Confession of Faith: Christian Spirituality

Happy Thanksgiving (a day late, but better than not at all!)!!

Christian Spirituality is about living in Jesus and Jesus living in us.  It's about a relationship with the Holy Spirit filled with love.  When we live with Holy Spirit, we find our source of power, our source of energy, our source of life.  We suddenly begin to see Jesus in other people, we find the source of peace in all circumstances, we discover that life is more than just what culture, our job, or our current state of being defines it to be.

 

Life...true life..stems from living with Jesus in the power of the Holy Spirit.  Christian "spirituality" then has often taken the forms of spiritual disciplines...fasting, studying Scripture, silence, solitude, worship, celebration, and praying.  Among these, I find the two most important to be studying Scripture and praying, but the others should not be missed.  However, it's difficult to practice them all at once!  We can find deep joy in practicing each discipline in turn, or by utilizing certain disciplines in certain periods of our lives. 

For myself, my recent spiritual journey has been practicing and becoming better at fasting (partial fast, I still drink fluids, including a meal replacement health shake).  Multiple times over the past three to four years I swore that I would never give up eating food (I do P90X and currently another workout program and am incessantly hungry even when I eat large meals...yes this is gluttony, and yes God is working on me). About a year ago a friend asked me to fast for a certain cause and, deeply sighing, I agreed.

Since then, my life has radically changed in a multitude of ways...it is as if a barrier or heavy curtain blocking my path from moving in life was suddenly removed and lifted.  I am not even good at fasting - I sometimes forget to pray, I honestly am not sure what it does for God, and sometimes it leads to a binge of food the following day.  But fasting, because of God's love, mercy, and grace, has molded me to be less concerned about material things, has helped me greatly with self control, and has deepened my relationship with Jesus.  And for God?  Who knows what it does...maybe it's just the fact that we are willing to do something more to spend time with him and get to know him...or maybe it gives God a break from providing food for us for a day...or maybe God simply appreciates having love shown to him through these acts of discipline.  Fasting has become very important for my spiritual journey. 

Christian Spirituality is living life in the Holy Spirit...it's about a love relationship, not necessarily "discipline," but a shared life.  Will you commit to it?  God can work through it greatly in our lives, if we let him. 

Want to learn more? Here is Article 18 of the Mennonite Confession of faith:   http://www.mennoniteusa.org/about/confession-of-faith-in-a-mennonite-perspective-1995/article-18-spirituality/

Confession of Faith: Discipleship and the Christian Life

Mennonites confess that when we are saved by Jesus Christ we begin a life long journey of following the one we now have claimed and received as our Lord and Savior.  This is a process of learning, of being empowered by the Holy Spirit, of experiencing God through church, Scripture, prayer, and other spiritual disciplines, and of diligently striving for God's kingdom while allowing grace to enter into our lives.

Discipleship is about a partnership between us and God - of allowing God to transform us and us learning to obey and walk with Jesus each and every day.  Part of this walk is becoming more and more like Jesus Christ, transformed into his image one step at a time.  This includes not going along with what the world says (carefully evaluating culture and traditional wisdom), loving everyone (yes even those we don't want to love or who are difficult to love), being honest in our words (who needs oaths when you actually say what you mean in the first place?), of living in peace (even unto our deaths, following the example of Jesus), and even not worrying about our reputations (Jesus was called a glutton and a drunkard who ate with sinners). 

Discipleship is a difficult process, one that requires a lot of God's work in us (which usually doesn't happen overnight, but it does from time to time), a lot of effort on our part, and a lot of perseverance.  Yet, this is not a journey walked alone - traveling together towards Christ is what church is all about.  Mistakes will be made - when they are, fall into God's grace.  Take care of yourself, by which I mean make sure to simply spend time with God - don't just do-do-do go-go-go.  Remember Jesus love for us, and allow him to transform...don't work in your own power, but work in God's.

Discipleship - the process of becoming like Jesus in community.  This is ever the goal of the church ...grow in size, grow in love, grow in Jesus.  Yet, discipleship is also something more.  Discipleship is growing in love for Jesus and others...it's about growing relationships with love, not just gaining a certain set of characteristics.

Want to learn more? Here is Article 17 of the Mennonite Confession of faith:   http://www.mennoniteusa.org/about/confession-of-faith-in-a-mennonite-perspective-1995/article-17-discipleship/

Confession of Faith: Church Order and Unity

The image to the right seems to be what goes on in many churches and in fact in many people's lives..."My way or the Highway, I am right and only one of us can be."  Confessing church order and unity in the Mennonite church is to confess that we are fallen and broken human beings with a tendency to move in our own directions and sometimes even leave churches when we disagree with what is happening.  In order to help keep the love of one another before all else, we confess and abide by certain processes in order to maintain unity.

However, church order and unity is more than this: it is a belief that we are all members of one body to which Jesus Christ is the head and the foundational cornerstone.  Since we are all one body, even if we are many different parts who think and even act differently, we seek the best ways to work with each other in love and grace. 

In a world that quickly fractures, Mennonites speak a word of strength together, of holding onto a firm foundation (Jesus) and allowing other things to be decided in time.  One of the fastest ways communities fracture is when major shifts or changes take place.  To help combat this, Mennonites say, "Slow down!  It is better to wait on the Lord then to make hasty decisions."  This seems to me to be lost in much of U.S. America today - we want decisions made and they should be made now.  Instead...slow down...the Lord might have a word for us if we wait on the King to speak.

Want to learn more?  Here is Article 16 of the Mennonite Confession of faith:   http://www.mennoniteusa.org/about/confession-of-faith-in-a-mennonite-perspective-1995/article-16-church-order-and-unity/

Image from: heargodspeak.blogspot.com

Confession of Faith: Ministry and Leadership

Mennonites believe that ministry and leadership is all about continuing the work of Christ through the gifts of the Holy spirit who empowers all believers for service in the church and in the world.  There are particular persons called to specific leadership ministries and offices, accountable to God and the community of faith, but all are called to serve in building up the body of Christ in love and witnessing about Jesus in the world.

One of the awesome things about Mennonite ministry and leadership is the emphasis on equality among sexes, ethnicities, and age groups.  Everyone is called to serve in some capacity while those called to specific offices and leadership ministries serve through those positions.

A second delightful aspect is the note that all people are called to serve outside the church.  Blessedly, this means for people in particular offices are called to equip people for better service, not to do everything on their own. 

This is important, especially in a society that is slowly and continually moving the impetus of action onto leaders, even if we distrust those leaders.  More and more government assistance is being given out, with folks hating the system but not really helping others to the extent we could either.  We dislike what is going on, but instead of modeling change in our own lives, we simply complain to the government or leaders to change it. 

Mennonites believe it takes both - leaders and congregants, working together to follow Christ in order to minister to the world.   

Want to learn more? Here is Article 15 of the Mennonite Confession of faith:   http://www.mennoniteusa.org/about/confession-of-faith-in-a-mennonite-perspective-1995/article-15-ministry-and-leadership/

Confession of Faith: Discipline in the Church

Today I will begin with a quote from the Mennonite confession: "We believe that the practice of discipline in the church is a sign of God's offer of forgiveness and transforming grace to believers who are moving away from the faithful discipleship or who have been overtaken by sin."  While seemingly simple, this complex statement is powerful for us today because we are in a place where we do not like correction (what correction?  You are right and I am right, because what is right for you is not what is right for me!); we do not like to be called to obedience; we hate to be called sinful; we certainly don't appreciate some community not understanding my story and judging us - in fact they don't know us!

As a pastor, I have heard all of the above before from a multitude of different sources.  And in some cases, I do side with the person giving those excuses because in many ways, church has gotten church discipline wrong.  So let's unpack "church discipline."  First, church discipline is a corrective action meant to help a believer follow Jesus better.  Church discipline is a forgiving, redeeming, and renewing process meant to helpfully guide someone in the church back to following Christ.  For example, someone who is committing adultery would be disciplined by church leadership with some of the following: being removed from leadership for a time of seeking and focusing on God, being encouraged and helped in the process of reconciliation with their wife including ending the affair, having some spiritual disciplines suggested, and being mentored by an elder or pastor during this process.

However, the tricky part (and scary part for leadership!) is that if the discipline is approached in less than a loving manner (and even in a loving manner), the person being disciplined can easily and swiftly move on to the next church.  Therefore, church discipline is a two way street: both parties need to act upon and desire to be reconciled to Christ for it to work.  Both parties need to be committed to each other.

Second, church discipline as been abused.  The amount of stories I have heard about people being thrown out of church for having a child out of wedlock is absurd.  When sin happens (and it happens to all of us, public or private), reconciliation and help is required of the church, urging repentance on the part of the sinner, but walking alongside them as well.

Finally, church discipline is not to be given to those who don't know Christ, even if they know the church.  Pastor Perry Noble of NewSpring church puts it this way: "How can we expect non-believers to act any differently if they don't know Jesus?"  Many times people (perhaps intending good, but doing harm) want people to act like followers of Christ when they have no clue who Christ is; we want people to submit to church discipline and repent when they aren't a part of the church body. 

Ultimately, church discipline is the body of Christ helping a participant in church to repent and reconcile with God. 

Want to learn more?  Here is Article 14 of the Mennonite Confession of faith:   http://www.mennoniteusa.org/about/confession-of-faith-in-a-mennonite-perspective-1995/article-14-discipline-in-the-church/

Image from http://www.swartzentruber.com/mennonite/pages-pop-mennonite-art-gallery/12-excommunication-church-discipline.htm

Confession of Faith: Footwashing

There are few things as humbling as having your feet washed by another person, especially in today's US America.  It is simply an awkward process...my feet are either dirty from going bare-foot in the spring, summer, and early fall, or they cold, splattered with sock-lint, and perhaps sweaty from being stuffed into a pair of boots during the fall and winter months.  And there are few acts of service more humbling than washing another person's feet, which generally have the same issues as my feet.

Footwashing, as modeled by Jesus in John 13, is an essential act of love and service for Mennonites.  Mennonites believe that when we wash each other's feet we share in the body of Christ, acknowledging our need to be cleansed, renewing our willingness to let go of pride and power, and offer our lives in humble service and sacrificial love.

The first time I became aware of this practice was at Messiah College.  During a chapel service, they placed chairs and full basins of water in front of the chairs with stacks of towels next to the chairs.  I remember a friend and I went up together to wash each other's feet .  I admit it was weird, uncomfortable, and humbling (an honestly who likes to be humbled?).  It was also one of the most valuable and meaningful practices I have been a part of. 

If you want to give it a try, traditionally footwashing services are held every Maundy Thursday (the day before Good Friday) at Anabaptist churches (Mennonite; Brethren; Brethren in Christ being three denominations considering themselves Anabaptists).  They can also be held quarterly, or whenever deemed appropriate by a congregation...make sure to check one out!

Want to learn more?  Here is Article 13 of the Mennonite Confession of faith:   http://www.mennoniteusa.org/about/confession-of-faith-in-a-mennonite-perspective-1995/article-13-foot-washing/

Confession of Faith: The Lord's Supper

The Lord's supper, or communion, is a practice of actively remembering the work of Jesus Christ done on the cross, his resurrection, and his continued work in the church.  Mennonites believe that this is a renewal of our covenants with God, a time of remembrance, and a time of looking forward in joy and hope to the feast of Christ in the age to come.

Communion is a vital aspect of the life of the church and participation therein.  Wonderfully, Mennonites see a powerful theology in three interlocking aspects of communion.  First, communion is actively remembering the work of Jesus Christ - his body and blood given for us and the resurrection three days later.   Second, this remembering causes us to renew our covenants with God, refreshing and helping us to continue striving for the Kingdom of God here on earth in these present moments.  Third, as we are remembering and we are renewed, we are given a foretaste of the coming Kingdom, the total renewal of all things by Jesus at the end of days.

This speaks in a powerful way, invoking in us God's presence, locating God in the past, present, and future, allowing us to take part in the kingdom in a visible way.  In US America, we tend to allow other things to take over our understanding of ritual as they are co-opted by the world to make a dollar.  Easy examples of this are Easter and Christmas.  Yet, the world hasn't been able to reap riches off of communion quite yet...instead communion has simply become a "cracker and juice."  The repeated nature of the act has made it meaningless.

Into this, Mennonites proclaim communion is filled to bursting with meaning.  All we have to do is take part in it.

Want to learn more?  Here is Article 12 of the Mennonite Confession of faith:   http://www.mennoniteusa.org/about/confession-of-faith-in-a-mennonite-perspective-1995/article-12-the-lords-supper/

Confession of Faith: Baptism

Mennonites believe that baptism is an important sign of believing in Jesus, being cleansed from sin, declaring publicly that one is committed to following Jesus, and willing to offer one's life even to death for Jesus.  To summarize in the words of my old pastor and one of my mentors Keith Tyson, "Baptism is an outward sign of an inward change."

One of the distinctive parts of Anabaptists, and therefore Mennonites, is the idea that children need to reach an age of accountability before they can be baptized (adult baptism to the exclusion of infant baptism).  This means someone must freely request to be baptized in response to Jesus Christ (babies cannot request this, so we can't baptize babies).

The issue of adult baptism or infant baptism is usually hotly debated between differing denominations, and historically has been the cause of many church splits.  One of the main questions that pops up is, "What if a baby tragically dies and is not baptized?  What will happen to the baby?"  I find myself in the position of simply relying and trusting in Jesus Christ, who shows himself merciful, good, and loving in every regard.  Therefore, does a baby, or a child before the age of accountability need to be baptized in order to get to heaven?  I seriously doubt it, for God's mercy is truly great and good. 

On the flip side, Mennonites do dedicate babies to God - a statement made by the parents publicly that they will raise the child to believe in Jesus as best as can be done.  Oddly, this seems to be the purpose of baptism among those who baptize as infants - many infant baptism denominations later have a period of discernment called "Confirmation," where the faith is learned and committed to before one can have communion. 

Ultimately, we believe baptism is a public declaration of a free choice and commitment to follow Christ, of being forgiven sin, and of dying to this world and raising with Christ.

Want to learn more?  Here is Article 11 of the Mennonite Confession of faith:   http://www.mennoniteusa.org/about/confession-of-faith-in-a-mennonite-perspective-1995/confession-of-faith-%E2%80%94-article-11/

Confession of Faith: The Church in Mission

What is the churches mission?  Sometimes the church becomes misrepresented in what its mission actually is,

especially by human error, like the picture to the right.  Is church a place to lay down the law and hear how sinful we are?  Is church the place to map out the future end of times?  What is the church supposed to do?

Mennonites believe that the church is called to proclaim and to be a sign of the kingdom of God.  We witness Jesus Christ through word and lifestyle, walking together through life as disciples of one teacher (Jesus), and seek to witness among all people - from all nations and ethnic backgrounds.

Witnessing is the best of words to choose when discussing the mission of God.  A witness is someone who has or is seeing a certain event or action, then tells or shows others about that event.  We tell people about Jesus Christ and what he has done for us, and the relationship we have with him; what we avoid is theological arguments surrounding rhetorically aggressive questions that we may or may not know the answer to.

Witnessing includes following Jesus' sacrificial life, as seen in the gospels.  Especially important to Mennonites is the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7).  However, I also find that in following Jesus the Mennonites are following in the footsteps of the prophets, such as Isaiah.  In Isaiah 58, the text says, "Is not this the fast that I choose: to loose the bonds of injustice, to undo the thongs of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free, and to break every yoke?  Is it not to share your bread with the hungry, and bring the homeless poor into your house, when you see the naked, to cover them, and not to hide yourself from your own kin?"  The Mennonites strive diligently to do these very things. 

The church in mission is nothing more and nothing less than loving God with all our hearts, minds, souls, and with all our strength, and to love our neighbors as ourselves.  This love relationship with Jesus and others entails the church in mission...both its proclamation and action, never just one, always both.

Want to learn more?  Here is Article 10 of the Mennonite Confession of faith:   http://www.mennoniteusa.org/about/confession-of-faith-in-a-mennonite-perspective-1995/confession-of-faith-%E2%80%94-article-10/

Picture found here:

http://jrwoodward.net/2012/11/monday-morning-medicine-257/

Confession of Faith: Church of Jesus Christ

Mennonites believe that the Church is an assembly of those who have accepted the offer of salvation through Jesus Christ who are then a part of a new and distinct community called disciples, witnessing about the reign of God, accountable to one another, a family united under the headship of Jesus expressing itself in continual love, the visible manifestation of Jesus Christ.

It's amazing how often we "get church wrong."  Stories are pretty much boundless about the hurt and grief people experience in church.  We hear about churches where pastors molest children; where people are "cast out" and abandoned because of sin (when actually that is when people need the most help and love!); where strict codes and interpretations are enforced instead of being lead by Jesus' transforming grace and love.  As Perry Noble, pastor of NewSpring church says (paraphrased) "Church is the only army that shoot their own wounded." 

It's striking that a body of people who are supposed to be forgiving, sacrificing themselves for one another, defined by hope, faith, and love, can be so unforgiving, so hurting, so sinful.  Yet, it should not come to us as a surprise, as church is made up of people who are broken, sinful, and hurting themselves.  The sick are who Jesus calls to himself - so it is no surprise that the church is filled with those who are sick! 

The Mennonites have worked hard, and continue to work hard, to grow and define themselves in church by love.  I, and we, confess that we still "get it wrong."  But the first step is always to admit there is a problem (such as sin) and that we are continually haunted by it, though we are saved by Jesus.  Our eyes are on Jesus though, and we pursue and walk after him as one - a people witnessing to the saving grace of Jesus, not admitting perfection in ourselves; a family who loves one another, but also struggles as any family does; a people willing to forgive, who are also in need of forgiveness; a people loving and learning to love each and every day.  This is the church of Christ.

Want to learn more?  Here is Article 9 of the Mennonite Confession of faith:   http://www.mennoniteusa.org/about/confession-of-faith-in-a-mennonite-perspective-1995/confession-of-faith-%E2%80%94-article-9/

Been hurt by a church? Come try us out - South Union Mennonite Church, 56 State Route 508, West Liberty, Ohio. Sunday School is at 9:30 a.m., Worship service at 10:30 a.m every Sunday. We don't promise perfection - we do promise to worship and follow Jesus.

Confession of Faith: Salvation

Mennonites believe through "the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, God offers salvation from sin and a new way of life to all people."  When we accept Jesus Christ as our Lord, Master, and Savior, and we repent of our sin, we are saved by grace through faith.  God worked with grace and mercy through redeeming Israel through wonders and signs, giving Jesus Christ for the healing and forgiveness of our sins, dying on a cross to pave the way for salvation, rising from the dead to conquer sin and death for us, living to show us the way, saving through grace.  The Holy Spirit works in us through this process, to move us to accept salvation, to partner with us in repentance, to share grace and forgiveness in the midst of our sin.

In today's culture, there tends to be some polarized tendencies regarding salvation.  We are either saved by the blood of the cross (no more need be done than say, "I believe and accept Jesus as my Lord and savior!") or that we are saved through being "good people" using Jesus as a moral template for life, but denying the power of the cross and resurrection.

We declare instead that Jesus is indeed savior and Lord through the cross and resurrection, completing the work of conquering sin and death.  However, Jesus also taught a specific way to live, one that requires us to repent (or turn away from) our sins and live instead for God (if we declare Jesus Lord then obedience is implied...we are no longer our own, but Jesus'.  We may have a history as U.S. Americans with the concept, but following Jesus is not a democracy, but a monarchy with Jesus as King and Lord).  When we fail we receive mercy and grace; yet we strive for living like God.  We are transformed by the Holy Spirit to become more like Jesus through discipleship, a journey that is a process, not a moment; and so we rely on God's grace and forgiveness. 

It's the best sort of tension and paradox: salvation is being saved by grace through faith, and the fruits of salvation appear as we strive for the Kingdom of God and rely on Jesus' works forgiveness, mercy, and grace.   Salvation is the work of God, yet we work out our salvation with fear and trembling..."for it is God who is at work in you, enabling you both to will and to work for his good pleasure" (Philippians 2:12-13).

Want to learn more? Here is Article 8 of the Mennonite Confession of faith:   http://www.mennoniteusa.org/about/confession-of-faith-in-a-mennonite-perspective-1995/confession-of-faith-%E2%80%94-article-8/

Confession of Faith: Sin

Mennonites believe that in the beginning sin, or the turning away from God with the purpose of us or idols becoming gods, entered the world through the disobedience of Adam and Eve.  Sin involves our choice of doing unrighteousness and injustice, or by not doing good when we have the choice to.  "Through sin, the powers of domination, division, destruction, and death have been unleashed in humanity and in all of creation."  At the hands of sin, people groups, societies, and nations can be twisted in evil ways.

In today's world, we do not like to talk about sin because sin means that there is a moral code or law to follow, and we are very wary of authority, religion, and "absolutes" like laws.  We find in today's culture a sense that sin is simply a perspective, and changes from situation to situation even then. It does not help when certain groups declare "sin" with anger, hate, and even violent tendencies.  Perhaps this stems from the sin of pride, trying to prove that they who declare what is sinful are better than those in sin. It gets even messier when we start looking at social, cultural, and systematic sins that take place at large levels, almost at the level where we can't even see it.

Into this mixed up, confused situation, the Mennonites proclaim sin simply as turning away from God.  We proclaim hope in Jesus Christ, redeemer and savior of people from sin through the cross and resurrection.  And we teach Jesus model for healing sin - inviting people to meet and encounter Jesus Christ, with love and hope, carrying a cross instead of a protest sign. However, while we proclaim these things, Jesus is working among us still to help us to follow him ever better.

Want to learn more? Here is Article 7 of the Mennonite Confession of faith:   http://www.mennoniteusa.org/about/confession-of-faith-in-a-mennonite-perspective-1995/confession-of-faith-%E2%80%94-article-7/

Confession of Faith: Creation and Calling of Human Beings

Mennonites believe that God created human beings in the divine image, given a special place among God's creation.  They were created good, for the purpose of stewardship, with the intent of living in loving relationships that are mutually helpful to each other (and equal).  God as made provision for the salvation of humanity and the redemption of creation, particularly through Jesus Christ, who is the fullness of God revealed and in whom we find true humanity.

It's interesting to find that today we have (in the USA) the most "liberated" humans.  We strive for equality between genders, struggle against racism, work against present day slavery (sex trade), and look out for human rights.  Yet, we are also aware of  the US and US businesses exploiting the rest of the world.  Instead of being people we are consumers, instead of children of God we are work-horses, instead of individuals we are another sale...and this is in the places of "privilege."   In other places in the world, humans become simply another person to abuse through sweatshops, simply another prostitute, simply another thing. 

The world does not consider humans very valuable, whatever human activists say.  Masses of people are meant to serve the desires of the select few; masses of people never have a face, only a soundless roar ; masses of people are never related to, only thought about in the abstract.

And the Mennonites say, "our identity as human beings rests in God made in the image of God, in whom we find our true humanity."  Humans have a purpose, a name, a story; humans in need are to be helped; those who have much are to share; those who have nothing are to receive; all are to be loved.  Created from dust and destined to be like God...this is the calling of human beings.

Want to learn more? Here is Article 6 of the Mennonite Confession of faith:   http://www.mennoniteusa.org/about/confession-of-faith-in-a-mennonite-perspective-1995/confession-of-faith-%E2%80%94-article-6/

Reader's Review (in 500 Words or Less): Jesus for President by Shane Claiborne and Chris Haw

In the midst of the Mennonite confession of faith, I thought it would be appropriate to review a book that is Anabaptist in theology and radical in practice. 

Shane Claiborne and Chris Haw in Jesus for President depict what it means to follow Jesus in a culture that blurs the line between church and state, "in god we trust" and Jesus, a church compromised and a church living out the Sermon on the Mount.  This book begins with the Hebrew Scripture (Old Testament) and moves through the Bible and early church history to see where God is at work in the midst of Empire, how followers of Jesus become compromised, and what it looks like when we declare as Christians that we do not have divided loyalties: we are for Jesus and him crucified.

There are several things that really stood out to me as an Anabaptist.  First is the need to declare into a militaristic and consumerist society that there is a different path, a different way that can lived out right where we are through revolutionary practices...like making our own clothes, growing our own food and supporting local farmers, turning off the numbing TV set and instead talking to our neighbors, declining participation in the military to follow Jesus instead.  While sharing many real life stories of how to participate in the life of Christ in everyday life (which is awesome), it simply begged the question, "What does being Christ mean and look like in our small town in our church?"  Some suggestions from Jesus for President are challenging, but doable, while others seem to not fit the community.  So...what different things might we do to follow Jesus?

The second thing that stood out to me was the loving way in which we can talk about following Jesus as our first and only loyalty instead of U.S. American culture or the president.  As a Mennonite pastor, one of the most useful thoughts I found was how to discuss the military (and actually anyone who is exploring a career path) with someone who was interested in it: pray over the person that the fruits of the Spirit are being cultivated in them (p 273). Ultimately this sums up the point of the book - "Who are we becoming as Christians, thinking about all aspects of life, culture, and involvement thereof?  Are we becoming more like Jesus as presented in the gospels?"

One Line Summary: Buy this book, read it and wrestle with it, pass it on (I think that's what the authors would want!).  It offers many good insights that challenge the normal state of faith and practice in US America, and many suggestions and thoughts about what it means to follow Jesus, and him alone, in our society. 

Book Reviewed: Claiborne, Shane, and Haw, Chris. Jesus for President. USA: Simple Way, 2008.

Confession of Faith: Creation and Divine Providence

The Mennonites believe God created the heavens, the earth, and all that is in them through love and out of sovereign freedom .  God preserves and sustains what God has made, limiting the forces of sin and evil for the sake of the world, redeeming and saving humans and creation.  We are called to respect the "natural order of creation and to entrust ourselves to God's care and keeping, whether in adversity or plenty" (Confession of Faith).

In many ways we live in a world where nature is not readily taken care of.  Thinking about the reliance and abuse of limited fossil fuels, deforesting, over-hunting/fishing, and overeating of meat (which requires more resources to sustain because we have to feed the animals a lot of food to make food) brings to mind many areas of concern when it comes to taking care of the earth and sustainability. 

Even when it comes to our own bodies we are not very good stewards.  Many in the United States fall under the category of "obese or overweight."  According to the Food Research and Action Center, 68.8% of US adults are overweight or obese, with 35.7% being obese.  These things are linked: as we drive more we walk or bike less; overeating of fatty meats and the preservatives they hold means eating less vegetables and fruits which are healthier and more sustainable; eating too many fatty carbs (like donuts) and too much fast food (like McDonalds) are also culprits. 

Into this, Mennonites proclaim God created us and sustained us - therefore we look after the environment, trying to living sustainably and responsibly. We work with relief groups to try to end world hunger; we participate in food pantries and banks in order to help take care of the poor while stewarding our own goods.  On the individual level, perhaps we need to step up taking care of the environment in other ways as well...in what ways is God calling us to steward the environment and creation even better?  Leave a comment below!

Want to learn more?  Here is Article 5 of the Mennonite Confession of faith:   http://www.mennoniteusa.org/about/confession-of-faith-in-a-mennonite-perspective-1995/confession-of-faith-%E2%80%94-article-5/

Obesity Stats (Food Research and Action Center):

http://frac.org/initiatives/hunger-and-obesity/obesity-in-the-us/

Confession of Faith: Scripture

The Mennonites believe Scripture.  We believe that Scripture, both the Hebrew (or Old) Testament and the New Testament, are inspired by the Holy Spirit for "instruction in salvation and training in righteousness" (Confession of Faith).  We believe that all the many very smart scholars, text critics, text copiers, and compilers were inspired by the Holy Spirit throughout the ages (basically the process by which Scripture is formed was inspired).  We acknowledge the Scripture as authoritative source and standard for faith and life and that all things need to be tested and corrected by the light of Scripture.

The Bible is the essential book of the church.  Some Christians believe that the Bible is inerrant, or completely without error, perfect, and as if God had spoken every word of the Bible to humans to write down.  We don't take it that far, for there is no need to.  When God spoke, he did so through a living word, named Jesus Christ (Jn 1).  Some Christians(?) believe the Bible is riddled with errors, nonsensical stories, and myths which make it useless.  Into this perspective we proclaim the Bible as authoritative truth through which God continues to speak. 

Into a world which finds all perspectives and views on truth equal, as if truth was a buffet restaurant from which we pick our favorite ones, the Mennonites proclaim Jesus: Jesus who is revealed in the Gospels, Jesus in the prophets, Jesus in the epistles, Jesus at creation.  Jesus is truth...and we can find Jesus revealed in the Bible.  Read it, eat it, sleep with it... Scripture is the book of the church.

Want to learn more?  Here is Article 4 of the Mennonite Confession of faith:   http://www.mennoniteusa.org/about/confession-of-faith-in-a-mennonite-perspective-1995/confession-of-faith-%E2%80%94-article-4/

Confession of Faith: Holy Spirit

The Mennonites believe in the Holy Spirit, declaring with conviction the empowerment of Jesus and the church by the Holy Spirit.  We believe the Spirit of God participated in the creation of the world, inspired the prophets and those who wrote Scripture, ignited the disciples at Pentecost, and continues to ignite, call, and transform her church.

The role of the Holy Spirit tends to be an edgy one in most churches, and of course out-right denied in others.  Some churches seek, cater towards, and wish to somehow cultivate the power of the Holy Spirit in them, leading to outbreaks of tongues, miraculous healing, being slain in the spirit, in some places snake handling, and the odd outbreak of animal noises.  In other places, the Holy Spirit is almost completely ignored or denied, maybe because things get a little crazy when the Holy Spirit shows up.

Into this the Mennonites assert that the Holy Spirit is an important part of the Trinity, making space for the Holy Spirit to work in power by proclaiming what the Holy Spirit has already done and continues to do.  We find the Holy Spirit to be empowering of people with love, reconciliation, hope, and healing.  In a culture where spirits and new age religion is finding a hold, we continue to proclaim and look for the power of the Holy Spirit to embolden us to pick up the cross each and every day to follow after Jesus. 

Want to learn more?  Here is Article 3 of the Mennonite Confession of faith:   http://www.mennoniteusa.org/about/confession-of-faith-in-a-mennonite-perspective-1995/confession-of-faith-%E2%80%94-article-3/

Confession of Faith: Jesus Christ (The Trailblazing Savior)

Jesus is the Word of God made flesh, "who delivered us from the dominion of sin and reconciled us to God by humbling himself and becoming obedient unto death on a cross."  He is resurrected, the exalted slaughtered Lamb, ascended and reigning with God in glory, the Messiah, Savior of the world, head of the church, Lord of all.

The Mennonites value Jesus above everything else in Scripture, including his life, teachings, death, resurrection, ascension, and present ruling of his church.  Today, we in the US tend to strip Jesus of his power.  We sing "washed in the blood of the Lamb" and imagine this to be like a holy shower by which we become clean, are able to go sin as much as we want, then come back and wash off again.  We think that Jesus does not call out our deepest fears and ask us to follow him through and beyond those fears -fears such as being secure and safe, staying alive, and remaining in material satisfaction.

Yet, that is just what Jesus does all through the gospels.  He says, "Pick up your cross and follow me" and "Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you" (Mt 5:44; Mt 16:24-28).  Unfortunately, we tend to think since Jesus lived back in the day he wasn't very smart and didn't realize just how hard these things would be - so we trivialize their power by suggesting Jesus really didn't mean them.  Into this culture, the Mennonites follow Jesus, backs bowed with the cross, loving friends and enemies, offering peace, reconciliation, and love, even if it means their deaths.  Why?  It's exactly what Jesus did to reconcile us to himself, and by following Jesus we enact the living hope for God's new world.

Want to learn more?  Here is Article 2 of the Mennonite Confession of faith:   http://www.mennoniteusa.org/about/confession-of-faith-in-a-mennonite-perspective-1995/confession-of-faith-%E2%80%94-article-2/

Confession of Faith: God

In the Mennonite confession of faith, there is no discussion about classical philosophy (you won't find words like "immutable or omni-[insert characteristic here]" in the confession of faith), but about a person.  We believe that God is Holy Trinity: Parent, Son and Holy Spirit, creator of all things, caller of human beings, offering redemption to all of humanity through Jesus Christ, Son of God/Man, sustainer of the church.  We believe God surpasses all human understanding, but has revealed God's self to us.  God is love; in awesome glory, in enduring compassion, sovereign power, unending mercy, abounding grace, wrath against sin, God is love.

The way we view God matters for today - as A.W. Tozer writes in Knowledge of the Holy, "What comes into our minds when we think about God is the most important thing about us" (pp 1). In many ways, we model our actions after who we think God is.  If we think, "God bless America," then we support the USA in whatever wars it undertakes in order for her to maintain her power.  When we see "In God we trust" on the back of US money, we may think that since we trust in "God" that God supports America in all her endeavors. 

Into this mindset, we see the Mennonites proclaiming "God is love and shows it perfectly in all characteristics."  I wonder...what if the first thing we thought of when we thought of God was perfect love?  What would we look like if we modeled ourselves after this love?

Next: Article 2 - Jesus Christ

Want to learn more?  Here is Article 1 of the Mennonite Confession of faith:   http://www.mennoniteusa.org/about/confession-of-faith-in-a-mennonite-perspective-1995/confession-of-faith-in-a-mennonite-perspective-%E2%80%94-article-1-god/

Mennonites: Radical Religious Revolutionaries (in a Nutshell)

Mennonites are people who trace themselves back to a Catholic priest named Menno Simmons in Holland during the time of the reformation.  Menno heard of the "Anabaptists," or radical reformers during the period of Luther's reformation who believed that people could not be born into the Christian Kingdom but instead must make an adult choice for themselves about whether or not they believed in Christ and were to be baptized.  Menno was asked to be the leader of the Anabaptists.

While requiring adult baptism, the founding Anabaptists were highly educated individuals who were radical in the way they perceived the world.  They believed that Jesus was the most important part of the Bible and that he actually meant what he said in the gospels, especially the Sermon on the Mount.  They grabbed hold of Jesus as the center of their religion, becoming simple, loving, reconciling, and peaceful people for Christ.

And, much like the early church pre-Constantine, they fought a revolution - not with weapons but with their blood, not with anger but with love, not with hate but with hope.  Anabaptists were pacifists...and both Catholics and Lutherans slaughtered them as heretics because of their belief in adult baptism.  Yet, the Anabaptists continued, radical religious revolutionaries.

Fast forward 500ish years and the Mennonites are still around today, pursuing healing and hope, reconciliation and love.  We stand in a position of speaking into the world in ways the world doesn't want to hear - the way Jesus does.  We'll continue this series with their first confession of faith: God.

Want to know more?  Head over to http://www.mennoniteusa.org/ and click on "about us" on the left hand side.

Resurrection (of a blog)

The last post made on this blog was on December 9, 2011.  For the last several years, it has been dead.  The beautiful thing about being dead is it provides time for a resurrection, as the biblical narrative shows us time and time again.  My long absence is due to the life journey I have been on since 2011.  I became a Trainer (teacher/supervisor) at my job a week after my last posting, experienced the joy and hardship of middle management, and learned a lot of new insights.  I was interim pastor (bio-vocationally) for several months during this time. A month ago I was hired as the sole pastor of South Union Mennonite Church.  This church has a beautiful congregation which I am loved by, love, and serve as a pastor.  Lots of change has happened...and as  life has the habit of doing, I am a different person than the one that wrote two years ago.

That being said, I am going to continue blogging about the ordinary journey of daily life, which is actually quite extraordinary.  I will be beginning with a series reflecting on who the Mennonites are, why they matter, and what draws me to them as a pastor a congregation in their midst.  We will continue to wrestle with difficult texts, ordinary insights, and books reviews along the way. 

I also want to invite you to dialogue with me through the comments below.  Share your stories, reflect on your experiences with me, for no journey is meant to be traveled alone.