When The Shine Wears Off

 

When the Shine Wears Off

Today was not a great day. 

It had lots of potential, but it started without prayer. 

And so working in my own strength and measure, I quickly forgot whose ministry it is, and who is Head of the Church.

Each difficulty I met today, and there were a few, I took as a measure of my own work and worth; someone de-registering from our records, a leader or two who decided not to come back to their role in September, leadership holes beginning to appear here and there, third hand criticism that we don’t provide enough in one area, a phone call or two needed to still waters that might become choppy, and to cap it all … no one to click through a power-point on Sunday. Imagine. How did our forebears ever manage without digital technology?

On another day, I would smile politely, and carry on. Today I was easily discouraged, because I forgot, again, that it isn’t my Church, it is His, it’s not my ministry, rather it is His, and the flock I am called to care for, are really His.

Today, however had another purpose. It made me look again and see the absence of so many people, individuals and families alike; children, teens, twenties, thirties, forties … need I go on.

I wondered if it is my fault, after 15 years here. Shouldn’t I have managed to nurture better, and encouraged better, and have gathered a ready supply of leaders willing to lead and to serve?

Earlier in the day … it was my fault. But as the day worn on, and a wise leader or two encouraged and suggested, instead of the ‘poor me’, I’ve realized that the better and more helpful response is that instead of seeing the empty seats and roles, I would renew my commitment to see individuals, and people who for whatever reason aren’t yet motivated to gather to worship the Lord, or see the need to contribute something back to the Household.

Today I come to see again, the need for a renewed commitment to look to Him who is our Head and ask for His direction and leading. I’m reminded in today’s sermon prep, of a very telling little phrase said first by Jesus; ‘no-one comes to the Father unless He draws them.’ Another word is ‘Beckons.’ It’s a great word, speaking of God calling and His offer of Salvation through Jesus.

It’s becoming very clear that there is no reset button after this pandemic. Lots of people have discovered new Sunday routines, and freedoms from leadership responsibilities. I mentioned before the question a senior cleric asked me through the car window in Tesco Carpark, ‘how will we ever gather up the flock again?’ I wasn’t as then concerned. Today I am much more aware.

But it is His Church, and His flock, and it is He who calls, and draws and beckons. My job is to not have another day like today; it is to begin tomorrow in prayer, and to remember the example of Martin Luther and other saints who said a version of ‘the busier we are, the more we need time for prayer.’

For me, as I look ahead into late August, and the Autumn season, Church life doesn’t look as it once did. Yet He remains faithful to us, and we come to Him, again, as He beckons us.

I must share a final encouragement. Someone introduced me to a new hymn with great lyrics: As I worshipped this evening I heard these words,

‘And every prayer we prayed in desperation

The songs of faith we sang through doubt and fear

In the end, we'll see that it was worth it

When He returns to wipe away our tears


Oh, there will be a day when all will bow before Him

There will be a day when death will be no more

Standing face to face with He who died and rose again

Holy, holy is the Lord.’


And on that day, we join the resurrection

And stand beside the heroes of the faith

With one voice, a thousand generations

Sing, "Worthy is the Lamb who was slain" "Forever He shall reign"


I will One Day see that all of this was worth it. 

May God encourage you to carry on worshipping and working for His Kingdom, 

in these unexpected days.

Precentor Hanlon

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