Choose your own Misadventure 12.21.2024

    Law, Medicine, and Theology were the first professions. If lawyers practiced law and doctors practiced medicine the way many clergy practice theology, the prisons, hospitals, and cemeteries would all be full. Full of the victims of such abuse of authority. 

    In many areas of life, a “choose your own adventure” approach is dangerous. We have too many Church leaders who are not only unschooled, but uneducated—even opposed to acquiring the learning necessary for responsible preaching, teaching, and pastoral work. The confusion in the pulpit often reflects institutional confusion and the (now) clear mistake of turning so much of our intellectual and spiritual life over to para-church organizations. 

    It may seem daunting to know that in your “Parrish”, for your congregation, you are the resident theologian. There may be others who are well-read in the disciplines of ministry and who are faithful stewards of the Word. Yet you are the guy every Sunday responsible for proclaiming the living Word to those thirsty for the water of life. We all come from somewhere and have a variety of formative experiences. These experiences make us who we are. We choose at some point which tribe we want to be a part of. The educational institutions we train at, in the not-so-distant past tended to be those affiliated with our brotherhood, denomination, or broader theological movement. That sense of community is eroding. The growth of a distinct and generic “Evangelical” world unattached to specific structures of ecclesiastical authority does have some benefits. Yet I am afraid that our attempt to learn from everyone has led us to uncritical acceptance of everything and left us not learning anything from anybody—except for how to be confused. Those who are confused in their thinking tend to be confused in their preaching. When a preacher embarks upon a “choose your own adventure” approach to the theological essentials he or she has thereby included every member of their congregation in that adventure, whether they know it or not. 

    Do not misunderstand what I am saying. Each of us has a diverse library. We listen to voices that feed us spiritually and intellectually. The choice of materials for those of us in real-world ministry is often driven by accessibility and cost. We fellowship with and attend developmental conferences from many differing theological perspectives. The truth is not exclusive to our perspective and the essential truths are the common heritage of the Great Tradition of Christian teaching. It is OK to have many teachers and to have broad learning experiences. Just never forget who you are. I am not advocating for separatism; I’m campaigning for clarity. Clarity comes from having a Biblical, Theological, and Historical center to your scholarship. You need a solid perspective and firm foundation to guide your development as a preacher/scholar/pastor. 

    The alternative may seem like a grand adventure. If you are going to drink from many wells you need to have the discernment to identify which are tainted or even poisoned. Some who choose their own adventure, going off “courageously” with no firmly established point of theological reference are simply wandering about aimlessly trying in vain to make give their aimlessness the appearance of purpose. 

    When I hear sermons that seem theologically profound, but are disconnected from clear, accurate exegesis or when I participate in worship and songs are sung that are clearly written to promote a specific unbiblical theological doctrine, it is then that I return to home base--the grid of beliefs which has been formative for our branch of the Restoration Movement. When someone states that they are not concerned with the origin of a song or insight only in finding what “works” or when a leader is dismissive of the theological background of whoever produced a message or song, their cavalier attitude says either “I don’t know” or “I don’t care.” Unfortunately, even when you choose your own adventure, you don’t always get to choose the outcome.  

    The adventure we need to choose is the one that follows the intent of Christ as we find it in the New Testament. We are given great latitude culturally and socially as to how we are going to implement that vision. We will find commonality with others who share much of the same understanding of discipleship. We will part with them in some particulars. We can continue to each benefit when we maintain our distinct identity in the relationship. Once we submit to a watered-down compromise, we weaken the capacity of each to engage in unique ministry. 

    I know I say this a lot,  perhaps more than I should. This takes hard work, and it is only getting harder. The availability and accessibility of information demands greater critical assessment. The increased velocity of information also means an increase in the velocity of misinformation. We need to be readers, thinkers, and doers. We must engage broadly with various voices, always resting upon the identifiable markers of our faith tradition. You were chosen to lead these people. You were called and prepared to study the Scripture and proclaim the message. You were the one set apart for this. People will follow as you establish a clear and identifiable path in ministry. You will befriend and take counsel from individuals from other faith traditions, and you will not be any good for each other if you pretend your differences don’t exist. God called you to choose the adventure of your life. To partner with Him in the study and the pulpit to plot the course for your congregation. You are responsible for mapping out that course. Unfold the map, get out your pencil, and get to work.