The Pastor's Corner

Study Leave

One of the blessings this congregation grants me is study leave. Some of you have expressed interest in learning what I do with this time. I consider study leave as a time for both learning and renewal; and I try to find opportunities that offer both. For example, in years past I have attended preaching seminars that I find both instructional and inspiring. All of my experiences to date have also included significant opportunities for worship.

 

This summer I attended a conference at Montreat, a wonderful Presbyterian facility in the mountains of western North Carolina. Regardless of the subject matter, this is a place of renewal. The conference was called Church Unbound. I joined 249 others from 33 states to consider the question, “What is the church you are dreaming of?” In the face of a long trend of declining membership in an increasingly secular world it is an important question for each of us to ask. As we begin a new program year at Concord it is also a good time to examine how our energies contribute to or hinder the church we dream of.

 

Let me share some of the descriptions of an unbound church I heard at the conference. “The unbound church isn’t tethered to:

  • its safe space sanctuaries, but operates behind the enemy lines of poverty and social injustice.
  • tradition, but builds upon traditions to create new traditions as it engages the world in new ways.
  • just doing mission trips but has begun a journey that will recreate itself fully as a missional reality.
  • the idea that church members ought all to look alike and think alike, but drags people of every physical hue and theological complexion into its spiritual and missional endeavors.”(See note)

 

I offer these as both confirmation of our strengths, and as challenge. What is the church you are dreaming of? What are we tethered to that keeps us from moving there? These are not rhetorical questions. Give me a call; write me a note; send me an e-mail (fritzackerman@verizon.net).

 

Peace,

Fritz

Note: Quoted from Brian Blount, President of Union Theological Seminary and Presbyterian School of Christian Education.