February 2017 - Pastor Dan

I want to share a quote from the newsletter of the Grand Canyon Synod which comes as a portion of Bishop Steve Talmadge's writings:

A recent Research and Evaluation piece from our Church-wide office indicated:

60% of ELCA pastors do not believe that practicing evangelism or sharing the good news of God's love in Jesus is a part of their call and responsibility.

57% of ELCA lay members also share that view.

But as I visit with Councils and Call Committees they all say they want to grow their congregation. I often feel cognitive dissonance when I hear this and know the statistics of decline. Because I also know that, over the past several decades, all the research I have read and my own personal experience indicate that the primary way in which people come to know Jesus and come to be a part of a local congregation is through a relationship with someone who has been open to share their own love and experience of Jesus and the gift of being a part of a local community of faith.

 The first PowerPoint slide for worship on January 22 showed the darkened silhouette of a man sitting in a darkened tunnel and behind him was a the great light outside the tunnel. The words were then added that stated, No one should sit in darkness when others have been given light. Indeed, those who have been given faith to believe in Christ Jesus as the light of the world become the very light of Christ for the world. To live the life of a disciple is to be a light to others. It seems the very nature of discipleship is continually being transformed by the warmth of Gods love in a cold world. What we do as the Body of Christ is a reflection of who we are becoming. By the very nature of our calling, it seems, we would have to be intentional in NOT sharing what God has done and is doing in our lives.

 We live in an interesting time as humanity. We live in a very interesting time as the world continues to evolve around us. We live in a very interesting time of being the people of God in Christ Jesus. As we continue to grow in a trust in the gift of gracious faith, we gradually grow in the confidence to walk by faith and not by sight. Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. (Hebrews 11:1)

 Mount Zion is a congregation that is in mission with the Risen Lord. This requires a congregation of faithful disciples. The Lords ministries of Mount Zion are active and sharing in the abundant light given to us by a gracious Lord. Our actions, fueled by the Light of Christ are evangelical in nature. And often times, the stories associated with our apostolic actions tend to flow naturally from our hearts. It's not a conscious orchestrated training that allows for such sharing to take place. It's being who we are, called and loved children of God who find walking in the light a blessing that is worth sharing with all.

In Christs love and service,

Pastor Dan