Let's Stick Together

Last week several members of the congregation drove to Hurst to attend the ordination and installation service for Alissa who was baptized in this church and grew up here. We were blessed by a meaningful and joyful service. Perhaps the highlight for me was the opportunity to hear John Williams preach. John is the chaplain at Austin College and in his capacity he has been a friend to countless young college people. He is a well-loved pastor and friend to many, and deservedly so.

John’s sermon focused on the Pentecost texts given to us from the book of Numbers in the Old Testament and the book of Acts in the New. He reminded us that the Spirit is a gift that works in individual lives such as Alissa’s. He reminded us also that the Spirit is a gift that works in the lives us communities such as St. Philip Church as they discerned Alissa to be Associate Pastor. But he didn’t stop there. He reminded us that the Spirit is a gift which also works within the church at large such as Grace Presbytery. [This three part call is also the approach we are following here at FPC Garland in the search for your next pastor.]

Our individual experiences are personal but never private. They are to be confirmed in the context of a community. And individual churches only realize the full power of God’s Spirit when outside guidance and wisdom are received. This is a basic principle of Presbyterian polity. It is what we call “connectionalism.” And we have connectionalism because we take sin seriously. On our own, our capacity to stray is magnified. Together in discernment with others, we are more likely to hear the voice of the Spirit and the effect of sin is reduced.

One of the important implications for this is the realization that not one entity can say “we know better” or “we are better on our own.” As tough as it is to remain connected, especially when we disagree or experience conflict or encounter people behaving badly, this is precisely where God would have us. This is why I attend presbytery meetings. This is why I am attending the General Assembly. This is why I keep up with the details of our national church. Because it reminds me that I can’t be a Christian growing in love for God and for neighbor on my own. In short, remaining connected makes me a better Christian.

Engaged, David