It's too easy for ministry to fall into predictable patterns, only to be occasionally interrupted by an unexpected crisis. My resolution seeks to find more positive surprises in ministry by shaking up the established routine. I might make pastoral visits in the morning, not the afternoon; or take Mondays off instead of Fridays; or make a point of sitting on the steps in front of the church for at least two hours a week to interact with whoever walks by. Anything that opens space
for the Spirit to move in new and unexpected ways.
2. I resolve to find a new way to be a sheep, and not a shepherd.
In ministry, we become accustomed to leading. It is our job, after all. Almost any time we're involved in a church activity, people are looking to us to be in charge. Which sometimes means that we forget how to follow. We forget what it means to be the sheep we are expecting others to be. My resolution, therefore, is to find one activity where I am just a face in the crowd. Perhaps I'll volunteer to be an assistant Little League coach, or will join an online Bible study. Anything where I can just show up and follow along.
3. I resolve to dialogue more with those of a different political perspective than mine.
These days, it seems that the left and right sides of the political spectrum live in completely different worlds. It's quite possible for us to never talk with anyone outside of our own partisan bubble, or to only do so by hurling anger and insults. In the past couple of years, I have developed a few relationships on Facebook where I can have civil conversations across the political divide. It can get passionate, but we strive to keep it respectful. And most importantly, we seek not just to "win" the argument, but to find some sort of common ground that can move the conversation forward. My resolution is to intentionally develop several more of these relationships, as I believe they are the key to our nation overcoming this partisan warfare that is having so many detrimental effects.
4. Instead of helping people in need, I resolve to connect people that help people in need.
In every community, there are plenty of people who are working in various ways to do compassionate ministries. Usually, the challenge is not getting people motivated to help, but in coordinating those who are already trying to do something. This is an urgent need in my town, so I am resolving to spend my outreach efforts in 2014 on working with the Ministerial Association and other civic groups to come up with some sort of directory of services. I hope this coordinating effort will point out some of the holes in our area's safety net - which can then be addressed.
5. I resolve to revive an old area of interest that represents my youthful ideals.
It is inevitable that as we grow older, some of our strongly held beliefs about life are tempered by the realities of actually living life. But sometimes in our path toward wisdom and maturity, we can get sidetracked into jaded cynicism. Which is why, as we move throughout our adult lives, it is important to occasionally resurrect some of those forgotten passions.
Soon after I was ordained, I developed a strong interest in writing about consumerism and the needs for Christians to live disciplined lifestyles that promote economic and environmental justice. It was the culmination of an ethic that I had been developing throughout my time in college and seminary. I published a blog and even a short series of magazines on the subject - but it seemed it was not the right time for the church to hear the message.
2014, however, might find a more receptive faith culture. So, as my final and most exciting resolution, I am going to revive my work in a new and updated format. My first step will be to republish some of my old work on this blog - and then to evaluate what has and has not changed in the last decade. It should be fun!
Have a Happy New Year, y'all!
