Refreshing the Hearts of the Saints Saturday, March 24, 2001 Marva J. Dawn Theologian, Author, Educator with “Christians Equipped for Ministry” Adjunct Professor of Spiritual Theology, Regent College Reported by Andrew Leahy This was the second time I had heard Marva Dawn speak. My reaction was the same as the first time. Based on the […]
Archives for June 2016
As I See It: What Do We Expect of Our Bishops?
I had thought about writing this article before the Synod Assembly because of the interest generated in the process of electing a new bishop. Because I was designated in the Pre-Assembly Canvas as a “potential nominee” for that office, I deferred writing this article. I did have an opportunity to state my views on the […]
The Mandate to Oppose the Death Penalty
The moratorium on executions in Illinois imposed by Governor George Ryan has had a ripple effect throughout the nation. States are examining their usage of the death penalty. Some have acted to exclude from eligibility for the death penalty juveniles and the mentally retarded. Some have attempted, so far unsuccessfully, to impose their own moratoria […]
The Christian Moral Life: Roman Catholic and Lutheran Perspectives
Comparing our two moral traditions is probably a dangerous undertaking for a Roman Catholic (or for a Lutheran, for that matter). I shall therefore begin with words from a mentor, James Gustafson. In his important work, Protestant and Roman Catholic Ethics: Prospects for Roman Rapprochement, he suggests that both traditions share a common question, “namely, […]
Is There a “Consistent Ethic of Life?”
For a sermon on abortion, a minister decided to rework an antiwar slogan of the 1960’s. Instead of asking “What if they gave a war and nobody came?” he asked, “What if there were abortion clinics and nobody made use of them? What if abortion were a legal choice and nobody took it?” (Richard Hays […]
Implications of “Called to Common Mission” – A Personal Reflection
Every Thursday morning I get out my Book of Common Prayer and prepare to preside at mass at St. Ambrose Episcopal Church in Chicago Heights. This would not be unusual except that I am Pastor of Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Chicago Heights. I can do this because of “Called to Common Mission,” the […]
Refreshing the Hearts of the Saints
Passionate Particularity: Naming Jesus Barbara K. Lundblad, Associate Professor of Preaching at Union Theological Seminary, New York Reported by Julie Ryan When discussing the growth and care of tomatoes or other plants with neighbors who happened by the little garden adjoining her Manhattan church, Pastor Lundblad would be intrigued with their nearly inevitable signoff: “Well, […]
Who Defines the Ministry?
The Unnecessary Pastor: Rediscovering the Call, Marva J. Dawn and Eugene H. Peterson, Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 2000. (Published jointly with Regent College Publishing) Reviewed by Brian Halverson In a homily given at a conference for church leaders recently, a pastor remarked on how he hears the same response given by clergy when they […]
The Perils of Success
My wife has for some years now been serving as interim pastor in various congregations around the synod. I’ve heard from others that she’s quite good at it, and I believe that. She has gone to considerable lengths at her (our) own expense to complete several training experiences advancing her pastoral understanding and skills for […]
As I See It: What’s the Business of a Synod Assembly?
Reports by our synod delegates to our church council are usually pro forma. Last year, however, there was considerable discussion of the 2000 Metropolitan Chicago Synod Assembly at our council meeting. Part of the reason was that we had dutifully tried to respond to the bishop’s exhortation to send 10-15 lay leaders. We didn’t send […]
Always Hoped That I’d Be A Disciple
Knew that I would make it if I tried…” Recognize the song from Jesus Christ Superstar? I (Julie Ryan) was asked to offer my reflections about the event set aside for spiritual enrichment at Synod Assembly 2000. Who could possibly oppose encouraging one another to deepen commitment, or open up to new ways of thinking […]
Synod Assembly Leadership Event: What Was It All About?
The Metropolitan Chicago Synod Assembly 2000 included a daylong leadership event in which pastors, lay delegates to the Assembly and other leaders of our congregational and institutional ministries were invited. As one of the members of the planning group for this daylong event, I would like to share our objectives and the reasons we ultimately […]
Struggle and Competition: Two Models for Dealing with Difficult Issues in the Church
Being the Church is difficult under the best of circumstances. Being the Church in times of internal conflict is even more difficult. Perhaps the most difficult issues we face as the Church are those that have the potential of causing pain and estrangement. Certainly the question of union blessings for gay and lesbian couples is […]
Can the Church Bless “Committed Same-Sex Relationships”?
The Metropolitan Chicago Synod Assembly passed a resolution asking the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (1) to develop a rite of blessing of gay and lesbian persons living in committed same-sex relationships, (2) to produce materials to support pastors as they provide pastoral care and counseling for same-sex couples, and (3) to provide educational materials […]
Should the Church Condone Homosexuality?
Let me begin by telling you a little about myself. I have been a Christian from a very young age, and have sought to follow God with my whole heart, to minister as He wants me to, where He wants me to. He sent me to Truth Lutheran, a small Chinese congregation in Naperville, where […]