May 31, 2009:

Ponderings of a Pilgrim PASTOR

“Looking Back”

            On Sunday, June 1, 1964 I was ordained in the United Methodist Church.  Looking back after these forty-five years, many things are clear which were not as obvious then.  At the time, the “Mainline Churches” (United Methodist, Presbyterian, Episcopalian, United Church of Christ, etc.) were at their “high water mark” in terms of numbers of churches and members as well as financial resources and influence.

            During the struggles over our nation’s involvement in Vietnam as well as Civil Rights for Black Americans, the Mainline Churches became deeply involved in issues of peace and justice.  Those stands (which I believe were morally and theologically right) began a decline in the Mainline Churches which has not ceased to this day.  This also led to a rise in the strength of socially and theologically conservative churches which seemed  -  in 1964, at least  -  to be fading away.  How wrong we were!

            This was also a time when there was little integration of any church  -  North or South.  Clergy were almost entirely men. There was no mention - even awareness  -  of concern for Gay and Lesbian Christians. There was little or no awareness of other issues such as concern for the environment.

            Clearly, things have changed enormously in Mainline Churches such as the United Church of Christ over these years.  I believe we have been committed to issues of peace and justice that have made a real difference in the life of our nation as well as in the life of the churches.

            But what I regard as progress has come at a price.  Our involvement in social issues was not matched by an equal concern to draw others into our churches.  We still assumed that people were born into churches like Pilgrim, rather than being invited to join.

            Pentecost Sunday is a good time to remind ourselves that any church  -  even the Christian Church, itself  -  is only two or three generations from extinction unless we care enough to share the story of our faith with others and encourage them to join us.

Love,

Pastor Dave