Today’s author is Debbie Jorgens, Prince of Peace’s Director of Congregational Care and Visitation.
In our reading yesterday (Acts 15:1-18), the early Church is debating an urgent issue: “Can Gentiles belong to the faith without being circumcised and observing the Law of Moses?” At the root of the question is the argument that there are certain requirements that must be satisfied in order for Gentiles to become part of the faith community.
Peter reminds the early Christians that the gift of faith in Christ has been given by God to both Jews and Gentiles. We’re not saved by keeping the Law; we’re saved by the grace of God in Jesus Christ.
The text prompted me to think about the requirements I’ve encountered in the Church as a lifelong Lutheran. I remember having to sit in the pew as a child while my parents went up for Communion because only confirmed members were welcome to the Lord’s Table.
As a teen, I wanted to be an acolyte. But only boys were given this responsibility. I wanted to read the scripture, but only adults were allowed to be lectors. (And God forbid that anyone other than the pastor read the Gospel!)
By the time I started seminary in the Master of Divinity (MDiv) degree program in 2011, men and women of all ages were welcome. Hallelujah! But students were required to complete their degree within seven years and since I needed to continue working full-time while going to seminary, I missed the deadline. The synod tossed out my file and told me that if I wanted to be considered for rostered leadership in the future, I would have to start the process all over again. So instead of earning an MDiv degree, I graduated with a Master of Arts in Christian Leadership.
This sounds like a long list of complaints, which is not my intent. I’m deeply grateful for the nurturing I received from my faith community as I was growing up, despite some archaic practices! And I’ll be forever grateful for the privilege of my excellent seminary education, even if it meant revising my initial plan.
Required standards are important! The world would be a mess without them. But I wonder if there are requirements of the Church that sometimes hinder us from living out our calling as effectively as we otherwise might?
When I was a brand new youth director some 35 years ago, I worked alongside Lowell, the associate pastor who had oversight of the church’s Confirmation program. I still remember Michael, a bright but troubled 15-year-old whose tender heart could be detected even under his gruff exterior. Michael’s required attendance at Confirmation class was spotty. He didn’t turn in the required number of sermon notes. He failed to complete the required memorization assignments. He didn’t even attend the required Confirmation retreat.
As the program year ended, Lowell and I met to review the Confirmation requirements and ensure each person had met them. We got to Michael’s name. We both knew he had fallen short in almost every aspect. Aware of the growing knot in my stomach I asked, “What about Michael?”
Without a moment’s hesitation Lowell said, “Oh, we’re confirming him. We’re going to continue wrapping our arms around that kid so he knows the Church loves him and that he’s a treasured part of our community.”
I breathed a huge sigh of relief. Sometimes, requirements need to go by the wayside so that grace can have the last word.