Connecting the Old with the New

Imagine learning from a trip to the circus! This weekend I went with the family to Ringling Brothers, Barnum and Bailey circus in town for the weekend. I couldn't help notice how an organization as ancient as the circus continues to attract and relate to modern audiences. One clue was that the circus is in tune to some of modern society's familiar sounds. After the clown routine ends badly, the music heard was the famous computer sound of something gone bad on the computer. The audience roared with laughter at the sound for they had been there.

I think sometimes the church fails to connect because we don't go to where people are or where people have been. We prefer to stay right where we are, which is usually a comfortable place.

The Gift of Listening

Never be too busy to listen to a story or to get to know someone, especially someone older than yourself; you'd be amazed at what you may learn and the wonderful, unexpected blessing you may receive.

Supper time, especially on the Free Night of a convention or conference is a hectic time especially if it falls on a Friday. Last night was our free night and we were meeting a dear friend at a popular restaurant. The sidewalks were crowded and an older gentleman was struggling as he walked and he kept apologizing to all as he walked. I recognized the color of his lanyard as his being clergy and from our conference, though I did not yet know him. He apologized to us for his walking so slow and both Nellie and I said there was no need and I extended my hand to greet him and he began a marvelous conversation but he reached a point where he said that due to a dinner with retirees he had not come to the restaurant we were coming with his group and tonight they had abandoned him and he was coming on his own. He asked if he could dine with us. With no hesitation we said he could. We knew our dear friend would not mind and ours was a rich evening filled with wonderful stories.

There was pain and sorrow shared, but God was in our midst and grace was ours.

Never be too busy to listen or to get to know someone.

Authority to Lead or Leadership?

Ron Heifetz of Harvard is quoted in Will Willimon's latest as saying, "it's disastrous for a leader to confuse authority to lead (formal authoritization, legislated power) with leadership (power to question, to teach, to build consensus, and to motivate).

-"Bishop" p. 20

Stop and Pray

Things happen and some merit immediate prayer. Nothing is so important that we can't stop what we are doing and pray, especially if we're asked to pray.

Last night a young woman from the General Conference here in Tampa was hit by a car and rushed to the hospital. Someone from the delegation asked permission to speak and shared with the presiding bishop these news. The bishop kept the business going until the matter before us was resolved. It was the longest five or six minutes. Finally, he recognized the delegation from which this young woman hails, and asked them to stand and then prayed.

Stop and pray. Nothing is so important that we can't stop what we are doing and pray. Nothing.

Tears

Jesus wept. We should weep at the right times for the right reason. Weeping is not a sign of weakness. It is a sign of compassion and commitment.

Jesus wept.

Running the Course

Two weekends ago, Shoreline Drive, an important traffic thoroughfare, was marked as one lane in both directions, set apart by orange cones, to allow participants in a triathlon to run the course. One morning they were on bicycles, the other running. One led by a large distance over the other ones way in the back. I wondered who was running to win and who was running to run.

As you lead as pastor, are you running to win, or running to run? Where do you find the most joy? Winning or running? Where do you find the most faithfulness?

Enjoy the quiet

Hide the eggs. Then be excited and joyful when they're found. This is a crucial part of being in the family. Kids can tell. So can most grown ups.