believe in the priesthood of believers and the great cloud of witnesses, if I believe Paul when he says, “It is no longer I who live, but Christ Jesus who lives in me,” then I also know that we are never alone, no matter how “alone” I might feel. The church is the body of Christ; we are the flesh and blood filled with his spirit. Christ is the head of the church, which is his body. We are his presence here and now, in our time and our place. The church is not just a human institution, but a spiritual fellowship and organization established by God. As such, it shall exist to the end of time and even the gates of Hell cannot prevail against it, or our current congregational conflict. As a member of the body of Christ, I am in spiritual fellowship with all Christians in all times and places. We are all one in Christ!
My experience at the conference, with other pastors sharing their stories and listening to mine offered a process that eased my burden and reminded me of what I already knew. It made this intellectual assent to be a lived experience.
I am not the only one who has faced a crisis in ministry, not the only one who had challenges that felt insurmountable or faced dilemmas for which I could find no answers. Other people have gone before me. There is a path I can choose to follow and guides eager to help. It may be a wilderness, but there is a way through!
Meditation
Imagine being alone in a house on a dark and stormy night: lightning flashing, thunder booming, wind howling. Sense that aloneness. When have you felt that before? What was the storm raging outside and the fear clinging inside?
Now imagine the breaking dawn of a new day, with the sun rising over the horizon and light chasing away the shadows. Remember how the air smells after a storm clears. Feel that relaxation.
Questions for Reflection and Conversation
1. At what time in your life have you felt most alone? How did you get through that period? What resources did you find helpful? Were there others who came to accompany you?
2. What support groups are you actively involved with? How have you benefited from them?
3. How has a desire to be unique expressed itself in your life? Has it led to a sense of being alone? How have you dealt with this in your spirituality?
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