Church

She’s where? When a complementarian looks for Mary.

June 11, 2019 0 Comments

I truly enjoy reading the Gospels in the New Testament over and over and over. Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John show us the relationships of Jesus. We get an inside look at Jesus’ relationships in the communion of God, with Himself, with people, and with the stuff of earth. I am often challenged and I hope I am being formed by the Gospel and what is presented to us in Jesus’ relationships.

Jesus’ relationships with women are astonishing in respect to the norms and expectations of the day. Women themselves were surprised by Jesus (John 4). And sometimes the folks around Jesus, even women, were dismayed by Jesus’ inclusion of women in his rabbinic ministry.

Luke 10:38-42, NIV
38As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. 39She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. 40But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!”41 “Martha, Martha,”the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things,42but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”

The Scene

Can you imagine the moments before Martha made a scene? Perhaps she was busy with the preparations for the meal, giving instructions, and busily managing her household for this wonderful moment: Jesus, the rabbi, had come to their house again. It was a privilege to host him and his friends. But now, the internal schedule in her head was not being met. All hands are needed–and that’s when she noticed–Mary is missing. “Where’s Mary?” Someone tells her, “She’s sitting at the feet of Jesus.” Incredulously and in full outrage she asks again, “She’s where?” That’s how I imagine it.

But, back to the Scripture brought to us by God. In the mind of Martha, Mary was not where she was supposed to be. Mary, in Martha’s world, was supposed to be with her and attending to a different work, a different kind of service, and in a different place. So Martha does the most outrageous thing; she interrupts Jesus and tells him what to do with Mary. ““Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!”

A Common Experience

What Luke captures here for the friends of God is a common experience. When we start listening to Jesus and aligning our lives with Him and His Kingdom, some folks will feel that we have left them, that we have left the work that’s our obligation, and that we need to be put back in our place. I have a lot of empathy for Martha. It is shocking to have my expectations of other people blown out of the water when I have made plans for them. I have some empathy for the parent that is shocked that their son is following Jesus and has been baptized. I have some empathy for the lab partner that is outraged because their friend is no longer available on Sunday mornings because of Jesus. I have some empathy for the CEO that can’t believe their top recruit has taken a “lesser position” elsewhere because of Jesus. Folks feel left behind when people start being obedient to Jesus. It’s a thing!

But I suppose I am still trying to muster up some empathy for the followers of Jesus who are outraged when a women preaches the Word of God or humbly offers leadership to the church in the power of God’s Spirit. I’m still trying to find empathy for men who want to tell Jesus, “Tell the women to help me.” I’m trying to find some empathy. But, what seems obvious to me and to others in the room who have been at the feet of Jesus may not to be so obvious to them. But it does seem obvious to Jesus and perhaps we all need to hear Jesus’ words again:

“Martha, Martha,”the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things,42but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”

Don’t interfere with Jesus.

To sit at the feet of a rabbi was to become the student and to enter into a kind of relationship of formation and participation. To sit at the feet of the rabbi-Jesus was a choice Mary had made in response to Jesus. And Jesus says it will not be taken away from her. Is Jesus indicating that anyone who seeks to take it away from her is interfering with Him? Is Jesus saying that Mary’s devotion to Him is not to be interfered with? Is Jesus suggesting that the outcome and trajectory of Mary’s life and ministry that is generated as His follower is not to be interfered with?

I believe, Yes, Yes, and Yes. Jesus is basically saying to Martha and to anyone who was listening to Him — leave Mary alone. She has chosen what is best. It will not be taken away from her. But Martha was a complementarian. She believed men and women had certain roles to fill. You wonder how I make this reading about Martha? Martha could have asked her brother Lazarus to help her, but she didn’t. Why was Martha looking for her sister at this moment of stress? Why? Because her cultural and familial setting gave her permission to designate and demand that Mary take up a proper role. It was unthinkable and inappropriate to Martha that Mary would make learning and being equipped by Jesus for His Kingdom assignments a priority when dinner preparations where pressing.

What does complementarianism do?

I find myself often asking after reading this exchange between Martha and Jesus about our situation today. “Is not complementarianism just another voice used to tell women who follow Jesus what their place in the world is?” The framework of many complementarians is that men and women are equal but that they have different roles. I find myself asking, does Jesus really construct His eternal Kingdom and our relationships in His Kingdom on the basis of gender based and assigned roles? There was nothing inherently wrong with Martha’s choice and response to the presence of Jesus. But when Martha wanted to impose her response to Jesus (the work of hospitality) as a demand and rule for Mary, as a role for Mary, she had crossed the line of Jesus’ rule and reign. She was interfering with Jesus.

In Real Life Today

The question of who gets to “sit at the feet of Jesus” is still current for us today. When my wife, Ellen, and I were at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary (SWBTS) from 1990 – 1993 we were dating when we arrived. I was regularly shocked to hear from her that male students would confront her and express their belief that she had no good reason to be studying Greek and Hebrew. And then there was the matter of preaching. Why would she preach and why would she join them in the fellowship of preachers? After we married, one man even quizzed her incredulously, “You’re still here?” Yes, still here! As we were both pursuing a Master of Divinity with Biblical Languages the preacher boys had to deal with a woman who was an excellent student and a gifted minister of the Gospel. Some did. Some left. Some listened. Some received. But, even though she was confident of Jesus’ call on her life, the shadow of their dismay took a toll and still takes a toll today. I’m thankful for the grace Jesus has given her. But, please note that this shadow of death was cast on us before the BFM 2000 was adopted by the Southern Baptist Convention or even now by the Canadian National Baptist Convention. This shadow is old and it continues to cover gifted and called women. (Take for example all that has been thrown at Beth Moore since preaching on Sunday in a church in Texas in May.) But, this shade, I do not believe it is cast by Jesus.

I believe Jesus would tell us not to interfere with her or with Him.

So… where’s “Mary” in the congregation of Jesus today?
Are you interfering with her devotion and assignment from Jesus?
Are you interfering with Jesus?

Church, Relationships

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Honk at me

May 25, 2019 0 Comments

What solace is required to fly north and remain?
These geese seem to know for their flights are never pained
with silence whether in groups of two
or of twelve.
What does such clumsy honking call forth
that silence
cannot?
Oh our fears of awkward
have cast many down on the
plains of Abraham
where you could have been a sister
and I could have been a brother
but
we wither
away.
So please
honk at me
and I’ll fly
with you.

Church, Creation, Poetry, Relationships

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Prayer of the People, 7 April 2019

April 8, 2019 0 Comments

Heavenly Father, you are the Lord of all Creation; You spoke, “Let there be light” and there was light. Your Son Jesus is the Light of the World. And now, by His Spirit, His Word illuminates our lives. Thank you for this grace in which we sit, walk, and stand. 

Speak again Lord, to our dark hearts. “Let there be light.” Awaken us to you. Teach us to walk in Your light and to fellowship with each other in this world according to your grace and truth. 

We confess that having our lives exposed in your light generates fear. First we tremble at the thought of your holiness. Save us according to your Word and not our word. Forgive our sins and may willful sin not rule over us. Second we tremble at the thought of being out of step with our world. Your light invites us into what is unfamiliar and makes us look peculiar. Please replace our fear of people with your perfect love. 

We long for leaders who walk in the light, who lead with wisdom and who pursue justice. We ask that You will bring Your comfort and help to those traumatized by violence, greed, and cold apathy. Both the one who raises the hand in anger and the one who receives it have suffered. It is your revealing light that can usher us all into healing and reconciliation. 

As with every anniversary of violence to which your light has been held we must examine ourselves, so we ask again for your wisdom from heaven today for Rwanda, for Ireland, for the United States, for Canada, for Palestine and for Israel, for Syria, for Yemin, for Cameroon, for Germany, for El Salvador, and for Myanmar. Is there any land in which the toxic rage of ‘adam’s children has not shed blood? Oh Lord help us. Come quickly Lord Jesus – May your light shine. Reveal every lethal treasure we have collected against insecurity and help us surrender our affections to you that we might be free. 

We pray now as you have taught us — (Please join me in the Lord’s Prayer)

The Lord’s Prayer

Our Father in heaven,

hallowed be your name,

your kingdom come,

your will be done,

on earth as it is in heaven.

Give us today our daily bread.

And forgive us our debts,

as we also have forgiven our debtors.

And lead us not into temptation,

but deliver us from the evil one;

for yours is the kingdom,

and the power, and the glory, 

forever. 

Amen.

 

Church, Prayer

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What I Wish Every Millennial Church Planter and Pastor Would Read

January 3, 2019 1 Comment

“A farmer went out to sow his seed.” Jesus, Mark 4:3

“We work with people—many of whom are included in this book—who care deeply about solving the problems that confound our American agriculture, diet, and food system. This anthology grew out of our concern for the next generation of American farmers, who are inheriting all the problems created over the past decades and yet on whom we are relying to feed us well into the future. We invited a range of talented and experienced farmers and confirmers alike to contribute a letter or essay to this collection. We asked them quite simple, “What would you say to young farmers who are setting out to farm now?” This book is the multifaceted deeply inspiring response to that question.” Jill Isenbarger, Executive Director, Stone Barns Center for Food and Agriculture, Letters to A Young Farmer

With this title I feel like I’m entering a space where angels fear to tread. But I’m fifty so I’ll give myself permission today to pass on a book written for “millennials” and not for me. Truth is I think most millennials in ministry know a whole lot more than I do about their cohort and the challenges they swim in. But I’m not sure they know anymore than I do about how to make their way through those challenges without sinking in this city. We all need help.

Twenty five years ago my wife and I moved from Atlanta, Georgia to Vancouver and began serving the neighbourhood around Main Street and King Edward Avenue with a faith-full group of people that became known as Cityview. Full of hopes and dreams, the sparkle in our eyes did not always reveal the fears buried behind our confidence. I subscribed to the Big God Theory; although our congregation was small, our hope was firmly set in our Great Big God. He would not fail us. God does not despise the days of small beginnings and neither should we.

I had to give up a big bang theory.

I believe it: every congregation can have a global impact. I still subscribe to a “Big God Theory” but I don’t think congregations need to have a big bang in order to participate faithfully and fully in Jesus’ local and global mission. Abandoning the “big bang” expectation for ministry and mission in the city is really important. Apparently the millennial cohort has been cursed with a nagging impatience. This impatience invites dissatisfaction to seep deep into their work, life, and relationships. It takes a heavy toll on them, especially when the “big bang” never comes. When you put this condition of perpetual impatience next to hard work and low yields and hold up the shiny success stories of extraordinary pastors and communicators, the day in and day out life of ministry and mission is down-right depressing.

I know it. I didn’t have to be a millennial to experience it.

One of the many sources of wisdom framing my life as a missionary pastor has been Jesus’ teaching on the Kingdom and the Apostle Paul’s instructions to Timothy. It’s the latter I’d like to lean on today. Paul instructed young Timothy to persevere in ministry even though he likely wanted to quit the difficult assignment he inherited from Paul. The small congregation in Ephesus had become a remnant group. They were trying to keep their heads above the water in the wake of a terrible leadership crisis.  Paul’s prescriptions for recovery are extreme. But in general he keeps directing Timothy back to basics of the ministry. Lean into Jesus, the Gospel for all, and discipleship.

But, don’t let Paul’s simplicity in these Letters to Timothy deceive us.

Ministry and mission is complex. Congregational leadership and service is demanding. The metaphors Paul draws for Timothy are revealing. After calling Timothy to be “strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus,” Paul instructs him to reflect on the lives of three kinds of people: soldiers, athletes, and farmers. Paul believes Jesus will help Timothy frame the ministry of developing reliable people as he meditates on these metaphors.

2And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others. 3Join with me in suffering, like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. 4No one serving as a soldier gets entangled in civilian affairs, but rather tries to please his commanding officer. 5Similarly, anyone who competes as an athlete does not receive the victor’s crown except by competing according to the rules. 6The hardworking farmer should be the first to receive a share of the crops. 7Reflect on what I am saying, for the Lord will give you insight into all this. 2 Timothy 2:2-7, NIV

While I acknowledge with Neil Cole that the trajectory of Paul’s argument in 2 Timothy is for Timothy to consider the “outcomes” of Paul’s life and ultimately Jesus’ life as the supreme example of God-motivated sacrificial service, I have also made it my habit to choose one of these,


the soldier who aims to please his commanding officer,
the athlete who competes according to the rules, and 
the hard-working farmer who gets a share of the harvest

for deeper reflection and consideration. Each year I have loaded up on a few books that explore the people and practices from one of these arenas of work.

My favourite has been the hard-working farmer.

For many years I translated the “hard-working” farmer into the realms of the entrepreneurial business person. But for the past several years I have been more inclined to put the “hard-working farmer” back in the realm of the local subsistence farmer or market gardener. This shift has been most helpful for me as a pastor and church planter interested in the expansion of the Gospel through transformed lives in urban communities. 

Farmers work hard and take immense calculated risks. There is so much they are not in control of, particularly the weather. The market gardener has a “smaller” field and must be interested in the condition of the soil, the placement and organization of seeds within these fields, and the different movements required to respond “profitably” when the harvest comes. Some zones are perennial; some are annual. Some harvests come early, some come late. But in the end the farmer’s experience comes down to this: the harvest comes because someone planted something. And no matter whether the farmer works for herself or is a share-cropper, she knows that her life is directly connected to, but not in control of the harvest. So much patience required! So much faith required! So much cooperative labour is required!

So, Paul wants Timothy to learn from the hard-working farmer. And Jesus wanted His disciples to learn from the farmer (read Mark 4). And so, I want to learn from the hard-working farmer. All this to say, I wish every millennial church planter and pastor would read, Letters to a Young Farmer: On Food, Farming, and Our Future. It’s a beautiful book. It’s written for young famers in the Millennial generation who are considering farming as a life. Thirty-six writers gather from their experience and wisdom to counsel and encourage the young farmer.

Congregational leaders today mirror this age of farming.

The average farmer is in their fifties. The average congregational leader is in their fifties. In an age when “what is going to feed the world” is changing from mega, monocultural, industrial farming to a more positive view of smaller, more diverse, regenerative, market farms the desperate need for local, community-minded missionary pastors is also growing. There are lessons to be gleaned from the counsel of these thirty-six writers. I do not have the time, space, or inclination to make all the reflections for us that translate farming wisdom into leadership counsel for those serving the church and a community. But, just so you have an example consider these nuggets:

Create eclectic awareness in your life. Too many farmers become insult in their lives, reading only their own orthodox materials. If you’re a chemical farmer, read some nonchemical stuff; if you’re a greenie farmer, read some chemical stuff. It’s important to know what the enemy thinks. Read and visit widely.  Joel Salatin

Those individuals who desire to become farmers live very good, wholesome lives. Dedication, honesty, and the ability to be hardworking and long-suffering are just a few of the character traits necessary, along with the patience to deal with the weather, markets, labor, bankers, and government, which are just a few of the elements you will experience.  Ben Burkett

Build yourself into a healthy and intelligent farmer. Develop your skills in a way that can enable you to be a teacher to there farmers, your neighbours, your community, and beyond, because your work touches every level of human life. Know that they skill you already posses can be taught, but your work ethic, respect for land and people, and sense of responsibility are inherent traits, you must lead by example.  Nephi Craig

It never occurred to us that we had no idea how to farm: pests destroyed the entire crop; it was a disaster. Still, it was our own failed attempts and a maniacal commitment to taste that led us to the feet of our local organic farmers.  Alice Waters

Farming is a great lifestyle, but it is seriously hard work… Farming can be all-consuming, especially at certain times of the year, and without a plan to protect an acceptable level of personal balance, you may find the farm takes all. Farming will invariably define your family, your self-esteem, your financial choices, your self-image, your priorities, and your time. It will profoundly shape how you interpret life and death, weather, money, time, food, community, exercise, and faith. Make sure your spouse or partner and family are fully on board, and be willing to honestly evaluate whether everyone is defining balance in the same way. Accept that if you are the farmer and your spouse or partner is not, that does not make you intrinsically “righter” than they are.  Mary-Howell Martens

Dear Millennial Church Planter

Reading Letters to A Young Farmer will cultivate an appreciation for farming and farmers, the ground we share, and the necessity of the farmer for our lives. It’s a dangerous read. It will appeal to your most noble virtues. You may want to drop everything, get your hands in the dirt, and become a farmer. Hopefully you will want to go out and plant something. Hopefully you will develop the patience and faith of the hard-working farmer. Hopefully you will want to take up Wendell Berry’s last words in the book’s CODA:

Practice resurrection.

Career, Church, Leadership, Work

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