from the Spiritual Formation Committee, NIS (8-23-06)
Pastor Bob Hansen, St. Paul, Dixon

Jesus was criticized for offering hospitality to tax collectors and sinners. (Matt 9:10) This loving gift is not easily practiced. The Norman Rockwell meal with the whole family around an aromatic table of delicacies is the ideal. Is there a place for the newcomer to sit?

Jesus stands at the horizontal and vertical of the cross pulling us to the center: rich and poor; member and guest; newcomer and old-timer; wounded healer and the wounded; believer and those in doubt. The spirituality of the church encourages us to build unity.

Church leaders today are fraught with challenges and struggles. The good ministry of building up the body of Christ has its personal struggles which hunger for hospitality. Each conference of our synod faces the challenge of welcoming and supporting church leaders who are new to the area or who may be in their first call. There are troubled parishes in which passions run high and often the Shepherd is emotionally stressed.

Reactions to these situations may vary. Some leaders go into isolation because they do not have a sense of community with their colleagues. Bible studies, conference meetings and even Synod gatherings are neglected until one day a crash of emotions can occur in the Bishop’s office. The church officials are sometimes caught by surprise.

A proactive response of hospitality can help. Offer to drive a newcomer to a conference meeting or Bible study. Have times within a conference meeting in which a round robin of sharing is a high priority. Build a culture of awareness when a leader is in struggle by offering prayer, a phone call, a friendly visit or an invitation to lunch.

There is also Synod sponsored support as well. The deans are available in the conference to support and talk. Confidential professional counseling is offered through the Bishops office. Spiritual guides are available by contacting the Synod office or the Spiritual formation committee. Professional leadership retreats are offered at Sinsinawa Mounds once per year (October 23-25, 2006) where collegiality and enrichment can be shared. The Spiritual Formation Committee is also offering spiritual retreats twice a year. There was one on May 8 and there will be another coming on December 4 at LOMC in Oregon.

May we follow Jesus’ example by inviting our friends in ministry into a fellowship of healing and caring. If you are one who feels isolated, reach out, and let the community surround you. We all have times of weakness. We can use those times when we are not so weak to lift up a partner in Christ.

Jesus is inviting us to his table. The empty chair is reserved for you.