...we have behaved in the world with frankness and godly sincerity, not by earthly wisdom but by the grace of God...
Diocesan Synod -- the yearly gathering of clergy and laity to worship, discuss, and make decisions about the life and ministry of the Anglican Church in the Diocese of Huron -- comes to a close around mid-day. Today we also celebrate the life and ministry of Augustine of Canterbury, the missionary bishop whom Rome sent to the English people. He met an already old and vibrant Christian presence, but over time the English people joined up with the Roman Church. (Certainly both the Celtic and Roman traditions had their strengths and weaknesses, but in the end things went the Roman way, though with some Celtic flavouring.)
Oftentimes our experiences with church leadership and administration can leave us with a bad taste in our mouth. Sometimes any sort of organization or hierarchy is deemed unbiblical. But throughout the New Testament, and especially in Paul's letters, we see that the early Church went through lots of ups and downs, and had to go about the business of organizing itself as it expanded and as it reflected on its experience of knowing Jesus. If everything was easy and simple, Paul probably wouldn't have had to write any of those letters, right?!
I think the key for us in our day is to remember that we are the Church, and not a business or club. Our meetings must take place in the context of prayer. When times are tough, we should remember that we will get through -- perhaps in ways that we might not expect -- not solely through our own ingenuity, but by the grace of God. When we get pessimistic, nasty, or hopeless, what does that say about our trust in God's faithfulness? What does that say about where we think our inspiration comes from?
An appreciation of Church history makes us mindful of how we're in this for the long-run. It's a marathon, not a sprint. We will have our ups and our downs, but eventually we will come to a refreshing water station, where we are recharged and renewed.
Everliving God, you strengthened your servant Augustine, though he was fearful and laden with doubt, to lay the foundations of your Church among the English people. Grant us always to show forth the reason for all your gifts so freely bestowed upon us, by sharing with all peoples and races your infinite gift of salvation; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who is alive and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.*
- Matthew Kieswetter
* For All the Saints (Toronto: ABC Publishing, 2007), 175.
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