Meaningful Relationships Are Messy

The Wall Street Journal recently ran an item entitled, “Where Have All the Presbyterians Gone?” The author noted that denominational loyalties have waned as non-denominational churches have become the fastest growing Protestant group in the United States. He attributed this to a “revivalist” movement driven by people who “tended not to talk about issues that might divide their congregants. They avoided questions like: Who should be baptized and when? What does the Lord’s Supper mean? Should women be ordained? And so on.”

Even if that implication were accurate, why avoid those questions? Baptism, the Lord’s Supper, and ordination reflect the heart of our identity as followers of Jesus. The fact that Christians have varied opinions about them does not render them insignificant.

Ordination. We baptize all who accept Jesus as Lord, but reserve ordination for those called to specific leadership positions. Our discussions about ordination qualifications have been long and often heated; but I give thanks to God for them. When I felt called to become Presbyterian, I had two theological degrees and had received ordination in another denomination. Yet, I was required to take ordination exams and be examined by designated Presbyterian bodies. That took time and effort, but it manifested our commitment to qualified leadership. I learned a lot and forged meaningful relationships along that journey.

My recent reflections about ordination standards sparked several conversations. One was with a person with a different conviction. Our conversation changed no minds, but allowed me to grow in friendship with and respect for that person. If we ignored our different convictions, that would not have happened.

Lord’s Supper. When we gather for the Lord’s Supper, we invite all the baptized to receive the bread and cup. Some Christians place stricter limits on who may receive the elements. We have varied convictions about communion, but none of us considers the Lord’s Supper, Holy Communion, the Eucharist insignificant. God moves in and through us as we feast on the loaf and cup. The communion table points to the sacredness of all table fellowship. Communion means too much to take it for granted, even if that results in some challenging conversations.

Baptism. When, by the grace of God, I am privileged to baptize a child or adult, God seems as real to me as the water I place on a precious forehead. Our session authorizes all baptisms. Meaningful discussions regularly take place as a session ponders how to support and guide those who present children for baptism or adults who feel God calling them to the font.

Following Jesus is not all about us. Jesus calls into servant ministries: feeding the hungry; seeking justice for and having compassion on all; and loving our neighbor as ourselves. Yet, who we are and who leads us are important. I thank God for the faithful followers of Jesus fed by the “revivalist” movement. I also thank God for those who remain committed to the ministries of Jesus even when they lead us into challenging conversations unlikely to end soon. The best of life and faith lies not in what we avoid but in the often messy relationships forged as good people of varied convictions try to live, love, and serve together.

Grace and Peace,

LP