Finding the Prophetic in the Pastoral
Those of us who call ourselves Christians might want to look to our "big brother" as an example.
Many non-Christians revere Jesus as a prophet. There is much in Jesus' teachings that is prophetic. Yet there was also much in Jesus' actions that was prophetic.
Jesus healed the sick. What many of us today would consider "doctor work" was much more. In healing the sick, Jesus restored people to community. He changed their status from untouchable to respectable.
Jesus ate and drank with sinners. What many of us today might call "slumming" was much more. In eating and drinking with sinners, Jesus restored people to community. He changed their status (at least among his followers) from undesirable to acceptable.
Jesus fed the multitudes. What many of us today might call "line cook's work" was much more. In feeding the multitudes, Jesus strengthened people. He changed their status from hungry to full.
Jesus cast out demons. What many of us today might call either "exorcism" or "psychiatry" was much more. In casting out demons, Jesus made people whole. He changed their status from struggling to healthy.
So what about prophetic churches?
More after the fold...
Many non-Christians revere Jesus as a prophet. There is much in Jesus' teachings that is prophetic. Yet there was also much in Jesus' actions that was prophetic.
Jesus healed the sick. What many of us today would consider "doctor work" was much more. In healing the sick, Jesus restored people to community. He changed their status from untouchable to respectable.
Jesus ate and drank with sinners. What many of us today might call "slumming" was much more. In eating and drinking with sinners, Jesus restored people to community. He changed their status (at least among his followers) from undesirable to acceptable.
Jesus fed the multitudes. What many of us today might call "line cook's work" was much more. In feeding the multitudes, Jesus strengthened people. He changed their status from hungry to full.
Jesus cast out demons. What many of us today might call either "exorcism" or "psychiatry" was much more. In casting out demons, Jesus made people whole. He changed their status from struggling to healthy.
So what about prophetic churches?
More after the fold...
So how can the pastoral action of a church be prophetic?
If the church wants to be a witness for equality of LGBT people, how about some resources for same-sex couples? How about a booklet of reflections on going through a gender transition?
If the church wants to be a witness for the struggles of those released from prison, how about hiring some parolees so they get a little experience on their resumÃÂés?
Many churches volunteer part of their space for a food pantry, soup kitchen, or one night of homeless shelter. How can this ministry be expanded to include these people as part of the church's community rather than people to be pitied?
By providing pastoral ministry to a neglected people, churches can have prophetic action as well as a prophetic voice.
If the church wants to be a witness for equality of LGBT people, how about some resources for same-sex couples? How about a booklet of reflections on going through a gender transition?
If the church wants to be a witness for the struggles of those released from prison, how about hiring some parolees so they get a little experience on their resumÃÂés?
Many churches volunteer part of their space for a food pantry, soup kitchen, or one night of homeless shelter. How can this ministry be expanded to include these people as part of the church's community rather than people to be pitied?
By providing pastoral ministry to a neglected people, churches can have prophetic action as well as a prophetic voice.
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