The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.
Colossians 1:15-17
TUESDAY, ATLANTIC BEACH – 8:00AM: Monday afternoon, Rebekah and I drove down to Emerald Isle and checked into the The Trinity Center for a retreat with other pastors serving in the Presbytery of New Hope.
It’s a small gathering, just about a dozen of us. But small typically translates into more intimate, and if there is anything pastors need it is the opportunity to talk heart-to-heart and to be encouraged in ministry.
Our speaker is Dr. Rachel Baard, who teaches Theology and Ethics at Union Presbyterian Seminary. We enjoyed a helpful introductory session, where she listened to the participants as much as we listened to her.
Dr. Baard has a plan, but she is also very much tuned in to where the conversation might lead us. Essentially, it looks like we will be considering how our Christology (who Jesus is and how our theology of Christ directs us) impacts and steers our understanding of and ministry in the ever-changing world where God has called us to serve.
Rebekah often demystifies theology by saying that the moment we think about God we are doing the work of theology, and we are all theologians.
Dr. Baard is challenging us to really think through our theology, to look to Jesus, and to enjoy the process. Because we can only serve God with any degree of effectiveness if we have a fairly clear understanding about who God is. Good theology, at its best, places us in proper relationship to God, and gives us something concrete to stand on and something real to share.
Well, at least that’s how it looks like things are going to go. But it’s early Tuesday morning, and we haven’t really started yet!
In love – always – and because love motivates and challenges us – DEREK
I look forward to hearing “the rest of the story…”
Both your comments (this one and on “How do we respond to crisis” seem carefully thought out, and your arguments are well constructed. You have a lot of passion in your thinking and writing. I did have to look up a lot of the words you used – so thanks for the education. At the same time, your contempt for alternate positions and for people who hold them does little to invite dialogue. Jesus – the “Prince of Peace” is – as you pointed out – hard to accept or to follow (especially, it appears, for many professing Christians!). But His way is the only way to peace – this is why The Father sent The Son. War and escalation and revenge and eradication only amplify and prolong conflict and violence and more hate. I pray that, once day, you are properly introduced to Jesus. Peace – in every way – Derek