Putting your foot down!

The man in the green Audi drummed his fingers on the steering wheel impatiently and edged his car out slightly to get a better look past the white Transit van.  Ahead of the van there was a fairly new yellow Ford Focus, the driver of which was also edging nearer to the centre of the road to get a better look ahead. In front of the Focus a grey Skoda Octavia was sitting on the tail of a refuse vehicle doing a fairly steady 50 mph.  The Audi driver was encouraged that at least the driver of the yellow car was planning to make a move but it was a country road and safe passing places were far between.  He glanced at the clock on the dashboard and noted that he was still well within his schedule, but travelling at 50mph was not exactly his idea of fun.

At the head of the queue the refuse lorry driver knew that he was driving as considerately as possible.  By keeping a steady speed everyone else would know what to expect and could drive their own vehicles accordingly.  Pushing the speed up, given his load, would not be appropriate.

The grey Octavia had been following him for some time.  At times it was a little too close in his opinion, but it had shown no sign of desire to overtake.  The fact was that the driver of the Octavia was uncomfortable with having to overtake large vehicles.  Frankly 50mph was probably about the speed he would be driving at anyway.  He was a 'mature' driver not a boy racer.  The situation, as far as he was concerned, was comfortable.

The driver of the yellow Ford was less happy about the situation.  She would have liked to go faster and at regular intervals anxiously edged out to peer past, only to swerve back in at the first sight of an oncoming vehicle no matter how far ahead it might be.

The driver of the white van had finished his work early and was heading back to the depot.  He had plenty of time and was lost in the sounds of his favourite music coming at full volume from the CD player.  He might like to drive faster normally but given his present circumstances he was in no rush.  Unfortunately, he had not looked in his mirrors for some time and was blissfully unaware of the frustration being suffered by the last car in the queue.

Soon the driver of the Audi could stand it no more.  He had muttered about the stupid driver of the Octavia who clearly had no intention of overtaking the refuse lorry and was driving far too close.  He had sworn about the indecisive driver of the yellow Focus, in and out every few minutes but missing opportunities to overtake.  He was angry about the driver of the white van who seemed to be unaware of his presence.  Sure he had left a reasonable distance from the Focus, but the Audi driver did not want to get stuck behind that indecisive driver as that would make him wild.  There was nothing for it he would have to overtake all four vehicles in one go as soon as he could.

At last a short stretch of straight road opened up.  Yes, he knew it was risky, but anything was better than sitting where he was much longer.  Mirror, signal, change down, foot to the floor, and he was off, changing up as he began his run with speed now over 70mph.

He was half way along the queue when he saw the HGV loaded with heavy steel hurtling towards him.  He knew there was no gap to slip into, insufficient time to brake and drop back, and no time to finish overtaking.  As panic gripped him he thought, "If only...."

The pastor of the church reflected on how things were going.  They seemed to be making progress.  There were signs of growth both in the lives of many in the congregation, and numbers were slowly increasing.  They were sailing along quite nicely; not too fast and not too slow.  Of course he realised that there were some in the fellowship who wanted more change or faster change, but he was confident he had the speed just right.

John, the church secretary agreed.  He had confidence in the pastor and stuck with him solidly.  Mary on the other hand felt that there was a need for change.  She was aware that there were others in the church who felt similarly and that some were thinking of leaving if things did not improve.  Periodically she raised the need for change with the pastor and secretary but when it came to Church Meetings she would back off, not wanting to upset anyone.  George was prepared to 'go with the flow'.  Maybe things could be more lively.  Maybe it would be good to have a programme of outreach that might reach young families.  But hey, he had enough problems at work with change so the last thing he wanted would be problems here.  So let's keep steady.

Gilly thought that the whole situation was stupid.  The church was stuck in the fifties.  There was so much more.  Why did they have to put up with the status quo?  She had nudged the pastor and church secretary on the point.  She thought that at least Mary would stand by her.  There was nothing for it: at the next Church Meeting there would have to be a show down.  It was time to put her foot down!

Managing change in church life has its problems.  We are all supposed to be on the move with God.  When I was newly in ministry I was told that my role was to comfort the afflicted and afflict the comfortable.  But it's all too easy to become selfish about needed change, to be inconsiderate of how others feed, to fail to check the road ahead or to think through the 'what ifs'.  I'm all for change and progress as long as it is not for selfish reasons.  Maybe, just maybe, God had a purpose when he called different kinds of people into discipleship.  In my parable about the queue of cars perhaps all five drivers could have been more considerate.  What might it have made a safer journey for all concerned?  Isn't love "the more excellent way" (1Corinthians 12:31)?

From the Diary
Thanks for your prayers through the past week.  My time with other church representatives at the Free Churches Group was very special.  It is encouraging to sense the progress and new sense of identity within the wider Church.

Safety in travel is always an important prayer point (the parable above came to mind while driving to the FCG meeting).  Coming home on Wednesday afternoon I took a conscious decision to pray to be kept safe and asked God to make me wise so as not to endanger others.  Travelling in the centre lane of the M6, overtaking a large lorry with trailer, and travelling at 70 mph I suffered a rear tyre blow out. While it was vital to get to the hard shoulder quickly it was dangerous to brake as the car became  increasingly difficult to steer and swerved violently.  I made it safely, thankful to God and to the driver of the HGV who reacted sensibly.  The only damage was to Sunrise Ministries' funds as I needed two new tyres: one to replace the one now shredded and then we found the wall of the spare had deteriorated.

Monica, my colleague was kept safe while in Kenya during troubles there.  we give thanks.

Please pray for Terry to whom I was travelling when I had the tyre problem, and who is in need of some personal pastoral support at a bad time in his life.  Terry is a nice guy but needs to experience the love and grace of God that will help him through this difficult time.  Pray as we seek to set up a new appointment.

Pray for the Prison Choir as we now have a date for an opportunity to sing and act for the pleasure of others.  Please pray for Jeanne and Roger with whom I work in the prison.

On Wednesday there will be a meeting of the Churches Rural Group at Stoneleigh, Warwickshire.  I chair this Group and I am keen that it fulfils its potential.

At Yelvertoft we have our Bible Discussion on Thursday morning, Messy Church on Friday morning, and our regular meeting next Sunday.  Here's a question for you: Why did I disappear during the singing of a hymn this morning, only to re-emerge from the vestry in scruffy jeans, a tee-shirt and old trainers.  Answer will be published next week and a prize will be given to anyone who comes up with the right answer (as long as stocks last).  Clue: we were looking at Mark 3.

Barry

"Great Minds... or is God Speaking?

STOP PRESS: My colleague, Monica Cook, arrived in Nairobi on Friday evening following several weeks of work in Kenya.  You will be aware that there are current dangers for Europeans in Kenya and there has been several bombings in and around Nairobi.  On Monday she will travel on to South Africa for ministry.  Please pray for her safety and for others working in dangerous situations.

Early last Friday I wrote my regular piece for the monthly Parish Magazine that covers the area where Yelvertoft Congregational Church is situated.  It reflects briefly upon the abusive tendencies in modern society and raises questions regarding possible causes and makes a suggestion for addressing the problem.  Recent horrific stories of actual or planned murderous attacks on school teachers, reports of sexual abuse in the news and my own wider pastoral ministry beyond the village inclines me to believe that we are becoming increasingly careless of one another and downright abusive in the way we speak and treat one another.

When I listened to Thought for the Day on Radio4 on Saturday morning I was amazed to hear almost the same thoughts being shared.  It was almost as if she had read my piece which i had posted on our church website (www.yelvertoftchurch.org.uk/articles-and-talks/magazine-artcles).  Was it a case of "Great minds think alike" or might it be that the Holy Spirit is speaking into the world in which we live today?  When you hear the same message coming from different sources around the same time it should make us think.

Of course I do not actually think the "Great minds" explanation is worth considering so we are left to consider what God feels and is saying to us today.  If it is that and not just mere coincidence then it is also worth reflecting on the concept of prophetic ministry within our churches.  The Old Testament prophets more often spoke God's word into contemporary situations than revealing what was yet to come.  It is more about forth-telling than fore-telling.  The apostle Paul tells us in 1Corinthians chapters 12 to 14 that among the gifts that the Holy Spirit gives among Christians is prophecy, which he tells us is given for strengthening, exhortation, comfort and so that we may be instructed.  Paul also encourages us all to eagerly seek this gift.

In Ephesians chapter 4 we also read that there is a prophetic ministry that is a gift of Jesus Christ to the Church universal.  This would seem to be something distinct from the gift of the Holy Spirit, and Paul lists them alongside evangelists, pastors and teachers, and apostles.  We get a glimpse into this prophetic ministry in various parts of Acts.  Whatever our understanding of this might be it becomes clear that God wants to speak into his Church and through his Church.  We should be exercising a prophetic role within his world today.

Old Testament prophets often found that their words were unwelcome.  Some suffered at the hands of those who should have welcomed hearing a word from God.  It may be the same today, and now as then to be and speak prophetically will call for faith and courage.  Speaking prophetically will be of no use unless we are living prophetically, which is another aspect we would do well to consider.

One possible aspect of prophetic ministry might be the ability to preach in a way that makes the Bible speak into our lives in a profound way.  I love that famous quotation from John Robinson (1576- 1625), "God has yet more light and truth to break forth from his Holy Word". 

So, "Follow the way of love and eagerly desire gifts of the Spirit, especially prophecy." (1Corinthians 14:1)

From the Diary
Sunday 18th - Yelvertoft Congregational Church
Monday 19th - Visit to Stockingford, Nuneaton to assist a church to be a safer place for children and vulnerable adults.
Tuesday 20th - Wednesday 21st - Free Churches Group Residential Meeting, Birmingham
Wednesday later afternoon - pastoral counselling, Long Buckby, Northants.
Thursday 22nd - Pastoral visits locally
Sunday 25th - Yelvertoft Congregational Church
Prison: We have now been told that we can proceed planning an event for the Choir at HMP Gartree and have a provisional date in June.  This is an important aspect of rehabilitation and provides an opportunity for the men in the choir to serve others.

Thank you for your fellowship in the gospel,

Barry

Competent to Correct

It was Jay E Adams in his book Competent to Counsel. (Zondervan. 1986. ISBN 0-310-51140-2) who first opened my mind to the biblical principle of nouthetic counselling.  I was immediately excited by what I read there and it has been a guiding principle in my pastoral ministry ever since. I haven't got space here to expand sufficiently on this topic so I commend the book.  Try your local Christian book shop first but if all fails it is available on Amazon, with a Kindle version also available.

Adams draws on a number of passages in the New Testament where the Greek word nouthesia (or a related word) appears.  It is usually translated as to correct or admonish.   As you will see from the various Bible references I will provide in a moment, this is something that all Christians should be able to do - but it does require a level of maturity.  But that is something we should all aim to attain.  Adams argues that the process involves confrontation or challenge, but that it is always offered in a positive, loving and helpful way.

Such a biblical approach is in stark contrast to the harsh, accusing, censorious and acerbic rebukes that are all too often used whenever one Christian sees another coming short of the standard of conduct he believes to be correct.  What regularly distresses me is that we so easily become legalistic about so many things, abandoning the greatest commandments of all in the process.  I have also noted that sincere evangelicals are sometimes among the most guilty, while they are often the most vocal against legalism!  We all need to search our hearts.  If we do not have love then we are clanging gongs, worthless and having and gaining nothing (1Corinthians 13: 1-3).

Jesus had something to say about this that involves trying to remove some small matter from the eye of a person while failing to see the much larger matter in our own eyes (Matthew 7: 3 - 5).  Now, the eagle-eyed (pun intended) will have noted Matthew 7:1 which seems to state clearly that we should never judge another person.  But if that is understood as a categorical forbidding to judge then it would contradict other passages of scripture as well as making nonsense.  We cannot go through life without making judgements about  what is right and rong, who can be trusted, and who cannot be trusted, etc.  What the opening part of Matthew 7 is warning against is the exercise of a harsh and critical spirit.

So let's look at a few key verses that refer to this better (nouthetic) approach to correction. Please remember that the basis on which any confrontation and attempt at correction is made must always be based upon a loving concern for the welfare of the other person and must include support and help.

In Romans 15:14 we read,  "I myself am convinced, my brothers and sisters, that you yourselves are full of goodness, filled with knowledge and competent to instruct (noutheteo) one another."  The word tranjslated here in the NIV as instruct is not the Greek word for teach.  This is corrective instruction.  Here is an indication that all Christians should be able to offer such help, but we note that the qualifications for competence are a sufficiency of goodness and knowledge.

Sometimes the Greek word is translated "warn" such as in Acts 20:31 where Paul refers to his ministry at Ephesus over three years - but note that he did so with much compassion as he refers to his tears.  We also find it translated as "warn" in 1 Corinthians 4:14 where it is used in a loving sense.

Colossians 3:16 sets the process of admonition in the context of worship:  "Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts."

In 2 Thessalonians 3 Paul writes about professing Christians who are determinedly idle, disruptive and living lives contrary to what was expected of Christians.  Paul tells the others to dissociate themselves but always to treat them as brothers or sisters and not as if they were the enemy.

Spiritual maturity is seen not only in the ability to admonish others properly but also to be admonished by others.  As Paul writes in 1Thessalonians 5:12  "Now we ask you, brothers and sisters, to acknowledge those who work hard among you, who care for you in the Lord and who admonish you."

It is all too easy to become overbearing and judgemental concerning the faults we see in others but we are likely to more effective when we can see our own weaknesses.  For two years during my training I supported myself by working in a small Valuation Office in Hastings.  At tea breaks all the staff (except the tree top bosses) gathered together.  Criticism was not unusual, but a dear older man would say softly, "The faults we see in others are most often to be found in ourselves".

If we are to move on in our faith, grow closer to God, and have churches that reflect Christ's glory, then we will need to learn to admonish one another from a basis of healthy self-criticism, with a spirit of love and generosity that is always caring, supportive and helpful.  We can do better in this area, and we might need to start by apologising when we have failed.

From the diary
Thank you for praying for my activities over the past week.  We had an excellent time at the prison on Tuesday which was followed in the evening with a productive meeting as a group of villages plan activities under the Hope Together banner.

On Wednesday and Thursday I was engaged in various meetings in East Sussex.  Some of these are of a confidential nature and I value your continued prayer that I might be wise in dealing with these.

On Saturday I was in Leeds meeting with about a dozen Salvation Army Officers and a key person from the Roman Catholic Church exploring safeguarding matters.  I was very encouraged by the warm comments at the end of the day.  It was a fruitful but tiring week.

This week I will be spending most of my time working on our charity accounts and preparing for our trustees meeting.  I will be in HMP Gartree as usual on Tuesday afternoon.  There is a staff management meeting on Wednesday evening and a Bible Discussion meeting on Thursday morning.  On Saturday Doreen and I will be supporting an Induction Service for a new minister at a church near Leicester.  On Sunday we will be back at Yelvertoft.

Thank you for all your continuing prayers.

Barry

The main thing is...

One of the classic quotes regarding efficient management is "The main thing is that the main thing must remain the main thing".  I suspect, however, that all of us find it difficult to stick with the main thing occasionally.  Probably my favourite illustration in this regard is a company that was created some years ago when good quality clothes cost more money than most people had to spend.  This company's mission was to provide quality clothes at an affordable price.  Over the years they developed a significant reputation and if you had, for example, a jacket with their label in it you knew you had a quality garment that had been purchased for a reasonable price.

As time went by market trends changed.  The high street shops, to whom that company sold their clothes, started to disappear to be replaced by department stores and even supermarkets selling clothing.  As the business looked into the face of disaster an emergency board meeting was held at which a young director suggested that they should negotiate with one of these low cost outlets for an exclusive deal.  "After all", he claimed, "we are still able to produce high quality clothes at amazingly low price.  We just need an outlet."

The idea caught on and the board discussed what the implications might be.  A higher level of output would be needed but they had space to expand their premises and there would be no problem in taking on and training new staff.  It all looked positive until one of the older directors asked for one final think about what they were about to leap into.  What, he wanted to know, might be any other consequences?  The young director thought for a while then added, "I guess they will want their label in our products."

Suddenly there was an uproar.  They had built up their reputation over years.  Our label means something to people.  The older directors were horrified at the idea that a supermarket label might appear within their garments.  The proposal was overturned.  The company struggled on for a few more years but just before it died it was bought out by a supermarket that sacked the board, expanded the business and continued making quality clothes at an affordable price.

The lesson of this story is that the older directors had forgotten the main thing.  Their mission was not the perpetuation of a reputation but the provision of quality clothing at affordable prices.  Occasionally I find myself having gone into a room in my house but unable to remember why I went there.  Sometimes I go back from where I had come to see if it jogs my mind.  On other occasions I will just find something else useful to do and hope that the real reason will come back to me.  I fear that this is what most of our churches are doing.

The late Professor Donald McGavran, pioneer of church growth thinking, used to say that the reason most churches were not growing was because they were busy doing lots of things they should but at the expense of the thing they must.  All over the UK church members are pouring money and energy and spending irreplaceable time doing good things but at the cost of doing the one thing that Jesus asked his disciples to do.  And how is that working out in our personal lives?  How much time are we devoting to the main thing God wants of us?

This challenge took on special relevance for me this week as I sent off a form withdrawing from the MPhil research programme with Winchester University.  I have not stopped - nor do I intend stopping - the actual research work, exploring how evangelism is understood and practised within rural England.  My problem has been that by doing it as part of an MPhil it required such a high amount of time that it threatened my ability to engage in other aspects of ministry.  I had to ask myself "What has God called you to do?".  At this stage in my life the Masters Degree would have been nice but not necessary.  If pursuing that interfered with my ability to be available to minister to the needs of others then I would be wrong.

Fortunately, the journey so far with Winchester University is not wasted.  It has provided focus for carrying out the research.  I have undertaken and passed modules on research skills.  My university supervisor has offered continuing support at any time and has been very encouraging.  But taking the step of actually sending off  the withdrawal form sent me into an emotional roller coaster.  I struggled to be sure that the main thing was still going to be the main thing.  Letting go and giving up does not come easily to me.  But focus is vital for efficiency.

Jesus had something to say about this in Matthew 23:23-24.  Here he warns the Pharisees and teachers of the Law that their religious particularity was at the expense of core values of justice and mercy.  It was as if, concerned not to swallow something unpleasant they strained out gnats from their drink but swallowed a camel!  Jesus was not condemning their concern to honour God by the giving of tithes (though hey did take it to ridiculous extremes) but it was the fact that at the same time they missed the main thing.

So what might the parallels be for us today.  God calls us to a life lived "in the Spirit", that is to be like Jesus.  In the Gospels we see a contrast to the teaching of Jesus and that of the Pharisees and teachers of the Law.  They fussed over rules and regulations and nuanced interpretation of the Law.  Jesus majored on love, healing and forgiveness - for which he paid the ultimate price.  Even then, on the cross, he was still ministering to those around him and praying for forgiveness for those who harmed him.  I'm not just concerned about the hurt and harm done within and between churches by our devoted particularity with doctrine and obsession on stamping down on anyone who fails to perform to standards we have set them (though I am sure the heart of God aches at the trail of damage we leave behind us).  I am also concerned that those who have not yet discovered life in Jesus fail to see the power of love, healing and forgiveness.  The tragedy is that they often spot the camels we are swallowing while we can only spot the gnats.

In our personal lives, in our relationships in church, in our relationships between churches whose practises vary from ours, in our relations with those around us whom God loves so fantastically, is love the main thing for us?  It's time to stop and to ask ourselves whether the main thing is still the main thing.  if it is not then the main thing for us is to put it back.  For far too many of us we need to stop our obsession with gnats if it is leading to swallowing camels.

So, in asking for your prayers this week, I ask that you pray that in every sense I will know and then act upon those things that God would have me to prioritise.  I promise to pray that for you too.

Other matters for prayer from the diary
Sunday 4th May 10.45 Yelvertoft Congregational Church; 6.00 Harborough Congregational Church

Tuesday 6th May HMP Gartree in the afternoon and a 'Hope in our Villages' planning meeting in the evening.

Wednesday 7th I travel to East Sussex for various meetings and activities related to Action for Christ through Wednesday to Friday 9th lunch time.  Some of this time my colleagues and I will be dealing with difficult situations that require wisdom.

Friday evening I travel to Leeds, Yorkshire ready to work through Saturday 10th teaching on the Salvation Army Safeguarding Programme. Then back home, ready for Sunday ministry.

It will be a busy week so please pray that in the busy-ness there will remain quality time with God.  I also value your prayers for Doreen during my absences from home.

Thank you.

Barry