Since last March when I announced my resignation from my present ministry with First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in El Dorado Springs, MO, I have often been asked: Have you thought about going to work for a non-profit in the area so that you and Thomas can stay here? (Thomas could continue with his congregation and we wouldn't have to sell our house.)
I will admit the prospect has been tempting--but, thus far, my consistent response has been, "No." My internal reasoning: The Lord called me to minister and spiritual gifts are for the church, the community of faith that centers around the resurrected Lord. But during our recent vacation I have pondered my response. Why does 'No!' roll off my tongue so quickly and with such certainty?
As I reflected on ministry my thoughts wondered back to the '80s and our return to the States after 16 years living in Europe. There was a time for many years when all of my ministry was either in our home together with my husband, with women (or children) in the church, or through a non-profit organization.
In the early '70s (while we were still in Europe) Thomas and I had concluded from our personal Bible study that all spiritual gifts, given to both women and men, were to be exercised within the church for the whole church. This conclusion was contrary to the understanding of our denominaiton so when church doctrine does not provide a place for women in public ministry, one looks elsewhere, even without thinking why. At least, in my case, that was true.
The non-denominational congregation that received us on our return to the States in 1982 readily acknowledged my pastoral gifts and even sent me to Notre Dame for special training for ministry specific for women. Then through a non-profit organization I trained women and set up support groups for them to lead. Relationships within these groups let women experience both spiritual and emotional healing. But as I stood before the volunteers from a variety of denominations and non-denoms, training them for ministry, I saw gaping holes in the body of Christ! Each place in the body of Christ where these women's spiritual gifts originated was a wound, a hole. And, back then, I didn't know if that wound in the body of Christ could be healed. Only later would I meet Christians who affirmed women's spiritual gifts and ordained them for ministry within the church.
Today I am an ordained minister in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and am grateful for the opportunities that I have for ministry. However, through the years I must also admit that I have seen non-profit organizations and social clubs doing the work that the church should be doing! If that be the case, then why do I respond so quickly with a "No!" when the question is asked me?
If non-profits have picked up the work of the church without doing the work in the name of Christ, how will our children know God's grace? How will the faith of the next generation be founded in God's strength instead of in human goodness? How long will human goodness prevail without the strength of the Holy Spirit? Who will tell the story of God's involvement in this world if we abandon the community of faith that gathers around the resurrected Lord? Maybe that is why I say "No!" so quickly. Maybe that is why my heart still aches when I see God's good gifts finding their fulfillment in the non-profits and the social clubs. The wounds in the body of Christ still haunt me.
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Powerfully stated, sadly true. Blessings, friend.
ReplyDeleteBarbara - if an opportunity presents itself to you or if you seek it out, within a non-profit - it is, as I see it - like being in a domestic mission field. There are those who would not benefit from your God-given gift of ministry that you might meet while working within the non-profit - often times people don't find God withiin the church - they find it in other situations - don't limit your gifts to the walls of the church or confines of the "defined church family" - You are a blessing of God - people who don't know Him are often not found within the church - they NEED YOU!!! Best of Wishes! Lisa
ReplyDeleteResponding to the comments: Ironicly, if Thomas is called to a church and I amnot, I might have to consider a non-profit or a secular job. But working in a non-profit would close some ministy to me, more than open it. For example I could not legally perform a wedding. And I wouldn't be called for the pastoral care that surrounds a funeral.
ReplyDeleteI know much of the Lord's work is done through faith-based non-profits, but the 'called out' community of faith (the church) is poorer for it. And my heart still aches for the holes it leaves in the body of Christ. The call on my life is to build up the body of Christ, to encourage faith, and to nurture the spiritual gifts of others. Sylvia,I apprecite your understanding. Barbara