daily life as life goes on . . .

I have been dealing with the question of a wider leadership role.

I’m now in the employ of various groups – in part because of my expertise.  In such areas as small churches, libraries, ministry, writing, preaching, pastoral care, etc.

While I appreciate being recognized, I struggle with a wide exposure.  Part of it may be insecurity.  Part of it may be hereditary.  Part of it may the emotional toll.  And part of it may be pride – that the rise and fall of celebrity is notorious for being fickle.

The latest quote – not sure who to attribute it to!

“Great Leaders don’t mind being obscure leaders.  The don’t have to be noticed.”

I’ve found two new adjectives appended to the word “church”

The first is “micro-church”.

There are many definitions and practices of what a micro-church is.  Most often attached to a larger church or church network.  I would call this a small church (micro is sort of like small?). 

In this sense the micro-church is a (hopefully) organic representation of the larger church or network.  While the definitions are still being formed, I see this most often as a hierarchy model  that begins with a sending/planting agency.  As I have studied small churches, their definition often starts as a group of like minded people, meeting together, and then seeking out a network or denomination.  This would be a communal model.

The second is “hybrid church”.

The idea is that a church is hybrid,  both in-person and on-line.  Seems straightforward.  Until you ask if a virtual presence can be a church.  Or if an in-person group can admit those who do not physically gather with them.

I harken back to history.  In the early days of radio, my denomination’s outreach into Western Canada included radio ministry through CHMA radio station.  They ran communion services on-air.  Is this church?

Any other new adjectives for the church?

On Sunday, Pearl died.

Almost 96 – and a feisty old ager at that!  She was a friend that  I will miss. 

I first met Pearl when she was overseeing the local seniors home back in the 1970’s.  She ran a tight ship – nothing seemed to escape her notice.  And the residents benefitted from her advocacy for them.

I returned to Kindersley in 2005 – Pearl was still around.  Advocating for a seniors complex for those not yet ready for full care, but wanting the amenities of meals and friends with the freedom to roam.

We would laugh over her dislike of my favourite hot drink – any tea with enough milk to cloud the tea taste!  And crumpets – don’t get her started on that.  At hymn sings she was always present and singing.  Chats at morning devotions were always lively. 

Pearl – a true treasure.

My brother-in-law provides weekly quotes in his sermon notes.  Here is the one from this past week – well worth considering:

I am beginning to realize that every point in one’s life at which one loses everything is far more a beginning than an end, for one has lost merely the past, and one has yet to gain the future, and eternity itself – Douglas Gresham