1st sermon here, on division, in a church where that's an issue!! Yikes!!

Posted on: 08/02/2007 08:01

Its summer, none of us are wound up and ready for a big project, but I'm preaching at our church on the 19th. This is only the 2nd time in 3 years for whatever reason, and I'm trained as a lay worship leader. I've done this a couple of other times elsewhere, but for my congregation, this is basically the first real sermon/service.
My problem is, as some of you know, my congregation is frustrating, and divided on some key issues. Many are very controlling about traditional practices & viewpoints - the least of which is kids should behave & be quiet. Some of those things are deal-breakers for me, and I'm hanging in because of some great people and a sparkle of hope. there are lots of lousy days.
Also, some churches in the area are discussing amalgamation, and our church is NOT on that list.

So of course the lectionary for the week, is Jesus came to divide, not just to build up. My brain goes to churches struggling and crumbling before you can rise from the ashes with a new purpose, to a church that with it's fighting, will see much destruction before it improves. (Yeah, it is often that bad!)

I'm an emerging spirit/Wondercafe champion around there and I'm 35, with 2 kids - a rarity. Like many familiies, my husband rarely comes - tired of the BS, I champion change/growth/respect for old, but embracing the new, and yet for many it just falls on deaf ears.

Heres the catch - I know they are running out of $$ for my position. I know that this fall, they will be reviewing my position. But I'm supported by a recent JNAC, and my appt. goes til June. I am supported by many here as well, but not by the strong back-room types. Anyway, I'm ok with all of that (nothing would surprise me) but I don't want to hasten it, or anything.
I happen to be passionate & outspoken when given the opportunity.

Any wisdom for me on this Passage - Luke 12: 49-56 - Jesus come to bring fire and division within households.?????

Birthstone's blog
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Comments

BigDave

Posted on: 08/02/2007 09:40

Fire was the ancient Hebrew symbol of judgement. When Jesus announced his ministry he quoted the words from Isaiah signalling that the realm of God was within this world. When he says he came to cast fire upon the earth he is alluding to judgement and the sword is the implement of the division of judgement between the faithful and unfaithful, even beyond family loyalties. Christ is to be first.

Christ was called the Prince of Peace, so it is strange that this passage seems so violent. If we look at it metaphorically and compare that to what has happened the last 2000 years, we witness the Jesus was indeed a peaceful, healing sort, eschewing violence (the garden story where Peter cut of the Roman's ear). History since then, right up to current times has been rife with the violence of the division of the sword in Christ's name, so he did indeed bring a sword and judgement.

I look at the story of Christ on the cross and wonder of the significance of the centurion piercing Jesus' side with a sword (or spear). This sword was the dividing point of the temporal Christ and the eternal Christ. It also would signal the forgiveness or atonement of past judgement.

Just a thought.

Gordie_boy

Posted on: 08/02/2007 11:58

I would suggest that a liberal dose of family systems theory is at the centre of what Jesus is saying in the passage. In particular, what you are describing in your blog is that the congregation is wrestling with change and part of that change is the new perceptions of children and youth which might enliven what, according to your post, is a form moribund congregational life.

As with any change, the family system, which the congregation certainly comprises, reacts in such a way as to re-estabish the former "comfortable" status quo. Until or if that change becomes incorporated into the life of the congregation, the system will constantly work to go back to the way things were. Once, however, at the prophetic prodding of people like you, a new equilibrium is established and the change becomes part of congregational life, a lot of the tension and fear subsides. The battle, though, like any family fight, is terrifying.

Jesus knew that his message of self-giving and of love would upset the apple cart. To predict a fight against such change, a fight which would even fracture families, is just the playing out of family systems theory. However, to what Jesus pointed in speaking of the Holy Spirit''s help after his resurrection was that God wouldn't leave followers mired in confusion if they would listen for the Spirit's guidance. A new equilibrium would be forged through God's Spirit-led nurture.

Perhaps allowing them to see the sitution, both within the scripture and within your congregational reality, from an outsider's point of view might be helpful: letting them walk in another's shoes. Asking them to try to see another's veiwpoint can ally them with you instead of setting them up to fight you.

One caution: don't make it about you. Make it about welcoming others.

free44

Posted on: 08/02/2007 09:36

I think Jesus is telling us to expect division, that the truth is painful and divides us but with being Zealous in making known the truth, God will be glorified., the reference to fire appears to suggest judgment, we will be judged by many, being strong and a little outspoken it will be worth it.

Birthstone

Posted on: 08/10/2007 22:54

we've got the service plan ready (& printed- secretary is on vacation) so I'm committed!!

Carolla - I love your ideas - I'm sure that the big elastic would drive certain elements nuts, but many would love it - I might just do that. We've also got a great prayer from the Living the Welcome handbook; and some toher stuff - I will post the sermon when it's ready - Monday is my day for working on it so far - I've got a babysitter.

Part of my head goes to the Justice/change in our world, but then part goes to more congregation-oriented.
I know I can't be all over the place, and it needs to be focused (I'm pretty good with that) but I'm not sure yet what will come.

Anyway - thanks - all this is helping!

Panentheism

Posted on: 08/03/2007 10:30

The job is simple - show up - be present - tell the truth - let it go - be willing to let the chips fall where they may and by reading family systems like Freedman you will know how to be present - and the truth is always contextual.

Birthstone

Posted on: 08/03/2007 20:09

I've been reading - Exegesis!! and going through the hymns and pentecost stuff (all very appropriate) and I'm feeling better - I like your perspective Gordie Boy, a lot actually, though "Family systems" are not something I am familiar with beyond a general idea & understanding.

I really resonated with the idea that until the tide changes, a group will go back to its comfort state, so that the struggle to change is very difficult.

Today I started to think about it in a more positive light - helps to sleep on it. think I'll start with the idea of "if it ain't broke, break it!" and be cheerful & upbeat about embracing change. (Before the kids story) - then for the sermon, I'll get more serious/angry as in Jesus' fire - talk about the complacency that has driven injustice, and apathy/ and on a congregational level, the stagnancy (???).
Then start to lift it up - what will change look & feel like, how God doesn't just gget mad & fiery - God stays & guides us, that change & success will feel good - we'll hardly miss the old ways.

Thanks for your help - any more???

carolla

Posted on: 08/05/2007 21:38

Here's an illustration of change & family systems theory that a wise therapist once shared with me - and I have used it countless times since.

Hold out your hand, palm up.

Now , bring the tips of all your fingers & thumb together, keeping the fingers kinda straight (wish I could just send you a video clip!!) This is the family/congregation all together.

Now, imagine an elastic band encircling all the fingers - fitting all of them comfortably - keeping them together. (ie shared values , beliefs, etc.)

If you stretch out your index finger (i.e. make change) - what happens to that elastic band? (increased tension) How do the others feel? (uncomfortable). How much energy does it use to maintain that position? (lots!)

To releive their discomfort, they try hard to pull that index finger back in - believing that everyone will be comfy again. ( The change agent has quit/capitulated/given up the struggle)

An alternate solution - if the change agent is persistent enough, (or takes small steps) - is that the group may gradually come closer, to re-establish comfort in a new place.

Now hopefully you got the gist of that!!

Perhaps Birthstone, you could even do this sor t of thing using a few real people encircled with a really big elastic (go to the sewing store!). Might make for an interesting illustration, that could speak to many issues.

I hope you'll post your sermon once you work it through ... I'm sure it will be terrific! C.