Being Spirit-led is anything but being on easy street. With the biblical stories before us, we know that a faithful response to God often requires sacrifice and occasional suffering. Having a vision of why and having a faith community to support us can make all the difference.
IT BEGINS WITH YOU
As Proverbs 29:18 reminds us, “Where there is no vision, the people perish.” (KJV) So, as clergy and other spiritual leaders in a church, our task is to assist the membership in developing a vision for the church. In this essay, we will test our openness to the Spirit as it speaks to us around the issue of racism. As you become familiar with the process, you can try it as you seek guidance around any issue that is present in our society.
It may sound simplistic, but I suggest that you, as pastor, do the following:
The first step for the pastor
We are testing the Spirit in your church around the issue of racism, as it manifests in both the church and society. We’ll also see how the members of four different categories are the same or differ in their responses. We will begin with you, the pastor, speaking about our core faith beliefs as a local church. Begin by writing ten short sentences, each describing what you understand to be part of God’s call for your congregation. Review each of your ten sentences and refine them until you are satisfied that they reflect what you would want for your church.
Set them aside for a day or so, and then, as you examine them, identify some key theological issues that are reflected in those statements.
Later, you may change some of these statements, but this is your basic faith statement as you begin this journey.
You are now prepared to issue an invitation to a set of pastors in other churches in your area.