“The Spirit of the Lord is on me.
He has chosen me to tell good news to the poor.
He sent me to tell prisoners that they are free
and to tell the blind that they can see again.
He sent me to free those who have been treated badly
and to announce that the time has come for the Lord to show his kindness.” Luke 4:16-19
If it’s “time for the Lord to show his kindness” then I think it’s fair to suggest the rest of us should absolutely get on board too.
Derekmaul.blog
One of the consistently most rewarding things in my life has been the privilege of helping to facilitate ministry with men.
It looks a little different – of course – at every church we serve, but what has been consistent is this sense of deep community, encouragement and mutual accountability.
My “go-to” over the years has been the small-group model, because with usually around a dozen people there is more room for vulnerability and personal stories and deeper exploration. Consequently in Wake Forest we had four active groups, all meeting weekly for learning, exploration and support.
In Tarboro, the men’s ministry is – again – unique to this time and place. And I have to say that I am absolutely loving what’s going on here at HMPC. Instead of a small group, we consistently fill the long conference table and circle the wall with additional chairs. I would love to see some groups develop for the younger men too, but each week I meet with these guys I am full and inspired and encouraged in every way.
Community Reach:
The other aspect that excites me is the sense of community here, reflecting not just our congregation but the town. Because the men come from several different churches and that floats my boat in so many ways.
What a joy it is, to sit at one end of the room and have the privilege of encouraging Presbyterians, and Baptists, and Episcopalians, and Pentecostals and the unaffiliated in their walk with Jesus (gotta get me a couple of Methodists!).
And there’s more! These guys are a mixture Republicans and Democrats and Independents and who knows what else. If we follow the Way of Jesus we may disagree on some of the details but we are in sync when it comes to grace and peace and mercy and love and justice and reconciliation and hope.
Jesus was clear about his foundational message when he spoke at his home synagogue, “He has chosen me to tell good news to the poor, to tell prisoners that they are free, to tell the blind that they can see again, to free those who have been treated badly and to announce that the time has come for the Lord to show his kindness.”
Well if it’s “time for the Lord to show his kindness” then I think it’s fair to suggest that the rest of us should absolutely get on board too! These are not planks from political platforms they are responses to God’s call on our lives.
Tarboro, as a community, is more alive and filled with grace and promise because these men choose – are choosing – to follow Jesus. My dream is to see more and more, from more congregations, join us Tuesday mornings as we encourage one another to follow the Way of Jesus.
Because the gospel is such very good news – DEREK
I appreciate your focus on the power of kindness, but please demonstrate the practice and policies of grace, peace, compassion and justice within Trump’s campaign to return to the White House? Jesus was not neutral on who was and who was not kind.
Carl! Why do you think I would advocate for Mr. Trump’s campaign? I’d love to know…. – Derek
I certainly was not saying that you were advocating for Mr. Trump’s campaign. What I would have liked to hear in the blog was exactly that. We’re living in “interesting times” (or bizarre, or insane, or troubling ….) when I believe Christians need to speak directly to the powers of choas, bigotry, racism, and division which are a danger to Jesus’ way of compassion and justice for the least and the last among us. I remain in deep appreciation for your passionate work in the cause of creating the beloved community. -Carl
Very helpful explanation, well expressed indeed! Thanks, Carl! Makes perfect sense.
Regardless, I will maintain my practice of writing and speaking in a voice that (hopefully) reaches people irrespective of their political alignments. I intend to remain in conversation with as many people as possible – right, left and independent – so that we can all hear truth we may not find elsewhere. My spiritual gift is not so much confrontation as it is listening and encouraging all of us to ask better questions.
Peace and blessings, always – Derek
Prayers n blessings.Ann
Thank you for the explanation. Ann