Sometimes a young, up and coming preacher comes out of the gate, potentially a little too hard, with a message that uses political material to underscore his/her main gospel point. The message resonates deeply with some, offends others, and a few weren’t really sure what the main point was supposed to be. Not that I am speaking from experience or anything….
In speaking with people over the last couples of days, I realized that when sensitive subjects are brought up, our internal defenses and biases are stirred up as well. I stand by my choice to tackle the subject of abuses of power, and hegemonic masculinity, viewed through the light of our gospel passage (Mark 9:38-50), but I also realize that my internal defenses and biases were also in embedded in my message. I spent hours upon hours trying to craft perfect phrasing in my sermon so that it would come off as non-partisan. I knew this sermon better than any I had ever preached before, but I kept my nose in my manuscript, rather than going off the cuff, because I wanted to make sure all of the words were just right. Despite all of that preparation and intentional wordsmithing, not everyone left hearing the same message on Sunday.
It pains me that my message may have wounded someone, but it also excites me to hear that the Holy Spirit moved within people to the point where couples who came away hearing different messages spent time vying to understand what the other heard. Would I do it all over again?
Maybe. If I did, I would definitely incorporate the constructive feedback that I received from a couple of people that would help me address blind spots that I have in my preparation and delivery.
In all that transpired over the past couple of days, I have been able to look at it all as a microcosm of our lives as Christians in the Church. Sometimes there is a conviction on our heart and we put it out there for the world to hear; some agree, others do not, but at the end of the day, we put away our differences and disagreements, and worship our one risen and glorified Lord, Jesus Christ. I know that there are always tension points in ministry, and there will be more during my time here, but the following passage from James helps to keep me focused:
My brothers and sisters,whenever you face trials of any kind, consider it nothing but joy, because you know that the testing of your faith produces endurance; and let endurance have its full effect, so that you may be mature and complete, lacking in nothing. - James 1:2-4
Thank you to those who were disturbed or confused and approached me for conversation. To others with questions or concerns, I am available for discussion. I am joy-filled to know that my times of trial, endurance, and joy will be alongside each and every one of you at Lord of Life! I love each and every one of you and feel honored to worship with you each week.
God Bless,
Corey
P.S. - If you are wondering what all the “hoopla” is about, you can listen to Sunday’s sermon here.