They say that time flies when you’re having fun. If so, Melissa & I are having a blast. It’s hard to believe that I’m now past the half-way point of my sabbatical. It’s been full. Beside our trip to the UK (see previous posts), I made a quick trip to Michigan to check in on family concerns, Melissa & I spent a weekend in Maine with Andy, I’ve had some time for reading, reflection and prayer and a weekly meeting with a spiritual director. I am now on my way to the PRMI Board meeting (my only “ministry” activity this summer), and we leave for a trip out west in a week or so.

As I look back on what God has been showing me the last seven weeks a few themes stand out. For one thing, I’ve found that I can live very happily without being all wrapped up in the life of the church. During this sabbatical I have tried (fairly successfully) to distance myself from Calvary Church. I’ve stayed away from the building and really have not known what has been going on – and it’s been good. This is not to take anything away from my affection for Calvary Church. I do miss the people and don’t think I could do this forever, but it’s been great to have a break from the demands (often self-inflicted) of ministry. We have been refreshed by visiting other congregations to simply worship & listen. It’s been nice to have the freedom to do things that I like, but perhaps most important is recognizing that my life does not need to be completely wrapped up in my role as pastor. Not altogether sure about all the implications of this, but it will affect how I do things in future.

I have also begun to reflect on where I need to focus upon returning. I don’t have any concrete plans, but travelling, reading & reflection seem to be pointing to several areas:

-I am hopeful that through the “Mission Possible” process Calvary will discover a number of new ways in which we are called to be in ministry. I am excited about seeing what God reveals – but no matter what the call, we will need to be a people rooted in Jesus Christ if it is to happen. One of the themes I have consistently heard is “go deeper”. I believe that this word is not just for me, but for Calvary. If we simply start new programs or become involved in new outreach, we will not be able to sustain it. We can do so only as we grow deeper as a community of worship and prayer – it is from this which mission will flow.

-I am convinced that Calvary’s primary call will increasingly be outward. God’s desire is not so much to build a nice congregation as it is that Calvary be the people of God participating in His mission in our region. This has radical implications and will require new ways of thinking and doing – but I believe it is who we are called to be. My role will be to continue to highlight & encourage a missional vision for Calvary Church through preaching, leading & mentoring.

-We must be more intentional about equipping people – not for church programs, but for the ministry which God has each one in their sphere of influence. We are not called to simply develop programs, we need to develop people. This means investing time in teaching and coaching people so they can grow in the unique calling which God has for them.

I’m only beginning to see this “through a glass darkly” and am not sure about all the implications. I do believe that as we come together in October and reflect on what God has been showing both the congregation and myself – that we will discern the way forward and, by faith, experience all that God has to do in and through us.