Tribal Church

I got tagged by Jim Bonewald, The Church Geek by Aric Clark, and by Lee Hinson-Hasty. They sent me a meme that originated from Bruce Reyes-Chow, who’s running for Moderator of the General Assembly this year.

1. What is your earliest memory of being distinctly Presbyterian?

I was working at Cokesbury Bookstore, at my seminary, and during a lull, I was complaining to a professor because a local Presbyterian had just been really rude to me. I knew who she was. She was the minister of a church that had been steadily shrinking in size for years. “It’s so strange. I can’t understand these pastors. If you have a congregation that’s dwindling in numbers, wouldn’t you want to be nice to people? Maybe invite them to church, instead of yelling at them?”

The prof answered, “You only say that because you’re not Presbyterian.”

I was shocked, “What? Yes I am!” I didn’t grow up in the PCUSA, but I was a member. And a candidate in the ordination process.

“Nope. You’re not. And you never will be.”

Maybe it was sheer defiance, but at that moment, for the first time, I thought, “Yes. Yes, I am Presbyterian.” And it sunk in.

2. On what issue/question should the PC(USA) spend LESS energy and time?

The question of how to keep people out of ordained ministry positions. I was in on a meeting with denominational leaders once. The reason for the meeting was so that we could talk about how to inspire good churches to hire young pastors, and how young pastors could be encouraged to move up in their jobs.

The conversation quickly moved to how the leaders had been very effective in keeping people out of certain positions. I left the gathering frustrated, because it seemed like so much energy was going into keeping certain people out, there was no time left for encouraging the good pastors of any age.

3. On what issue/question should the PC(USA) spend MORE energy and time?

Planting churches. It’s early spring in the Presbyterian Church. All at once, we have congregations that are closing and a whole crop of innovative pastors who want to start new churches.

Because of my writing and speaking, I tend to look at things through a generational lens. And what I see is a generation of very creative thirty-somethings (and older) who want to begin something new. Then, I see a vast generation of twenty-somethings who want something new.

If we could get everyone in our denomination to imagine the possibilities of this exciting moment, if we could all shift gears, let go of the money, support the pastors, and allow them to start new churches, then we’ll be looking at some very, very fruitful years to come.

That’s why I’m excited about Bruce’s run for moderator. He’s living that vision. And maybe it’ll become contagious….

4. If you could have the PC(USA) focus on one passage of scripture for an entire year, what would it be?

Isaiah 43

5. If the PC(USA) were an animal what would it be and why?

I would say one of those beautiful beetles. In ancient Egypt, they were considered to be a sign of creativity and transformation. You can still buy scarab beads, and I often do.

6. For Extra Credit: Jesus shows up at General Assembly this year, what does he say to the Presbyterian Church (USA)?

I guess I’d have to skip the extra credit. Jesus always confounds me. He’s either turning over tables or weeping over his people. Every time I read the gospels, he’s surprising me with something. I never know what Jesus would do.

Now, I’ll tag (this is the hardest part of every meme… trying to discriminate who will play and who will be annoyed that you asked): Brian Merritt, Jan Edmiston,
Ryan Pappan (you can wait until Easter, Ryan), Heather Reichgott, and Neal Locke.

The rules are simple:
* in about 25 words each, answer the five questions (okay, so I cheated).
* tag five presbyterian bloggers and send them a note to let them know they were tagged (and…I forgot the note. It was almost Easter…)
* be sure to link or send a trackback to this post.

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