What a great article. I guess the question is: Who is being changed; the sheep (goats?)or the church?Maybe that's why Paul keeps telling us to always preach the Gospel. Steve
Lots of food for thought there--thanks for the link. Our open door policy has certainly brought in all kinds, hasn't it?! And sent out all kinds as well! Tides are good and natural--just like a wind, which strengthens the tenderest stems as they grow to bend and not break. Personally, I'm strengthened and envigorated by the tides! We could all just float along in a placid little pond, but our weaknesses would never be exposed. Surrounded by algae but as long as the boat isn't rocking, we're happy and comfortable. And stagnant.
If this is not a place where tears are understood, Then where shall I go to cry? And if this is not a place where my spirit can take wings, Then where shall I go to fly? I don't need another place for trying to impress you With just how good and virtuous I am. I don't need another place for always being on top of things; Everybody knows that it's a sham. I don't need another place for always wearing smiles, Even when it's not the way I feel. I don't need another place to mouth the same old platitudes; Everybody knows that it's not real. So if this is not a place where my questions can be asked, Then where shall I go to seek? And if this is not a place where my heart cry can be heard, Where, tell me where, shall I go to speak? So if this is not a place where tears are understood, Where shall I go, where shall I go to fly? -- Ken Medema
When Wesleyan General Superintendent, Wayne Schmidt, officiates ordination services, he is continuing a long, historic line of ministerial calling/leadership as the mantle is passed to the next generation. Wayne Schmidt was ordained by O. D. Emery (Wesleyan Church) O. D. Emery ordained by Louis Willard Sturk (Pilgrim Holiness). Louis Willard (L. W.) Sturk ordained by George B. Kulp (Pilgrim Holiness) George Kulp was ordained by Stephen Merrill (Methodist Episcopal) Stephen Merrill was ordained by Thomas Asbury Morris (Methodist Episcopal) Thomas Asbury Morris was ordained by Robert Richford Roberts (Methodist Episcopal) Robert Richford Roberts was ordained by the renowned circuit riding evangelist, Francis Asbury (Methodist) Francis Asbury was ordained by Thomas Coke (Methodist) Thomas Coke was ordained by a renegade priest named John Wesley (Anglican) John Wesley was ordained by John Potter, Bishop of Oxford (Anglican). From Potter -- there's a trail all the way back...
What a great article. I guess the question is: Who is being changed; the sheep (goats?)or the church?Maybe that's why Paul keeps telling us to always preach the Gospel.
ReplyDeleteSteve
Lots of food for thought there--thanks for the link. Our open door policy has certainly brought in all kinds, hasn't it?! And sent out all kinds as well! Tides are good and natural--just like a wind, which strengthens the tenderest stems as they grow to bend and not break. Personally, I'm strengthened and envigorated by the tides! We could all just float along in a placid little pond, but our weaknesses would never be exposed. Surrounded by algae but as long as the boat isn't rocking, we're happy and comfortable. And stagnant.
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