytime I do that, I send him off to the cross. To again atone for my fickleness.
I know we always have to have the memory of the cross at the center of our life. It is the symbol of the greatest sacrifice and the greatest gift ever given. But, maybe we also need to have a faint glimmer of a palm branch as well. I don't know about you, but I need to be reminded more than I like to admit, that I can very easily (and quickly) move from palm to cross. If God does not move at my speed or in my direction, I sometimes can get very disillusioned and very fickled.
Well, that was my Good Friday experience - and I am thankful for it!
Thursday, April 5, 2007
Confirmation
Maybe you are like me when it comes to Confirmation classes. No, I don't mean being tempted with commiting a felony in dealing with the students! Well, maybe a little bit. However, I have struggled, over the years, with just what confirmation should be, how long it should be, and who should be involved.
I have been involved in confirmation programs that were 2 years in duration all the way down to ones that have been completely conducted over a weekend. How in the world do you approach such an important area as confirmation? Let me share some of my thoughts on developing a confirmation program.
First, I have decided that I do not want it to be a quasi-youth group, sunday school class, or Bible study program that replaces responsibilities of the parents/church. I want only for this class to address one major subject - The questions asked each confirmand during confirmation.
These are very basic questions that can be dealt with in various timeframes. But, I believe that each confirman needs to know enough to answer each question without hesitation. They will not know everything there is to know about God, Jesus, the Holy Spirit, and christian responsibilities (most of us don't, even at this juncture in our lives and professions), but they at least will have had intentional instruction in the areas to which they are asked to commit.
Many conferences have confirmation retreats as part of their camping programs. I would encourage you to consider using this as a finale to your confirmation program. It will be sort of a reward to the confirmands for their past study and further prepare them for the final act of confirmation.
Again, I think confirmation should be intentional in its focus. Too much of the literature I have seen is just "more of the same stuff" they receive in other venues.
Just thinking!
I have been involved in confirmation programs that were 2 years in duration all the way down to ones that have been completely conducted over a weekend. How in the world do you approach such an important area as confirmation? Let me share some of my thoughts on developing a confirmation program.
First, I have decided that I do not want it to be a quasi-youth group, sunday school class, or Bible study program that replaces responsibilities of the parents/church. I want only for this class to address one major subject - The questions asked each confirmand during confirmation.
These are very basic questions that can be dealt with in various timeframes. But, I believe that each confirman needs to know enough to answer each question without hesitation. They will not know everything there is to know about God, Jesus, the Holy Spirit, and christian responsibilities (most of us don't, even at this juncture in our lives and professions), but they at least will have had intentional instruction in the areas to which they are asked to commit.
Many conferences have confirmation retreats as part of their camping programs. I would encourage you to consider using this as a finale to your confirmation program. It will be sort of a reward to the confirmands for their past study and further prepare them for the final act of confirmation.
Again, I think confirmation should be intentional in its focus. Too much of the literature I have seen is just "more of the same stuff" they receive in other venues.
Just thinking!
Tuesday, April 3, 2007
First post
I hope that this blog will be a way for me to share thoughts concerning a wide range of ministry issues. The thoughts are mine, and mine only. I value any feedback you may have.
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