If Jesus Were a Pastor Today, How Would He Respond?

Friday's rulings in the Supreme Court (06/26) to make same-sex marriage legal in all 50 states came as a shock for some and an answer to prayers for others.  Following Friday's ruling came, and continues to come, a barrage of reactions and responses--everything from elation to fear, boasting to shame, anxiety to relief, feelings of loss to feelings of victory, hate to compassion, from panic to hope.

In the midst of the roar, as a spiritual leader, I know it's part of my duty to lead my ministry and help others gain fruitful, kingdom-building, kingdom-preserving perspective on such situations.  Over the weekend, I chose to let my words be few and my heart be wide open to God's leadership--hoping to find a word or perspective that rose above the usual clamor.

Although admittedly cliche (I wore a bracelet with these letters on my wrist for 6 years), I was led to one simple question:  if Jesus were a pastor of a church today, how would HE respond (W.hat W.ould J.esus D.o)?  Although I'm not pretending to know exactly what words Jesus would use, a firm, unbiased grasp on how Jesus responded to similar controversies during His walk on earth gives us a helpful insight into what His response would look like.  This is what has been revealed to me:

If Jesus Were a Pastor of a Church Today, How Would He Respond?

Jesus would oppose and speak against the legalists and closed-minded of us in our communities who have fallen so deeply into fear and so deeply in love with maintaining the law of God that we have begun worshiping the law instead of God.  He would warn us about how far off from the kingdom we are and implore us to seek Him and the law of the Spirit.  Matthew 23:27-28 (whitewashed tombs), Matthew 15:12-14 (blind leading the blind), Matthew 23:23-24 (law opposed to mercy).

Jesus would also deeply caution those of us who believe we don't need to change, who want to hear and tell each other we are fine just the way we are.  He'd warn us that many of the things we are doing truly are threatening our relationships with God and destroying the very fabric of what holds us together as individuals, families, and communities of worthy character--even when we don't see the deeper, long-lasting affects of seemingly harmless choices.  John 4:7-31 (woman at the well), John 8:1-11 (woman in adultery), Matthew 19:16-24 (rich man wanting salvation), John 5:1-15 (lame man).

Jesus wouldn't choose a side and build up everyone on it while tearing down the other side until those on it changed.  Instead, Jesus would call out every one of us, inside and outside of the church, challenging all of us not to think we have it all figured out, are completely on the right path, or are the only persons without sin or blemishes (Matthew 7:13-14, Matthew 7:3-6).  He'd call each of us to a higher way of being and believing that rises far above our side, cause, agenda, convictions, or political parties to which we claim our allegiance and identity (Mark 3:1-6).  

Jesus would be a huge proponent and leader of extravagant and unconditional love of others, but he wouldn't hand out band-aid love just to cover up our pain and discomfort, just to help us feel better about ourselves.  Nor would he encourage us to hand out band-aid love to sooth our own discomforts or fears.  He'd also remind us that loving others is second to first loving God (Mark 12:28-34), and he'd challenge us to learn exactly what that means.  He'd welcome everyone into his presence and ministry, yet hold each of us accountable to our lives, reminding us that not one part of God's word has grown irrelevant and that no one's off the hook (Mark 13:31, Matthew 5:17-20), challenging us to look deeper when the words do seem outdated.  He'd profess daily that the true direction for our lives lies hidden not in the leadership of any pastor (Mark 10:17-18), talk-show host (Matthew 24:10-11, 24), athlete, self-help guru, or politician, but instead in the way of the Spirit that leads and gives words to chaos (John 3:5-12, Luke 12:11-12).

Jesus wouldn't step out and create a coup of the super-righteous, He wouldn't start building an army or a separate nation for purists, he wouldn't encourage His followers to disengage or shun non-followers or dissenters, nor would he call on heaven to destroy those who opposed his conviction that we must honor God before our own personal desires (Luke 9:51-56, Matthew 26:50-54, Matthew 13:24-30).  Instead, He'd reach out to those far different or far away.  He'd challenge his congregation to reach out to their enemies (Matthew 5:43-48).  He'd pour his entire life and encourage those around him to pour their entire lives into to leading people to rise above their fears and stubbornness and reach toward God as their highest pursuit.  He'd give everything for this pursuit, even to the point of his own persecution and death.  And to those of us whose hearts remain hardened, Jesus would weep for us, wishing it could be different, wishing we could seek in Him the peace we're desperately trying to find, and mourning the fate many of us have chosen for ourselves (Matthew 23:37, Luke 19:39-44).


Sometimes it hurts and is scary following Jesus.  Yet, Jesus is the one upon whom I choose to lay my life and lead my ministry.


More to come!


Jason <><

The Art of Exclusivity

We pride ourselves in this country, in our universities, and in many of our churches on being an all-inclusive, tolerant, multi-everything, society.  We challenge ourselves daily to open our minds, break down our barriers, and draw our circles wider.  Throughout our history, this has proven to be a challenging yet worthy task--one that, in regard to the "hate crime" enacted upon the EAMC community in Charleston, is still, and desperately, at hand.  The notion of inclusion and respect of all people has become a hallmark of the American way as we trudge forward to do the nearly impossible:  many under one nation.

Yet, while wishing to be sensitive to several hot topics before us today, I still wrestle with the extent of our inclusive behaviors.  Inclusivity to radical extents has the capacity to erode a group or thing's integrity and identity.  I have been in environments where inclusiveness was such a promoted value that when it came to say prayers in this community, the only words that seemed acceptable were those completely stripped of any specific mentions of any deity or faith.  In other words, the prayers amounted to mystical ambiguities and vague niceties.  There was little value in those prayers to anyone who identified with a particular tradition or faith practice.

While it may seem this is limited only to religious matters perhaps, we also see the need for exclusivity in our everyday experiences.

I love experimental cooking.  I'm at my best when I have only odds and ends to work with.  That's when the greatest creations come alive.  But as Sarah can tell you, I've learned some hard lessons along the way.  One being that not everything belongs in one dish.  It is not true that the more spices, the better.  Over time I've learned the art of not putting in certain things and choosing others.

There are several other instances where the art of exclusivity is essential:  deciding what to wear in the morning (otherwise we'd wear all clothes or sweaters in the summer), creating a winning sports team (tennis players may not help build a strong football team), getting from point A to B (we can take only one route at a time), keeping your children safe during the week (no, it's not okay to play in the street), and maintaining a healthy body (not all foods are good to eat, not all substances in the blood are welcome to the cells).  In all these examples, we are practicing the art of exclusivity--choose what is NOT included so we can support of choose what IS.

While the art of exclusivity is NEVER an excuse or proponent for hate, prejudice, or discrimination, the overly-abundant push toward "all things are good, welcome, and okay" may truly be the very corrosive that undermines our greatest efforts for good in the world.  Our tendencies toward all-inclusive lifestyles must still be held in tension with this crucial element of exclusivity.  Paul states this masterfully in his letter to the church in Corinth "'Everything is permissible'--but not everything is beneficial.  'Everything is permissible'--but not everything is constructive" (1 Cor 10:23).

So today, let us continue to love God, to love our neighbor, to love our enemy, and to have open hearts in regard to God's Spiritual movement in unexpected or typically unwelcomed areas.  But let us also learn the art of deep listening, of careful discernment, and intentional living that builds integrity, sharpens identities, and gives us clarity for freedom.


More to come!


Jason <><

Cultivating Gratitude!

Today's thought is simple:  Gratitude is happy to lead us to all the joy we can handle, but gratitude does not cultivate itself--it's desperately and solely up to us!

Yesterday in worship (6/14), I spent some time acknowledging many of the things in our world that could potentially send our hope into a runaway downward spiral.  The world's not sitting idly by while we go about in search of our personal satisfaction.  Our world is changing by the heartbeat.  

The counterbalance to change that often feels bewildering is gratitude.  It causes us to recall and acknowledge the things that allow change to be okay.  Often in my personal life, I don't take the time to be thankful, only to watch the blessings and adventures gently wash away with the ensuring rain.  

But today, as more rain comes, as United Methodist Pastors return from the Great Plains Annual Conference meeting, and as the rhythm of lives and ministries plow forward, I'm choosing to start the day and week off right!  

These are the new things I'm thankful for today!  I challenge you to make your own list this week, take your own pictures, and share with at least one person.

Sarah started her second week at Handprints and Footsteps this morning as a full-time Pediatric Physical Therapist, which means she not only graduated, but she passed her board and jurisprudence exams and is gainfully employed (all in one shot, all on the first time)!  It's nothing short of a miracle to see how much God has blessed her in her life and calling.  Now all we have to do is figure out this new rhythm of being in the same life-phase!

Anthony Belling, a former Horizons youth and recent graduate of New Tribes Bible Institute, joined Horizons for a 7-month internship last week!  He'll be working with college-aged and first career ministries.  We are already blown away by his energy, passion, and faith.

Ali Belling, also a former Horizons youth and married to Anthony, joined Horizons as our interim volunteer missions coordinator.  Ali has offered to help Horizons move forward in a more organized way to be the hands and feet of Jesus.  We're looking forward to Ali's leadership and heart for serving others!

In an effort to make the best use of the resources God has provided us, Sarah and I felt compelled to welcome Ali and Anthony into our home to live with us while they spend time at Horizons.  Although their ultimate trajectory takes them back to India to live as missionaries, they are with us now, and the joy of living in community and share our house has been huge! 

Sarah and I were asked if we'd be interested in cultivating a plot in the mission garden to help transition the soil from field dirt to garden soil.  We were made fully aware the produce may not be extremely prolific, but that we should see some fairly good results.  But because of the rain, the garden has really taken off!  Our spinach, radishes, and basil are on their way, and it's a cool feeling eating right out of the dirt from the labor of our own hands.  The amount of rain is dizzying; yet it does grow things.  For that I'm thankful!

The youth took off on their mission trip this morning to Missouri!  I'm excited for them and the work God will be doing with their hearts this week, and I'm thankful they are willing to go and have the opportunity.  Praise God!

I could go on, but I'll let that be enough.  Here's to gratitude, to joy, and to the reminder to cultivate it!  I'm excited to see your lists.

More to come!

Jason <><

The Art of Vacation!

Sarah and I returned from an 11 day vacation just last Monday (06/01) during which we traveled road-trip style to visit a second cousin outside of D.C. and then headed north to visit Sarah's great aunt and uncle in Carlisle, PA.

The trip was a true gift--our first longer break since Sarah started her Physical Therapy degree and I started at Horizons.  While it always takes some decompressing before the actual rest and fun begins, Sarah and I set up 2 rules for how we were to spend our time:

1. Don't do anything you don't want to do.
2. Don't allow yourself to feel guilty about not doing it. 

They are simple rules, but they were definitely impactful yet much easier to say than to live into.  Nevertheless, we did fairly well, finding a delicate balance of just kicking back and doing many of the things we didn't need to travel 1,300 miles each way to do (sleep, exercise, play games, read) and taking advantage of the attractions that could only be enjoyed by driving the distance (museums, battlefields, jazz concerts, etc.).

Time Magazine published a cover article (May 22nd, 2015) titled "Who Killed Summer Vacation?"  I know this because it was inadvertently laying on the table of my second cousin's table.  Among trends such as less paid time off being offered, one consistent influence on the amount of time taken off comes from the stress produced by being away.  Even if less vacation time is being offered to Americans, the other side of the coin is that fewer Americans are taking all the time off they are allotted each year.  

As I sat in the back of our canou, slowly coasting across a serene lake in the Michaux State Forest on our last day before making the two-day return trip home, I took a lazy measurement of my own anxiety.  Although it was still pretty low, I could feel the mild terror of returning ebbing.  How many e-mails will I have?  What emergencies will need to be addressed?  Will the lawn need to be mowed?  Will I actually have enough time to prepare the lesson I agreed to teach Thursday?  Will I still remember how to preach?  

It makes sense to me as Americans we're not taking all our vacation.  I can't say exactly why this trend has grown other than my guess that technology plays a crucial role (i.e.  e-mails are easy to send.  Twenty years ago there's now way I would've received 250 pieces of physical mail,).  At any rate, it seems that the stress, anxiety, and catch-up panic caused by being away often outweigh the joy of taking time off and being away.  

Thus, learning the art of vacationing is crucial.  In addition to completely disconnecting from the world and following the two simple rules from above, there are rules to the return process as well:

1. Express with your travel companions and dismiss and dismiss together the return anxieties as they come and insist on not getting crabby toward the end.
2. Don't let the vacation be over until it's over.
3. Set a pace once home.  Not EVERYTHING will get done or be put back to normal immediately.  Help yourself and others agree to and accept this. 
4. Schedule some mini-vacation moments later in the week rather than trying to prolong the inevitable and delaying the return to the office.  
5. Trust that even in regard to vacation time, God is faithful and will walk with you through your return and the mountain of tasks ahead (this has no specific pertinence to me being a pastor.  God has a real place in all work spaces) 

And so it's now the Monday after my initial week of being back.  I still have much to catch up on and and our annual United Methodist Conference is this week, leaving very little time once again.  In all reality, given the pace of my weeks following, I shouldn't have taken so much time off, or I should have taken it some other time.  Yet, if I lived into that mentality, I'd simply be contributing to the statistics in the Time article--no time's a good time for a vacation.

So here's to vacations, learning to take a step back from the race, and learning to step back into it with grace.

More to come!

Jason <><

What a Church Should Live For!

It's a Sunday like yesterday (5/17) that truly keeps me going in my faith, in my personal purpose, and in my hope!

Yesterday we celebrated 3 big events:  seniors graduating, students being confirmed into their faith and the church, and several baptisms.  It would be easy for us in the church, and for me as a leader, to see these events as necessary, albeit exciting, celebration hoops to jump through--i.e. these events come around each year, and it's important we celebrate and recognize them in the church.

Yet, there is much more behind and within them to live into.  Yesterday is ultimately one of the most important days in the yearly life of Horizons!

Our graduating seniors are the fruit of many years of labor for Horizons.  They measure the time, prayer, hope, and heart poured into them over the span of several years.  They are also the future and carry with them the anticipation we have for tomorrow's light in the world.  These are our newest leaders, off to make a positive impact in the world by their faith.





Our confirmation students renew us and break our hearts open again to the excitement and thrill of a growing relationship with Jesus.  Instead of merely seeing these students being on their way to what we already have, we get the chance to see the life and light they currently possess.  Their hope for the future is what reawakens our desire and passion to continue our own growth!




And those receiving their baptisms yesterday, whether through the dedication of a miracle baby, through young children professing their faith, or through adults reclaiming the life and hope of salvation, they remind us what Horizons is all about--walking with others on their way to Christ.  We exist because of this hope, this dream, and this occasion!

So as Monday rolls around, I'm humbled, thankful, re-energized, and blown away.  In the midst of daily hurt and loss, we are reminded to put the good at the top of the stack and keep our hearts focused on the overwhelming blessings!

Praise God!


More to come!


Jason <><

Don't Let Fear Seize the Day

Sarah and I are the proud and thankful owners of an eleven year old Russian Blue cat named Gizmo.  I didn't name her.  She was a foster pet to many owners and a temporary resident of many basement bathrooms before finally ending up at my house when I was serving in Bellevue, NE.

Gizmo (we never could get any other names to stick) has been with me and now Sarah and me both for 5 years.  True to her breed, she is very affectionate, very physically bonded, and quite loyal.  She loves people, laps, petting, playing, and nearly all close-proximity attention--as long as she's close or touching, she's happy.

Like people, we assume she would also fall in line with other characteristics, given her love for people, attention, and affection.  We assume she'd be eager to meet anyone who entered the house, always be getting into whoever's faces she could, and be difficult to chase away.  In all truthfulness, Sarah and I are quite sure she actually WOULD act more like this, and that she actually COULD become a nuisance when guests come over, if it weren't for one small thing:  fear.

Also true to Gizmo's breed, she displays low capacities to accept change and does not cope well with environmental changes--whether major or minor.  Simply put, she's 100% people lover and also 100% fraidy cat.  When people come over, Gizmo instantly slinks under our bed, out of view, out of harm.  This weekend, as Sarah's and my family both poured into our house to celebrate Sarah's graduation from Physical Therapy school at the UNMC, Gizmo made no exceptions to her rule and bolted for the bed at the sound of the our first guest's voice.

Matthew's gospel, (21:23-27) captures an important moment between Jesus and the chief priests.  The priests and elders want to know what authority Jesus is claiming to have as he teaches and heals.  Jesus responds asking them to answer him first as he asks by what authority John the Baptist was baptized.  The leaders are trapped:  if they say John's baptism was from God, they fear being caught believing God was with John but not willing to believe John's words about Jesus.  Yet, if they say John's baptism was only done by humans for human reasons, they run the risk of losing credibility from the people they wish to lead.  Ultimately, they tell Jesus they don't know the answer.  Jesus responds in kind telling them they will not know where his authority comes from either.

The lesson?  It's easy to let fear get in the way of what we are truly seeking and wanting most in our lives.  The priests and elders were so afraid to be caught having made a mistake they missed a chance to grow and experience truer, fuller life in Jesus, who was standing before them!  Likewise, Gizmo grows so afraid of changing circumstances she runs and hides from the very affection she is constantly craving.

Just the same, we as people also miss out daily on the blessings and gifts we desire because of our own fears.  We're afraid to get hurt, to be taken advantage of, to look the fool or be caught in a mistake.  Instead we play silly games and hide within our comfort zones while the willing world passes us by.

This is why trust is such a holy concept and practice.  If the priests could have trusted Jesus, they would've found him to be a powerful ally.  If our cat could learn to trust the safety we have offered her in our home, she would finally get her affection tank all the way filled.  And if we as people would learn to trust that God truly is with us even when we do feel embarrassed or mistaken, I'm assured we'd only be experiencing life a little more fully!


More to come!

Jason <><

When Church Gets Good

When a family approached me recently about building a butterfly memorial garden for families who have lost children during pregnancy, I thought it was a beautiful project.  Yes, let's do this.  Yet, when asked about where it should go and how it should look, I was a bit at a loss.  Of course, because I'm a pastor I felt the need to give them sound direction--it'll be best here; it should definitely have these plants and ornaments; this is definitely the best time to plant...  Truth be told though, beyond what I thought best, I had no more wisdom or knowledge than any other, which I also let the family know.  I knew it was right for Horizons, but I also knew my own limits had the potential to limit or delay the project.

There are many instances when projects like this have come past my "desk" as pastor.  While Horizons has truly been a place of energy and innovation since its birth, many of our events, projects, missions, and activities have been pastor, staff, and official-church led initiatives.  They've been great and have contributed to what makes Horizons a great church.

Yet, what makes a church a truly worthy ministry for God's glory and the life that pours out of his grace into our lives is when every limb, every digit, every member of that church body comes alive and lives into its fullest potential.  It's a lot like our bodies when we wake up from sleep.  We certainly have the capacity to bumble around and perform menial tasks using a few rudimentary muscles and movements.  But it's not until our toes begin to flex, our ears begin to report, our eyes fully focus, all our muscles fire, and our heart picks up the pace that we become fully capable of performing extraordinary things during the day.

And so it has recently felt a lot like Horizons is moving past the phases of just waking up and now getting ready to do amazing things in its day.  The members of the body are starting to live into the fullest of their capacity.  It's awesome to see!

The family wanting to build the butterfly garden sensed their call to take that step forward.  They had permission and some general direction, and they took it from there.  Soon they asked fellow members of their BE membership class to help.  They shared their story of pain and persistence in worship.  They allocated funds for the project outside of the church budget.  They did the research for location, proper vegetation, and location.  They planned the building day and made their own invitations to the community.  And just this last Saturday (05/02), their beautiful garden was born!

It will be a blessing to see the garden become a place for mothers and families to seek peace, rest, and a place to process their losses and the hope that yet remains before them.  And it will be a blessing to watch this body of Christ continue to wake and waken each of its members and live into its full potential.  While the main messaging center will continue to provide direction and timing, the life of the body will best be seen as the members take those queues and take it from there, doing the very things they have been called to do!

The Horizons Butterfly Memorial Garden is located directly East of the outdoor Patio building.  If you are interested in being a part of the project or would like to learn more, contact Carrie.Peter521@gmail.com.



More to come!

Jason <><