Well that's how it seems some days as I find myself on the road and delivering God's love on the streets and clocking up the miles, but I wouldn't have it any other way :-)
It's odd how the miles clock up each day as I visit people in their homes, turn up at hospitals and stuff like that - but it allows me to listen to Women's Hour, plays and other great radio between the visits - which is kinda cool.
So it's been visits and more visits - the simple stuff that makes the day go quickly in a most enjoyable way - and getting sermons written and revisiting the material for the first session of the Bishop's Certificate course. The latter being something of a challenge from the fact that you never know who will actually turn up on the night, but we had nine of us around the table with the promise of a couple more next week, and it seemed to go well.
Sadness came in the shape of people I know entering that last phase of life, the fact that for one of the people it is far too early and this makes it all a lot sadder than it would usually be. Another, although having reached a good age still clings to life - and we cling to them, reluctant to let them go.
Tonight, as the day is gone and the new entered into, I find myself unnaturally tired and my emotions flip from one state to another as that tiredness, aches and pains and frustrations and joys collide - and yet, beyond it all, there is an inexplicable joy and sense of a good day done.
Lord, reach out Your hand and strengthen those whose life is coming to its close and in doing so comfort those who prepare to lose their loved ones.
Be with those whose needs are many and whose strength is low; help those with broken bodies, minds and spirits to withstand the storm before them.
For those who are far off, I pray that You would be their rock and shield and that they might come to see Your presence in their lives.
And for me, my daily bread consumed and my sins forgiven, help me to live as you would have me live - to live like You and to love all before me regardless of the their their situation or state.
Lord, graciously hear my prayer.
Showing posts with label teaching. Show all posts
Showing posts with label teaching. Show all posts
Thursday, 2 February 2017
Wednesday, 30 April 2014
Walking a fine line
One of the many important challenges of the pastoral role is that of 'protecting the flock'! No simple task for there are many wolves out there waiting to devour the sheep, many shepherds who are looking to steer the faithful away from the truth and loads of well meaning people who have simply got the wrong end of the stick or been sucked into error.
The potential for people to slip into error is great for that which, at first glance, appears to be sound can easily turn out not to be. The sadness is that many who follow, error more often than not, genuinely believe they are following the truth and this is where the problems begin, Problems because of the options before us when this happens:
i. Sigh and walk away having said nothing - AKA 'keeping the peace'
ii. Engage with them, find out more, and issue a caution - AKA 'making trouble for yourself'
iii. Teach and preach orthodoxy and hope people spot the errors themselves - AKA 'Living in hope'
Option i is the oft preferred method of choice because silence is golden and peace, however uneasy, reigns. This has been my option of choice at times because it's simple and avoids all that nasty conflict. But while it removes the frustration of dealing with people who refuse to even consider that they might be wrong it leaves them on the wrong track. Now as much as the 'leave them to their own ends' approach is compelling, The Bible tosses a spanner into the works in so many places (which we will cover shortly).
Option ii is fraught with problems because those who hold a different position will beat their breasts and complain to any who will listen (and there's always many of them) about you being negative. They will go on about how you oppose the things of God and are quenching the Spirit and, best of all, proclaim (loudly) how you, as an accuser of the brethren, are the very spawn of satan. It is this that 'encourages' so many of us to adopt the first option. After all, as a survivor of such an engagement last year put it: 'They aren't going to listen, their idiot friends make your life hell, what's the point, best leave them to it!'
I love option iii because it is the thinking shepherd's approach. You look at what's going on and then you see where it deviates from that which is right and then you teach that which is right in the hope that those under your care will, like the Alien toys in Toy Story emit a loud 'Oooooh!' as the penny drops - job done. Well that's the idea - but whilst some will make the connections, many require the explicit approach of option ii. if you're really going to do the job properly.
Attempting to counter error is fraught with bumps, potholes and rubble designed to knock you off your bike. The minute you engage with any suspected error the same old responses appear. It's like playing Sonic as you pass through familiar levels in pursuit of that final goal.
Next instalment will take a look at the response you get and some biblical responses (which will be great because there are so many unbiblical to choose from)
Here's a thought from 2 Tim 4.2 to be going on with:
'Tell everyone God’s message. Be ready at all times to do whatever is needed.
Tell people what they need to do, tell them when they are doing wrong, and encourage them.
Do this with great patience and careful teaching.'
Happy Wednesday
The potential for people to slip into error is great for that which, at first glance, appears to be sound can easily turn out not to be. The sadness is that many who follow, error more often than not, genuinely believe they are following the truth and this is where the problems begin, Problems because of the options before us when this happens:
i. Sigh and walk away having said nothing - AKA 'keeping the peace'
ii. Engage with them, find out more, and issue a caution - AKA 'making trouble for yourself'
iii. Teach and preach orthodoxy and hope people spot the errors themselves - AKA 'Living in hope'
Option i is the oft preferred method of choice because silence is golden and peace, however uneasy, reigns. This has been my option of choice at times because it's simple and avoids all that nasty conflict. But while it removes the frustration of dealing with people who refuse to even consider that they might be wrong it leaves them on the wrong track. Now as much as the 'leave them to their own ends' approach is compelling, The Bible tosses a spanner into the works in so many places (which we will cover shortly).
Option ii is fraught with problems because those who hold a different position will beat their breasts and complain to any who will listen (and there's always many of them) about you being negative. They will go on about how you oppose the things of God and are quenching the Spirit and, best of all, proclaim (loudly) how you, as an accuser of the brethren, are the very spawn of satan. It is this that 'encourages' so many of us to adopt the first option. After all, as a survivor of such an engagement last year put it: 'They aren't going to listen, their idiot friends make your life hell, what's the point, best leave them to it!'
I love option iii because it is the thinking shepherd's approach. You look at what's going on and then you see where it deviates from that which is right and then you teach that which is right in the hope that those under your care will, like the Alien toys in Toy Story emit a loud 'Oooooh!' as the penny drops - job done. Well that's the idea - but whilst some will make the connections, many require the explicit approach of option ii. if you're really going to do the job properly.
Attempting to counter error is fraught with bumps, potholes and rubble designed to knock you off your bike. The minute you engage with any suspected error the same old responses appear. It's like playing Sonic as you pass through familiar levels in pursuit of that final goal.
Next instalment will take a look at the response you get and some biblical responses (which will be great because there are so many unbiblical to choose from)
Here's a thought from 2 Tim 4.2 to be going on with:
'Tell everyone God’s message. Be ready at all times to do whatever is needed.
Tell people what they need to do, tell them when they are doing wrong, and encourage them.
Do this with great patience and careful teaching.'
Happy Wednesday
Wednesday, 23 October 2013
Made me Laugh: ARiSE!
Please don't look at this image if you have a drink in your hand, and especially not if you have a mouth full of drink either, because if you do - you may have a problem:
It's amazing how people fail to see what others do when they get involved in banners and the like. Reminded me of another image that made tea come out of my nostrils:
Still - it keeps us humble (and smiling) I guess
It's amazing how people fail to see what others do when they get involved in banners and the like. Reminded me of another image that made tea come out of my nostrils:
Still - it keeps us humble (and smiling) I guess
Wednesday, 21 August 2013
That's Education?
Or is it?
I am increasingly finding myself less and less enthralled by the deconstruction of the state education system that is Academies. In fact I wonder what on earth it's all about for it appears to be a system which, in the main, benefits those who provide the things rather than those who attend them!
When we started off with Lord Adonis and the snake oil product that is the Academy I was ambivalent for it merely represented yet another meddle with the education system. As things progressed I found that where at first those who were seeking to run such things were expected to bring money, expertise and the like, it soon descended into a situation whereby companies (sorry trusts) were given land, property and more besides with nothing more than notional commitments. This has to be questionable at so many levels.
Then we had a marvellous happening whereby at a meeting about our new Academy a senior member of the County education structure informed us that an Academy was a good move for a failing school. 'But we're not a failing school,' we cried. 'But you've failed your OFSTED,' came the response (which pantomime like was met by a, 'Oh no we haven't!'). A few weeks later OFSTED arrived and it became a failing school (hmmm!).
It then transpired that, becoming an Academy, removed from the school any need to have 'qualified teachers' (and this has shown in the case of some I've met!) and standardised pay scales, freedom of information requirements and so much more. The schools have been removed from the state system and the main beneficiaries are, it would seem to me, be those who run them (did I mention that one high ranking education official left to join the board of one of these trusts?) not the pupils.
Now as much as I like conspiracy theories, and I can see that this is a great way of funding the Croney culture of the previous Labour government (as continued by the current bunch) and feathering nests of supporters and perhaps even engaging with some form of social engineering in that the proletariat and resettled back into their proper place. After all we need people to make stuff, load the vans and deliver it now don't we?
I read recently that the 7% of school population who go to fee-paying schools make up some 25% of the university population (and I mean Russell group, not some of the newly mown entities that are appearing).
One of the pupils I have heard of recently (living on the Autistic Scale) came out with a crop of E grades - and yet that's not what their potential suggests. I'd say 'that's life' but then another I've come across has equally poor grades, and another, and another and ... One of the parents on Twitter wrote that their child had collected grades a few weeks back and been told that they shouldn't bother to come back!
I'm confused as to what I'm looking at and at a loss what to do about it.
Ask questions and you're fobbed off, or ignored, such that the result is even deeper concern.
Ask for statistics, statements and the like and you're told that what you are seeking is 'proprietary information' and not available in the public domain - for this is market forces and education is now an industry which is competitive - each provider in competition with the other and seeking to harness the market forces to their own benefit.
I hear of 'hostile takeovers' of schools and see Gove and his ilk fiddling whilst our children's futures burn before them on a pyre dedicated to political dogma and social-engineering.
Education is not, as so many seem to think, about 'maximising potential income' but about maximising and realising the potential within each and every child to be the best they can in the areas in which they are gifted and have a desire to be engaged in. It is about finding out how to motivate and educate our children to be the best people they can be at every level (and I don't see how calling teachers by their first names and having them discuss their love life, woes and whatever aids this in any way either).
My role as a minister in the place where I am is to stand up for the weak, oppressed, marginalised and under-resourced and to be honest, one of the biggest groups I am find that fits this bill is our children. So I hear the stories and offer sympathy to parents and children who are not apparently being well-served by the system - but I know I need to do more than pay the lip service that this all too often represents.
So here I am, concerned and confused, but not going away.
The children in my patch deserve more than that - Jesus demands more than that!
Watch this space
And whilst you do - please pray for:
The teachers who are increasingly under pressure
Our children and their families as they seek to develop and grow, that their aspirations a might be met and those who are weaker find them themselves supported by the system
The education system in this land of ours that it would work with open-handed equity and benefit pupils and not those who operate the schools.
I am increasingly finding myself less and less enthralled by the deconstruction of the state education system that is Academies. In fact I wonder what on earth it's all about for it appears to be a system which, in the main, benefits those who provide the things rather than those who attend them!
When we started off with Lord Adonis and the snake oil product that is the Academy I was ambivalent for it merely represented yet another meddle with the education system. As things progressed I found that where at first those who were seeking to run such things were expected to bring money, expertise and the like, it soon descended into a situation whereby companies (sorry trusts) were given land, property and more besides with nothing more than notional commitments. This has to be questionable at so many levels.
Then we had a marvellous happening whereby at a meeting about our new Academy a senior member of the County education structure informed us that an Academy was a good move for a failing school. 'But we're not a failing school,' we cried. 'But you've failed your OFSTED,' came the response (which pantomime like was met by a, 'Oh no we haven't!'). A few weeks later OFSTED arrived and it became a failing school (hmmm!).
It then transpired that, becoming an Academy, removed from the school any need to have 'qualified teachers' (and this has shown in the case of some I've met!) and standardised pay scales, freedom of information requirements and so much more. The schools have been removed from the state system and the main beneficiaries are, it would seem to me, be those who run them (did I mention that one high ranking education official left to join the board of one of these trusts?) not the pupils.
Now as much as I like conspiracy theories, and I can see that this is a great way of funding the Croney culture of the previous Labour government (as continued by the current bunch) and feathering nests of supporters and perhaps even engaging with some form of social engineering in that the proletariat and resettled back into their proper place. After all we need people to make stuff, load the vans and deliver it now don't we?
I read recently that the 7% of school population who go to fee-paying schools make up some 25% of the university population (and I mean Russell group, not some of the newly mown entities that are appearing).
One of the pupils I have heard of recently (living on the Autistic Scale) came out with a crop of E grades - and yet that's not what their potential suggests. I'd say 'that's life' but then another I've come across has equally poor grades, and another, and another and ... One of the parents on Twitter wrote that their child had collected grades a few weeks back and been told that they shouldn't bother to come back!
I'm confused as to what I'm looking at and at a loss what to do about it.
Ask questions and you're fobbed off, or ignored, such that the result is even deeper concern.
Ask for statistics, statements and the like and you're told that what you are seeking is 'proprietary information' and not available in the public domain - for this is market forces and education is now an industry which is competitive - each provider in competition with the other and seeking to harness the market forces to their own benefit.
I hear of 'hostile takeovers' of schools and see Gove and his ilk fiddling whilst our children's futures burn before them on a pyre dedicated to political dogma and social-engineering.
Education is not, as so many seem to think, about 'maximising potential income' but about maximising and realising the potential within each and every child to be the best they can in the areas in which they are gifted and have a desire to be engaged in. It is about finding out how to motivate and educate our children to be the best people they can be at every level (and I don't see how calling teachers by their first names and having them discuss their love life, woes and whatever aids this in any way either).
My role as a minister in the place where I am is to stand up for the weak, oppressed, marginalised and under-resourced and to be honest, one of the biggest groups I am find that fits this bill is our children. So I hear the stories and offer sympathy to parents and children who are not apparently being well-served by the system - but I know I need to do more than pay the lip service that this all too often represents.
So here I am, concerned and confused, but not going away.
The children in my patch deserve more than that - Jesus demands more than that!
Watch this space
And whilst you do - please pray for:
The teachers who are increasingly under pressure
Our children and their families as they seek to develop and grow, that their aspirations a might be met and those who are weaker find them themselves supported by the system
The education system in this land of ours that it would work with open-handed equity and benefit pupils and not those who operate the schools.
Wednesday, 12 June 2013
Who needs theology when God shows up?
I was asked about the 'Welsh Revival' this morning (by a member of one of those 'enthusiastic' churches as one of the local churchgoers so kindly puts it) and I had to stop and wonder why something that happened over one hundred years ago might be the main focus of a conversation. But before I had a chance to ask what they meant, they told me.
Seems some of those in town had taken themselves off to Cwmbran's Victory Church to 'enjoy what God is doing there!' and this was the revival they spoke of. This outpouring of God has been running for some sixty-plus days as each,and every day, people turn up at 7pm and stay until late praising God and seeing many apparently healed and many others giving their lives over to God - and that can't be bad can it?
I asked them what the teaching and theology was like and received a somewhat unsettling answer, 'You don't need theology and teaching when God turns up!'
Now I don't want to be a wet blanket; I'm sure there are many who have already taken upon themselves that role! BUT I do want to say that without theology (of the sound kind) the potential for error is immense and unless what is taught is Biblical then the potential for abuse of God's word and people being found to be led astray is great. The more that we see manifestations of God the more we need to welcome it with joy and also test what is before us. After all I've seen a great many 'waves' where God has been apparently evident and yet the fruit was neither lasting nor sound!
In the Bible, 1 John 4, tells us to 'test the spirit', that is to challenge that which appears, or is claimed to be, of or from God:
'Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world.'
The same passage continues by telling us that what we have before us needs to have Jesus, the Christ, as central and Him acknowledged as both mediator and as God made flesh and if it doesn't, then it just ain't God! Test failed and you can be assured that it's error regardless of the music, the crowds and the manifestations!
Another test is that God will produce His spiritual fruits (Galatians 5) and that the hallmark of being authentic is 'love' - but let's read the passage for ourselves:
'For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: “Love your neighbour as yourself.”
'I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want.
But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. The acts of the flesh are obvious:
sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like.
I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.
Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.
Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.
Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.'
Since the conversation I've taken a quick look at the (many) videos and assessments of this 'outpouring' and I hope and pray that it is exactly what it looks like. This is my prayer and hope and I look to the wisdom of Gamaliel as he addressed those who wanted to deal with Peter and the other apostles for preaching Christ in the Temple courts (Acts 5):
'They were furious and wanted to put them to death. But a Pharisee named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law, who was honoured by all the people, stood up in the Sanhedrin and ordered that the men be put outside for a little while. Then he addressed the Sanhedrin:
“Men of Israel, consider carefully what you intend to do to these men. Some time ago Theudas appeared, claiming to be somebody, and about four hundred men rallied to him. He was killed, all his followers were dispersed, and it all came to nothing.
After him, Judas the Galilean appeared in the days of the census and led a band of people in revolt. He too was killed, and all his followers were scattered.
Therefore, in the present case I advise you:
Leave these men alone! Let them go! For if their purpose or activity is of human origin, it will fail.
But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against God.” '
Here are some wise words - for we must be careful not to curse that which is indeed God nor to bless (or endorse) that which obviously isn't. But that which is not of God will surely (in time perhaps) fall and so it is better to watch and pray rather than curse that of which we are unsure.
This is my position - I pray that whatever is happening in Cwmbran is indeed what it looks like and if so, say, 'Bring it on here Lord, the needs are great and the work of your hand is welcome where we are!'
I would also say that worship is great but the word tells us that signs and wonders follow the preaching of the word and it was by hearing of God's love as shown through Jesus, the cross and resurrection (the kerygma) that people came to faith - without sound teaching and theology all we have is ears tickled and a work that will neither bear fruit or last.
I would value any comments, experiences and the like on this - for I am encouraged and hopeful regarding it.
Pax
Seems some of those in town had taken themselves off to Cwmbran's Victory Church to 'enjoy what God is doing there!' and this was the revival they spoke of. This outpouring of God has been running for some sixty-plus days as each,and every day, people turn up at 7pm and stay until late praising God and seeing many apparently healed and many others giving their lives over to God - and that can't be bad can it?
I asked them what the teaching and theology was like and received a somewhat unsettling answer, 'You don't need theology and teaching when God turns up!'
Now I don't want to be a wet blanket; I'm sure there are many who have already taken upon themselves that role! BUT I do want to say that without theology (of the sound kind) the potential for error is immense and unless what is taught is Biblical then the potential for abuse of God's word and people being found to be led astray is great. The more that we see manifestations of God the more we need to welcome it with joy and also test what is before us. After all I've seen a great many 'waves' where God has been apparently evident and yet the fruit was neither lasting nor sound!
In the Bible, 1 John 4, tells us to 'test the spirit', that is to challenge that which appears, or is claimed to be, of or from God:
'Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world.'
The same passage continues by telling us that what we have before us needs to have Jesus, the Christ, as central and Him acknowledged as both mediator and as God made flesh and if it doesn't, then it just ain't God! Test failed and you can be assured that it's error regardless of the music, the crowds and the manifestations!
Another test is that God will produce His spiritual fruits (Galatians 5) and that the hallmark of being authentic is 'love' - but let's read the passage for ourselves:
'For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: “Love your neighbour as yourself.”
'I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want.
But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. The acts of the flesh are obvious:
sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like.
I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.
Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.
Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.
Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.'
Since the conversation I've taken a quick look at the (many) videos and assessments of this 'outpouring' and I hope and pray that it is exactly what it looks like. This is my prayer and hope and I look to the wisdom of Gamaliel as he addressed those who wanted to deal with Peter and the other apostles for preaching Christ in the Temple courts (Acts 5):
'They were furious and wanted to put them to death. But a Pharisee named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law, who was honoured by all the people, stood up in the Sanhedrin and ordered that the men be put outside for a little while. Then he addressed the Sanhedrin:
“Men of Israel, consider carefully what you intend to do to these men. Some time ago Theudas appeared, claiming to be somebody, and about four hundred men rallied to him. He was killed, all his followers were dispersed, and it all came to nothing.
After him, Judas the Galilean appeared in the days of the census and led a band of people in revolt. He too was killed, and all his followers were scattered.
Therefore, in the present case I advise you:
Leave these men alone! Let them go! For if their purpose or activity is of human origin, it will fail.
But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against God.” '
Here are some wise words - for we must be careful not to curse that which is indeed God nor to bless (or endorse) that which obviously isn't. But that which is not of God will surely (in time perhaps) fall and so it is better to watch and pray rather than curse that of which we are unsure.
This is my position - I pray that whatever is happening in Cwmbran is indeed what it looks like and if so, say, 'Bring it on here Lord, the needs are great and the work of your hand is welcome where we are!'
I would also say that worship is great but the word tells us that signs and wonders follow the preaching of the word and it was by hearing of God's love as shown through Jesus, the cross and resurrection (the kerygma) that people came to faith - without sound teaching and theology all we have is ears tickled and a work that will neither bear fruit or last.
I would value any comments, experiences and the like on this - for I am encouraged and hopeful regarding it.
Pax
Thursday, 25 April 2013
It ain't what you say . . .
It's the way that they hear it!
Last week, I had an opportunity to feel quite pleased with myself as one of the people who'd heard me preach on active remembrance in the Eucharist told me how much they'd learn and the difference that 'amniocentesis' had made to their communion experience!
I can honestly say that I have never, not once, mentioned the testing of amniotic fluids in conjunction with the Eucharist but realised that what they meant was 'anamnesis'.
One of the roles of the minister, especially those who wish to engage theologically at personal and congregational levels, is to take the difficult things and make them simple; take the simple things and make them commonplace and everyday realities. The problem is that we all too often simplify concepts and issues, scattering analogies and naff metaphors as we go, and leave our people with a weak and often impotent God and a flawed and failing Christianity,
God has three leaves and is green, or Mother, Wife and Daughter; the route to modalism or tritheistic stuff is now put on the spiritual GPS and and coherent understanding of the Trinity is lost (of course they could read 'The Shack I guess!). We struggle with the Vigin Birth and so we have adoptionism, Arianism or a 'normal' bloke who, 'Being filled with the Holy Spirit, is enable to be God because God resides in Him and make Him part of God!' (and I have heard that sermon on more than one occasion during my Christian life!
When I used to work with engineering apprentices,we had a large poster on the wall of one of the workshops which proclaimed:
And this was true for the apprentices (I was one, I know!) and was confirmed by the fact that out first attempts at thing often went awry but got better the more we did, and understood, the what, why and how; and is true for congregations too. The problem is this:
Many of us are not exposed to the Bible outside of the Sunday readings and sermon slot.
Many of us never get to discuss what the Bible says in an active way.
Many of us want to 'do' what the Bible says but have 'stuff' (work, hobbies, family, etc.) that get in the way and either prevent us from doing or water it down.
Many of us have a go but don't have the watchful, and corrective, eye and hand with us and so, if ut goes even a little wrong, we find ourselves withdrawing to a place of safety (ie. not doing anything or keeping to what we know we can do)!
Seems that even when we think we've said it well we find that later the people haven't perhaps heard it as well as we thought. There's more to preaching than:
We also need to show them (where possible) and then get them to explain, make, or do too!
Amniocentisis
Mind you, Parthenongenesis is the first book of the Bible that was found in the Parthenon, isn't it?
Last week, I had an opportunity to feel quite pleased with myself as one of the people who'd heard me preach on active remembrance in the Eucharist told me how much they'd learn and the difference that 'amniocentesis' had made to their communion experience!
I can honestly say that I have never, not once, mentioned the testing of amniotic fluids in conjunction with the Eucharist but realised that what they meant was 'anamnesis'.
One of the roles of the minister, especially those who wish to engage theologically at personal and congregational levels, is to take the difficult things and make them simple; take the simple things and make them commonplace and everyday realities. The problem is that we all too often simplify concepts and issues, scattering analogies and naff metaphors as we go, and leave our people with a weak and often impotent God and a flawed and failing Christianity,
God has three leaves and is green, or Mother, Wife and Daughter; the route to modalism or tritheistic stuff is now put on the spiritual GPS and and coherent understanding of the Trinity is lost (of course they could read 'The Shack I guess!). We struggle with the Vigin Birth and so we have adoptionism, Arianism or a 'normal' bloke who, 'Being filled with the Holy Spirit, is enable to be God because God resides in Him and make Him part of God!' (and I have heard that sermon on more than one occasion during my Christian life!
When I used to work with engineering apprentices,we had a large poster on the wall of one of the workshops which proclaimed:
“What I hear, I forget;
What I see, I remember;
What I do, I understand.”
And this was true for the apprentices (I was one, I know!) and was confirmed by the fact that out first attempts at thing often went awry but got better the more we did, and understood, the what, why and how; and is true for congregations too. The problem is this:
Many of us are not exposed to the Bible outside of the Sunday readings and sermon slot.
Many of us never get to discuss what the Bible says in an active way.
Many of us want to 'do' what the Bible says but have 'stuff' (work, hobbies, family, etc.) that get in the way and either prevent us from doing or water it down.
Many of us have a go but don't have the watchful, and corrective, eye and hand with us and so, if ut goes even a little wrong, we find ourselves withdrawing to a place of safety (ie. not doing anything or keeping to what we know we can do)!
Seems that even when we think we've said it well we find that later the people haven't perhaps heard it as well as we thought. There's more to preaching than:
Tell them what you're going to tell them
Tell them
Tell them what you've told them
We also need to show them (where possible) and then get them to explain, make, or do too!
Amniocentisis
Mind you, Parthenongenesis is the first book of the Bible that was found in the Parthenon, isn't it?
Thursday, 10 May 2012
Official - Teaching isn't stressful!
Sir Michael Wilshaw, the head of Ofsted, has come up with the wonderful opinion that teaching isn't stressful. Having met headteachers who were facing the sack if their Ofsted inspection wasn't up to scratch and working in a world where such terms as 'hostile takeovers' and 'vunerability' are now everyday language, I think the chap might be a little mistaken.
What Wilshaw says is, to a point, true as he spoke of the workplace stress that came from trying to find work in the post-war depression years and the struggle to keep food on the table and clothes on their family's back but it is facile to say that the teaching role is not pressurised.
It's just a different pressure!
What Wilshaw says is, to a point, true as he spoke of the workplace stress that came from trying to find work in the post-war depression years and the struggle to keep food on the table and clothes on their family's back but it is facile to say that the teaching role is not pressurised.
It's just a different pressure!
Friday, 30 December 2011
Church - WTF?
This picture, which was gleaned (ie. pinched) from the Church Sofa is one of those made me laugh out loud (LOL) moments:
It sort of says it all and yet leaves something to be gleaned from those who might otherwise view the Church a little negatively too!
Oh happy day
Pax
It sort of says it all and yet leaves something to be gleaned from those who might otherwise view the Church a little negatively too!
Oh happy day
Pax
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