Across Church Street
Elder to Elder
To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder and a witness of Christ’s sufferings who also will share in the glory to be revealed: Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. — 1 Peter 5:1-3
Elder isn't a title given to people who run things. Instead, it should be the natural outcome of life with God over many years.
Known
I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me—just as the Father knows me and I know the Father—and I lay down my life for the sheep. — John 10:14-15
"I know my sheep and my sheep know me." We've been told that Christianity isn't a religion, but a relationship. Do we really believe it? Jesus' language here is so personal and relational. This is what eternal life looks like.
Umbrella
There are some in my life who stand out as people who shaped me in significant ways: parents, my wife, pastors, and a few teachers. Today, I'm feeling a sense of gratitude for the many others who have dripped things into my life—things I don't really notice but subconsciously depend on every day. Here's an umbrella expression of gratitude to all of them!
- love
- Holy Spirit
- humility
- church
- poverty & mercy
- politics & society
- mission & witness
- holiness
- parable & metaphor
- identity
- eternal life
- doubt & deconstruction
- leadership
- grace
- justice
- scripture
- spiritual life
- advent & christmas
- imagination & creativity
- technology & AI
- knowing God
- human dignity
- faith & trust
- incarnation & cross
- kingdom of God
- community
- reconciliation
- spiritual formation
- epistemology
- prayer
- gratitude
- culture
- creation & nature
- discipleship
I practice the spiritual discipline of rescuing earthworms on paved surfaces. It's a reminder to me that I can pause what I'm doing, get a little dirty, and help. Also, that I've been given the responsibility to care.