I have for years struggled to define my theological statement as a pastor, or soon-to-be pastor to be technically correct.
As a synodically authorized minister for more than two years, I often struggle from the pulpit to explain where I am theologically. Or the same issue plagues me when I might be explaining my call to a complete stranger somewhere else. Regardless, it seems that I end up in this complex justification of how Matthew 22:35-40 has shaped me and my ministry.
And then after that complex justification, I see the befuddled look in the other person's eyes. And I think I failed at what should be a very simple explanation. ... After all, it's my call, right?
But in that moment, my insecurity as a young, burgeoning pastor I struggle with all of the emotions of the "impostor syndrome," that feeling that I don't belong in the pulpit or even calling myself a pastor. And so I think that if I dazzle the listener, or the congregation in some cases, with this very long and eloquent explanation, they'll have this epiphany that will change their faith life too!
I do this despite knowing better. As a professional communicator for the past 25 years I know that the longest and most complex explanation of something isn't always the most effective. And I was reminded of that recently by the social media posts of a parishioner who attends our church.
This parishioner often takes very professional photos of the goings on at our church. Photos so good that we end up asking if we can use them on our social media channels.
After a recent church youth group activity known as the "Souper Bowl of Caring" that is annually hosted by our LYO group, this parishioner posted some wonderful photos of the event, and included the words "More Love" as the caption. That simple description caught my attention, and I started to notice that on many of the parishioner's posts, church related or not, they simply used the phrase "More Love." If they are sharing a happy post someone else wrote or commenting on one our church's posts, she simply wrote, "More Love." ... And they do it all the time!
I began to see the intentional pattern, and frankly, I think it is lovely.
I haven't asked the parishioner yet, but yet I hope to develop a sermon focused on that profound, two-word message. Because, without knowing so, this parishioner has helped me boil my theological call down into two simple words: More love. ... And I very much think that that is a worthy sermon topic.
And that is why today I am finding faith in ... more love.
Comments