MONDAY MUSINGS

August 25, 2008

Being a Good Pharisee

During the time of the ministry of Jesus of Nazareth there were two competing theological groups that were vying for power and influence.  They were both lay groups, not clergy, one called Sadducees and the other Pharisees.  In the Gospel accounts of the life and ministry of Jesus, it is the Pharisees who most often are criticized for their narrow and judgmental nature, enforcing the Jewish laws with little or no appreciation for the persons who were affected.  They were often seen in a very negative light so it certainly was not a compliment to be called a Pharisee.

I am a member of the Committee on Ministry for the Southeast Association of the Indiana-Kentucky Conference of the United Church of Christ.  We had a day long retreat this past Saturday to equip ourselves for the coming year and its challenges. 

The committee is responsible for the certification, care and potential discipline of the pastors who hold standing in the association, and for the care and nurture of the 27 congregations.  We keep track of persons who feel called into ministry, help them to complete their theological education, license or ordain them for their responsibilities, and provide a systematic structure for their continuing care and nurture.  We mandate boundary training sessions so they will not abuse the office or persons entrusted to them, encourage their continuing education, and assist them and their congregations as problems or challenges may arise.  We have a thick book of policies and procedures to guide our work.

I see our task as being Good Pharisees.  A responsible church needs structures and guidelines, best practices and centering expectations.  We are the gate-keepers in many respects, welcoming into the leadership pool those we deem ready and worthy of such positions of trust.  In order to be able to say “Yes” to some we also need to say “No” to others.  While there are always extenuating circumstances, we need to be able to justify such exceptions.  The book of best policies and procedures has been tested in many different settings, but we may need to be open to a situation that does not neatly fit our categories.  In each case our mantra is, “Does what we are deliberating build up the Body of Christ and further the ministry of Jesus Christ?”   

There will no doubt be some surprises as we meet monthly to do our work, and I’m sure we will encounter interesting people and challenging situations.  I trust my colleagues on the committee, their experience and wisdom, and we always seek the guidance of God’s hovering Spirit.  Peace.  John Krueger