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Question #3 What changes has the practice of ministry had on your understanding of (a) the “Lordship of Jesus Christ” and (b) the work of the Holy Spirit?
The practice of ministry has enhanced my understanding of “the Lordship of Jesus Christ.” As a disciple of Jesus Christ I believe Him to be the Incarnate Word of God, author of our salvation. God became flesh, walked with us, breathed our air, was born and died, yet conquered evil and death. In the resurrection, Jesus demonstrated His authority over all creation. We celebrate the sovereignty of Christ in worship, in prayer, in mission, ever mindful of His coming kingdom where the fullness of God’s peace and justice will be experienced by all creation. He is the restorer of our relationship with God. Through Christ as the head of our holy church we are called to be active participants in God’s divine initiative for renewing creation. When we respond to Christ as our Lord we reject the selfish in favor of the selfless witness of becoming and making disciples for the transformation of the world.
Currently, much of my focus in ministry is based on the love of Christ. In my preaching and teaching I seek to demonstrate how our missional identity is shaped by God’s love for us. The authority of Christ is rooted in love, not power. I believe it is a powerful witness when I as a minister am able to offer Christ as a gift of God’s love. Despite ourselves, God loves us and desires to be in relationship. God has initiated restoration and reconciliation through the faith of Jesus Christ. Christ commanded us to love God and neighbor. “We love because he first loved us,” (1 John 4:19). It is through the love of Christ we are able to be in mission and ministry to God’s creation.
As a community of believers we have been empowered by the Holy Spirit, the presence of God, the very person of God. Christ promised his disciples that the Holy Spirit will always be present. “But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything, and remind you of all that I have said to you,” (John 4:26). The Spirit was present at Pentecost, enabling disparate people separated by language to hear and understand one another. The Spirit continues to guide us in the church, opening our hearts to God’s gracious activity in the world. As reflected in Our Doctrinal Heritage, the “Spirit has brought [the church] into existence for the healing of the nations.” The Spirit sustains us in times of joy and in moments of despair. I experienced joy with the birth of our daughter Willa, knowing the Spirit was present with all who helped deliver her. I have also been witness to the Spirit at the bedside of one who was dying. In our conversation she expressed an inner calm and peace, knowing her pain would soon end and new phase of her journey would begin. The Spirit is always working at every moment of our lives, within and beyond the walls of the church as we strive to be faithful Christians seeking justice, loving kindness, and walking humbly with God. The Spirit convinces us of our sin through grace and sustains us as we walk in the way of Christ.
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