5 Years from Campus
I resigned from campus-based ministry 5 years ago. One of the greatest gifts I have received is perspective.
Lesson #1: Re-presence Christ
Leonard Sweet recently spoke about the beauty of re-presencing Christ, instead of representing Him or an organization. It is difficult for the denominationally affiliated to grasp the weight and pressure placed on them by organizational systems. These days, I live in the wonder of trying daily to draw attention to the presence of Christ who is always present.
Lesson #2: Accountability
One of the critiques I received going independent was that I was resisting accountability. I would offer that I have found more accountability outside of the systems that live in fear of being discovered and disciplined by those systems. I have nothing to lose in my accountability. Most can lose their ordination or membership in their accountability, so they remain silent. When was the last time someone asked about your prayer life, your internet life, your social media life, your use of time, your devotional life with your family, or those you are reaching with the gospel? Accountability is more than an annual report or attending a conference.
Lesson #3: Love over Systems
Dr Dan Boone, Trevecca Nazarene University President, recently preached a sermon calling the Church to focus first on getting people to fall in love with Christ. It is heartbreaking to consider how many people I know who fight for more fidelity to systems than disciple people to fall in love with the Savior. It is time to recenter on Jesus Christ.
Lesson #4: Jesus over Camps
I am impressed with the many places in the New Testament where we see God pouring himself out on His people. This is His grace at work and He is generous. However, it seems that we have reduced the work of God into spiritual camps. The Fundamentalists, the Pentecostals, the Progressives, the Catholics, etc., all feel like they are right and people in those camps find their identity in the religious framework of those camps. You get saved and baptized then the next step is training on how to believe like the camp believes. In the world at large among those who aren’t a part of any camp, they simply want to fall in love with Jesus, to know Him, and be known by Him. They find encampments oppressive.
Lesson #5: To be Known
My personality profile, as all personalities do, casts a shadow on my life. My reputation means everything to me. The shadow is that I can be more interested in making myself look good in front of others instead of re-presencing Christ. If my motive is reputation, everything happens from that place. If my motive is to know Christ and to allow the presence of Christ to be made known, the end result will be very different.
Bonus Lesson: Don’t Fear Loss
I have lost count - 20+ - of the number of pastors I have talked to who are frustrated with the systems, values, and focus of denominational life. Almost all of them press on because the cost to do something different is high. I believe America is on the doorstep of seismic political, financial, cultural, and religious life change. I believe God is raising up men and women to practice what Church looks like after that seismic shift. 5 years removed from campus life has made me painfully aware of the costs. However, I am also becoming more aware of the possibilities of life in the Kingdom of Heaven on earth. I encourage you to trust in the Father who is calling you to practice life in the Kingdom. I encourage you to consider a return to the Book of Acts. I encourage you to consider what the Bible considers a church to be. I encourage you to optimistically pursue the One who is calling you.