Tag Archives: community

Running Boston in St. Paul

National Running Day

Today is National Running Day.

Running is one of my passions. I was introduced to marathon running in 1998 and have finished ten since then. I continue to find the training and mental preparation for a marathon stimulating. Though all marathons are a challenge, some are more than others.

Six years ago I ran Grandma’s Marathon in Duluth, MN. It was not a “pretty” marathon for me. Not only did the high humidity and warm temperatures zap the strength of most runners, it also shrouded scenic Lake Superior in fog. The clouds kept it bearable for the first hour, but then the sun broke out and turned the race into a steam bath. I finished in 3:47 but I was not a pretty picture coming across the finish line.

What gave me strength was the community around me. I started off with my friends Steve Libby, Gary Van Cleve, and Bill Treiber near the 3:30 pace group. Steve and I stayed together with the pace group through mile 13; Steve was running strong and hoping to BQ (Boston Marathon Qualifier). I had to drop back at that point due to a four minute port-a- potty break. (I said it wasn’t a “pretty” marathon!) I struggled alone from mile 13 to 22. Then on Lemon Drop Hill, my son Jonathan showed up and ran with me to the finish. His words of encouragement kept my feet moving forward.

In Hebrews 12, the people of God are reminded that we are surrounded by a cloud of invisible witnesses, those faithful people of God who have died and rest with God. They are cheering for us in our life marathon as we race, walk, struggle, waddle, crawl towards Jesus Christ, the race director and pace setter. But I don’t think “cloud of witnesses” is restricted to the dead. Some of those who witness to me are my fellow runners who continue to give words of encouragement and inspiration as I struggle to run life’s course. Many have given me courage and strength. Thank you.

Hebrews 12:1-2
Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of our faith, who for the sake of the joy that was set before him endured the cross, disregarding its shame, and has taken his seat at the right hand of the throne of God.

Thank you Jesus for the ability to encourage others.

Church: Cause, Corporation or Community?

3 Replies

The office staff and I are busy preparing for our annual meeting on Sunday, February 12. Sometimes it feels like a giant jigsaw puzzle. Last year I wrote a post regarding the annual meeting. In it I argued that every annual meeting needs the presence of the Holy Spirit to guide and challenge us. It remains my prayer this year.

Congregational meeting have often gotten a bad rap because they deal with controversial topics like budgets, mission and staffing. They are the central moment when the corporate business of the church takes center stage. Many (including myself) have a discomfort with this focus because it is not our strength. I did not feel call by God to RUN a church, but rather to preach the Gospel and to shepherd God’s people. Yet the corporate business of the church is necessary.

Twenty years ago Jim Dethmer wrote an article for Leadership Journal that continues to help me. He described the church as having three primary identities: Cause, Corporation and Community. As a Cause the church is like an army with a central mission: to proclaim the Good News of Jesus Christ and to drive back the forces of evil. The model participant in the Cause is the engaged volunteer who works hard to spread God’s love and grace in word and deed. As a corporation, the church is like a business, seeking to use its financial resources in the most “profitable” ways. As a corporation the church tries to be a wise steward of its assets. Finally as a Community the church is like a family with the central attribute being love. The focus of that love is often on the weakest among us: the sick, the grieving, the unemployed.

All three identities (Cause, Corporation and Community) have value and purpose. Scripture bears witness to all three circles. They also can conflict with one another from time-to-time. The Holy Spirit is needed in all three circles so that such conflicts can be creative and energizing, rather than destructive.

Dethmer rightly observed that pastors often have a strength in one of these and a weakness in another. I invested much of my pastoral ministry in the community circle, writing my Doctor of Ministry Thesis on Congregational Care. I also have a passion for the Gospel of Jesus and how it can impact people’s lives. My weakest area is the corporate or business side of the church. I am very thankful for those members of Resurrection who have that as their strength and passion. With each person using their strengths and gifts, the church can function well in all three circles.

Which circle is your passion and strength?

Lord Jesus, send your Holy Spirit to empower us to your church.

Walkin’ on Water

4 Replies

Even Kids Like Peter's Walk

Jesus walking on the water is a familiar miracle (Matthew 14, Mark 6 and John 6). In Matthew’s version not only Jesus walks on the waves, but Peter asks to join him. Many Christian pastors and authors see Peter’s actions as a Christian model of what discipleship and trust means. John Ortberg wrote a book called, If You Want to Walk on Water, You’ve Got to Get Out of the Boat. He writes,

Deep within you lies the same faith and longing that sent Peter walking across the wind-swept Sea of Galilee towards Jesus. In what ways is the Lord telling you, as he did Peter, “Come”? Out on the risky water of faith, Jesus is waiting to meet you in ways that will change you forever, deepening your character and your trust in God.

I remember preaching an ordination sermon that basically said the same thing. I preached about our need to take risks, climb out of our comfort zone and step in the liquid uncertainty of life. But I am beginning to have second thoughts about that being the sole interpretation of the story. The great thing about scripture is its ability to call forth new insights and wisdom.

After all, Peter sinks beneath the waves and needs to be rescued by Jesus. Peter is chastised for his doubts, not the disciples who stayed in the boat. And when Jesus and Peter step into the boat, the wind stops and all is calm.

The ship was an ancient symbol of the church, the community of faith. At the beginning of the story, Jesus compelled the disciples to enter the boat and head to the other side (Matthew 14:22). At the end of the story those in the boat worshipped him, saying “Truly you are the Son of God” (Matthew 14:33). I am beginning to wonder, “Should Peter simply have stayed in the boat?” What do you think?

Do you think Peter’s actions are a model of discipleship or a distraction from Jesus?

Lord Jesus, thank you that you are always ready to rescue me whenever I begin to slip beneath the waves.

Pastor John Keller

Reflections of a Lutheran Pastor