Month: June 2024

Reclaiming Evangelism: The Good News

by Rev. Dr. Derrick Elliott

Come on, you can say it? I am sure you can! I help you out; e.van.ge.lism. Now, does that feel good? It’s not a bad word, after all! All kidding aside, in recent times, the word “evangelism” has become a controversial and, to some, an unpopular term. For many, it conjures images of aggressive proselytizing or insincere attempts to convert others. Some might say this word is pure, unadulterated hate. Don’t worry; I was once there myself early in my faith walk! This perception has led some siblings to shy away from the term altogether. However, as we reflect on our mission as followers of Christ, we must reclaim and redefine evangelism in a way that speaks to the heart of the Gospel.

From the scriptures, Jesus’ command in the Great Commission is clear: “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you” (Matthew 28:19-20). This call to evangelism is not about coercion or manipulation. Instead, it is about sharing the transformative love and grace received through Jesus Christ.

 At its core, evangelism is about spreading the Good News. It is about sharing our personal experiences of God’s love and grace. It offers hope, peace, and a sense of belonging to those who may feel lost or marginalized. When we share our faith authentically and lovingly, we embody the message of Jesus and invite others to experience the fullness of life that He offers.

 In addition, it is essential to differentiate between proselytizing and evangelizing. Proselytizing often involves a forceful or insistent approach to converting someone to a particular faith, sometimes disregarding the individual’s journey or beliefs. We have seen this happen in church history. Some examples are the missionary’s treatment of Native Americans, the indigenous people of Hawaii, and the enslavement of people from the African diaspora. On the other hand, evangelizing is about witnessing the love of Christ through our actions and words, inviting others to explore faith respectfully and compassionately. Evangelism is rooted in genuine relationship-building and empathy rather than persuasion and pressure.

 In  our modern context, evangelism should be reimagined as an act of love and service. It involves listening to others, understanding their struggles, and offering a message of hope that speaks to their needs. It is about building genuine relationships and demonstrating the love of Christ through our actions. As St. Francis of Assisi famously said, “Preach the Gospel at all times. When necessary, use words.”

 As we strive to live out our calling to evangelize, let us remember that evangelism is not about increasing church membership or winning debates. It is about sharing Jesus’s life-changing message in a humble, compassionate, and authentic way. It is about witnessing the power of God’s love in our lives and inviting others to join us on this faith journey.

 When we look into the history of the United Church of Christ, we are blessed with five historic streams that shape our identity and mission: Congregational, Christian, Evangelical, Reformed, and Afro-Christian. I am not naive about the history of some of these streams regarding evangelism. I recognize the need to address restorative justice for past wrongs and harms associated with evangelistic efforts.

However, each stream can bring some unique perspective and rich heritage that informs how we live out our faith and engage in evangelism.

 -The Congregational Stream emphasizes the local church’s autonomy and the importance of community and covenant.

-The Christian Stream focuses on the unity of all believers and the simplicity of the Gospel message.

-The Evangelical Stream calls us to a personal relationship with Jesus Christ and a commitment to sharing the Good News.

-The Reformed Stream reminds us of the sovereignty of God and the importance of continuous reform and renewal.

-The Afro-Christian Stream highlights African American Christians’ rich spiritual traditions and resilience, emphasizing justice, liberation, and communal worship.

 By embracing the diverse gifts and insights from these streams, we can approach evangelism with a deeper understanding and a broader perspective. This diversity enriches our witness and allows us to connect with people from various backgrounds and experiences.

 We must also acknowledge the challenge of biblical illiteracy in our society. ( I have more to say about this topic in a blog post) Many people today lack a basic understanding of the Bible and its teachings. This makes our role as evangelists (Yes, that’s you)even more critical. We are called to be educators and guides, helping others to discover the richness of Scripture and its relevance to their lives. Through thoughtful study, compassionate teaching, and living out biblical principles, we can address this gap and bring the transformative power of God’s Word to a broader audience.

 In a world that is often filled with division and despair, the message of the Gospel is more needed than ever. Let us not be afraid to embrace the call to evangelize. Let us now reclaim this word and live it out in a way that reflects the heart of Jesus. By doing so, we can bring the light of Christ into the lives of those around us and fulfill our mission to spread the Good News to all corners of the earth.

For resources, check out this link: https://www.evangelismconnections.com

3 Simple Steps to Decrease Anxiety

by Kay Klinkenborg, Church of the Palms UCC

Regardless of the origins of feeling anxious or jumpy, there is short-focused exercise that can alter your current experience with a emotional response.  (Most effective with anxiety, but can be beneficial with other agitating thoughts, like obsessive thinking, fear, etc.)  

The beauty is that you can do it anytime, anywhere…even in public or a meeting and no one knows you are doing it.   It is most successful if you can step out of the room or change locations in your current room…for ‘movement’ is a key neurological component to bring about change of thoughts. 

Step One: Move some part of you body three times in a row; preferable in a different way each time.  Capture in your mind your thoughts and say them internally or aloud with each movement. 

Step Two: Look at three different things in your environment; with each object say it in your head or aloud.   

Step Three: Listen for three different sounds in your environment (it can even be your breathing); with each sound say it in your head or aloud. 

Your body…your mind…your choice. That is the motto of taking charge of emotions that are distressing you. Please note this works primarily for anxious feelings, jumpy or edgy.  I would not recommend it using it to shut down your tears if crying because of grief, a loss, or hurt feelings. This is a tool to use so you can stay focused on your tasks at hand. 

Should you find some initial relief with these three steps, repeat the three steps and go deeper into being in charge of managing your anxiety. 

Kay F. Klinkenborg, MA
Spiritual Companion
Member Spiritual Directors International
Retired: RN; LMFT; Clinical Member AAMFT
Author, poet, adult education facilitator

The Sacred Journey from Shame to Pride

by Christopher Schouten, pre-MID

Introduction

Happy Pride Month! Pride evokes different emotions and memories for each of us. For some, it conjures up joyous celebrations in the streets, parks, and bars with friends and loved ones, feeling a sense of community and safety. My first big pride parade in Chicago during my early 20s was transformative. For the first time, I felt like part of the majority, not a marginalized minority. It was both safe and surreal.

Others might question the purpose of Pride, wondering if such marches are still necessary or if Pride itself is a sin in a Christian context. These are valid questions. Let’s explore them together, starting with a biblical perspective.

Sinful Pride vs. Righteous Pride

The Bible contains numerous statements about sinful pride, such as Proverbs 16:18, which warns, “Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.” C.S. Lewis described pride as the “anti-God” state, severing the spirit from God’s life-giving presence.

However, there is also mention of “righteous pride.” Paul the Apostle, for example, speaks of a healthy kind of pride in Galatians 6:4, “Each one should test their own actions. Then they can take pride in themselves alone, without comparing themselves to someone else.” He also expresses pride in the Corinthians in 2 Corinthians 7:4, “I have great confidence in you; I take great pride in you. I am greatly encouraged; in all our troubles my joy knows no bounds.”

Righteous pride encourages us to recognize and celebrate our God-given talents and achievements while remaining humble and grateful. It fosters healthy self-esteem and motivates us to use our gifts in service to others and to glorify God.

The Impact of Shame on LGBTQIA+ Individuals

For the LGBTQIA+ community, developing a sense of righteous pride can be particularly challenging. Growing up in a society that often condemns or marginalizes our identities can lead to a pervasive sense of shame and invalidation. This shame teaches us to hide our true selves and diminish our light, stifling our personal growth and depriving the world of our unique contributions.

The cost of this shame is significant. According to the Trevor Project, LGBTQIA+ youth are more than twice as likely to feel suicidal and over four times as likely to attempt suicide compared to their heterosexual peers.

Personal Experience

My journey from shame to pride has been long and arduous. I knew I was gay at 12, but the lack of positive representation and support made me hide my true self. In high school, I stayed in the closet, living in secrecy and shame, finding solace only in the acceptance of a few friends in my UCC church choir.

College brought newfound freedom and acceptance, but the damage was done. The shame I internalized in my youth continued to drive me, leading to overachievement as a coping mechanism. I sought validation through academic excellence, career success, and various accomplishments, hoping to prove my worth and avoid confronting my shame.

Overachievement and Addiction

Author Alan Downs, in “The Velvet Rage,” explains that shame often leads to overachievement and addiction in LGBTQIA+ individuals. I excelled in academics and career, learned multiple languages, and held leadership positions, all to avoid shame. Despite my successes, a deep sense of unworthiness lingered, manifesting in disproportionate anger and rage when triggered.

Addiction is another common coping mechanism. LGBTQIA+ individuals are more likely to struggle with substance abuse and process addictions like sex, gambling, or eating disorders. These addictions are often driven by the need to numb the pain of shame and seek solace.

The Role of God’s Grace

Healing from deep-seated shame and reclaiming our true selves involves embracing the transformative power of a higher power. Isaiah 43:1-4 reminds us that we are not defined by shame or judgment but are precious and honored in God’s sight. God’s unconditional love provides a foundation upon which we can rebuild our sense of self-worth.

Personal Growth Work

While God’s love is central to our journey from shame to pride, we also have personal responsibilities:

  1. Self-Reflect: Spend time in prayer and meditation, asking God to reveal your true passions and callings.
  2. Embrace Vulnerability: Share your authentic self with others to build supportive connections.
  3. Find Your Passion: Identify and pursue activities that bring you joy and are true expressions of your God-given essence.
  4. Be Your Authentic Self: Work to be your true self in all situations, rejecting the urge to hide your light.
  5. Choose Love: Embrace God’s love and extend it to your inner child, fostering healing and self-acceptance.

Conclusion

If you are brave enough to begin this journey of healing from shame, you deserve to live in pride every day. The journey from shame to pride is a testament to the power of God’s healing love and a unique work of art that will be your legacy to the world. Be blessed and reassured that your Creator and this community of love will be with you on your journey.

Balancing Justice Work, Worship, and Spirituality: Being the Church

by Rev. Dr. Derrick Elliot

Twelve years ago, one of the things that drew me to the United Church of Christ was our commitment to justice work and the inspiring God Still Speaking campaign (spiritual and worship) on TV. This journey began as a member of Casas Adobes Congregational Church UCC, where I became a Member in Discernment. Now, I am the pastor of two UCC churches. Throughout this journey, I have seen the importance of balancing our call to justice work with our worship and spiritual life. In the  United Church of Christ, we are deeply committed to all three. Our work for justice, our worship, and our spiritual practices are not mutually exclusive but rather three essential aspects of our mission of being the church in the world.

Biblical Foundations

The Bible offers us numerous examples of the inseparability of justice, worship, and spirituality. The prophet Micah summarizes this beautifully: “He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God” (Micah 6:8). This verse encapsulates the essence of our calling—justice, mercy, and humble devotion to God.

Jesus himself emphasized this balance. In Matthew 23:23, He rebukes the Pharisees, saying, “Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You give a tenth of your spices—mint, dill, and cumin. But you have neglected the more important matters of the law—justice, mercy, and faithfulness.” Here, Jesus points out the necessity of both outward acts of justice and inner spiritual devotion, which includes worship.

The early church also embodied this balance. In Acts 2:42-47, we see the early Christians devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and prayers, while also sharing their possessions and ensuring that no one among them was in need. Their worship and communal life were deeply connected to their acts of justice and mercy.

The Consequences of Imbalance

When we heavily focus on justice work without nurturing our spiritual life and worship, we risk burnout and disillusionment. Justice work can be demanding and emotionally taxing. Without a solid spiritual foundation and regular worship, the relentless pursuit of justice can lead to feelings of frustration and exhaustion. For example, activists who neglect their spiritual practices and worship may find themselves overwhelmed by the enormity of the issues they are addressing, leading to a loss of hope and motivation.

Conversely, when we focus solely on spirituality and worship without engaging in justice work, our faith can become insular and disconnected from the world around us. Spiritual practices and worship that do not inspire action can lead to a form of complacency where we feel spiritually fulfilled but fail to address the pressing needs of our neighbors. This imbalance can result in a church that is rich in spiritual life and worship but poor in social impact, failing to live out the Gospel’s call to love and serve others.

Real-Life Applications (Evangelism)

Evangelism isn’t a dirty word; it’s a heartfelt invitation to share the love and hope found in our faith. I would like to write more about this in another article. However, balancing our call to justice work with worship and spiritual life is essential, as they are all integral aspects of our mission in the United Church of Christ.

Community Engagement, Prayer, and Worship: Many churches find that organizing regular food drives to support local food banks is an effective way to serve their community. These drives provide much-needed resources for food banks, which in turn help families in need. To integrate spirituality, each food drive can start and end with a short prayer, led by a volunteer or one of the participants. Incorporating moments of worship, such as singing a hymn together or sharing a scripture about generosity and caring for the hungry, can also deepen the connection between giving and faith. This practice grounds the act of giving in faith and emphasizes the importance of compassion and sharing God’s blessings with others. By intertwining justice work with moments of prayer and worship, churches reinforce the message that acts of service are expressions of spiritual commitment.

Education, Meditation, and Worship: Churches offer educational programs that address social justice issues, ensuring these sessions begin and end with meditation or prayer. Including moments of worship, such as reflective songs or responsive readings, can help participants connect their learning and activism with their spiritual growth. This practice, as seen in many series on racial justice, helps participants connect their learning and activism with their spiritual growth. This echoes the instruction in James 1:22, “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.” Education coupled with worship encourages us to be doers of the word.

Personal Balance: On a personal level, it’s crucial to integrate justice, worship, and spirituality into daily life. Many people find that setting aside time each morning for scripture reading, meditation, and worship helps them approach justice work with a spirit of compassion and humility. Additionally, engaging in justice work with a prayerful and worshipful heart transforms tasks from burdensome duties into acts of devotion. Colossians 3:17 reminds us, “And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” This scripture encourages us to integrate our faith into every action, making our justice work an extension of our worship.

The Wisdom of Spiritual Leaders

Howard Thurman, a prominent theologian and civil rights leader, often emphasized the critical need for maintaining a deep spiritual life while engaging in social activism. He believed that neglecting one’s spiritual foundations could lead to a disconnection from the very essence that drives meaningful and sustainable social change. Thurman’s writings, such as “Meditations of the Heart” and “Jesus and the Disinherited,” highlight how spiritual discipline and inner reflection are essential for those involved in justice work, ensuring their actions remain rooted in a profound sense of purpose and humanity.

Henri Nouwen, a Catholic priest and theologian, emphasized the necessity of balancing activism with times of prayer and reflection. He argues that without returning to a quiet place of contemplation, our actions risk losing their grounding in God’s love and can become self-serving and disconnected from their true purpose. Nouwen’s extensive writings, such as those found in “The Way of the Heart” and “Out of Solitude,” highlight the importance of integrating inner spiritual practices with outward actions to maintain a deep connection with God and ensure our activism remains aligned with divine love and purpose.

Parker Palmer, a noted Quaker author and educator, emphasizes the necessity of balancing activism with times of rest and reflection to maintain a connection with one’s inner light. He argues that true social change arises from a deep spiritual grounding. In his book “A Hidden Wholeness,” Palmer highlights that living with wholeheartedness requires integrating our inner spiritual practices with our outward actions. He states, “The power for authentic leadership is found not in external arrangements, but in the human heart” (Palmer, 2009). This underscores the importance of inner reflection and grounding in sustaining meaningful and effective social change.

Balancing justice work, worship, and spirituality requires intentionality. As members of the Southwest Conference, let us embrace this threefold calling. Let us act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with our God, knowing that our work for justice is deeply rooted in our spiritual life and worship. By doing so, we truly embody what it means to be the church in our world today.

Understanding Project 2025

by Rev. Dean Hokel

Project 2025 is a 900-page plan for an ideal America.  It is a Presidential Transition Project spearheaded by Heritage Foundation and supported by more than 80 organizations, many well known for pushing hate and (white) Christian Nationalism.  The goal is to take back our country from the radical left by developing a robust governing agenda and the right people to implement it. 

Project 2025 greatly enhances the executive branch’s powers.  The entire project is devoted to aggrandizing executive power by centralizing authority in the presidency.  Opposition elements are seen as attempting to destroy the real community.  Project 2025 paints progressives and liberals as outside acceptable politics, and anti-American. 

Project 2025 imposes on all Americans policies favored by (white) Christian Nationalists.  Targeting vulnerable communities is a core tenet of Project 2025.  It would strip rights protections from LGBTQ+ people, immigrants, women, and people of color.  It would dismantle much of the federal government and replace our apolitical civil service with far-right partisans it is already training in anticipation of a power shift.

There are two factors that are key to growing authoritarianism: stoking violence and corrupting elections. A Reuter’s investigation published in August 2023 showed that political violence began rising in 2016 in tandem with Trump’s leadership.  National Counterterrorism Innovation, Technology, and Education Center (NCITE) published that same month found that threats against public officials are growing.   

Project 2025 would politicize key institutions such as the Department of Justice and strip civil rights protections from multiple communities.  Racism is evident in the Project’s denunciation of Critical Race Theory.   Project 2025 appears to describe a two-fold threat.  Internationally it is China.  Domestically, it is the left, immigrants, the LGBTQ+ community, and those advocating for racial and social justice.  They are treated as enemies of the state.

 The LGBTQ+ community is treated as deviants with ill intent.  The LGBTQ+ community and the “woke” are described as subversive elements aimed at destroying the country and its real values.   

The Convention of the States (COS) president is Mark Meckler who is also co-founder of the Tea Party Patriots.  Among the senior supporters of COS is ALEC, Michael Farris, former CEO of the anti-LGBTQ+ Alliance Defending Freedom and former Trump Chief of Staff Mark Meadows.  Also supporting COS is Ben Shapiro and Charlie Kirk (Turning Point USA).  The Convention of the States plan is to alter the constitution using Article V, which empowers states to call for a constitutional convention.  The article reads, “on the application of the Legislatures of two thirds of the several States, shall call a Convention for proposing Amendments.”  It should be noted that almost no rules apply to an Article V Convention and the consequences could be dire for our democracy and our civil and human rights.  So far, 28 states, six shy of the required 34, have called for a constitutional convention aimed at sharply reducing federal powers.  COS adopted a proposal to restrict the Commerce Clause, which is the basis for most federal environmental, labor, consumer and civil rights protections, and nullify all existing laws and regulations in conflict with COS reading of the Constitution. 

(White) Christian Nationalism favors a government mandated by biblical principles, which excludes certain communities from civil rights protections.  It rejects the separation of church and State, privileging religious beliefs over civil laws.  Christianity should enjoy a privileged place in society, and that the government must take steps to ensure this is clear in every section of the plan. 

The Project’s Christian Nationalist goals are inherent in its dehumanizing language about LGBTQ+ people, putting them in the same sentence as pornography and pedophilia, rejection of “wokeness,” its promotion of the “traditional family” writing that, “Families comprised of a married mother, father, and their children are the foundation of a well-ordered nation and healthy society.  The federal government should recognize only two unchanging sexes, male and female. The Project wants a statement that the government will not enforce any rules against sexual orientation and gender identity discrimination by healthcare providers who receive federal funds in the Affordable Healthcare Act and indeed, the DOJ should aggressively defend a provider’s right to discriminate.  Project 2025 supports Conversion Therapy.   Under the banner of “Restoring the Family” Project 2025 aims to gut protection for the LGBTQ+ community.  Rescind regulations prohibiting discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation, gender identity, transgender status and sex characteristics.  The Project dehumanizes the trans- gender community.  Gender affirming healthcare is considered child abuse.  Reverse policies that allow transgender people to serve in the armed forces.  They would restrict medical care for the transgender community. Project 2025 would abolish the Gender Policy Council and eliminate comprehensive sexuality education.

Regarding education, the Project would upend the accreditation requirements for schools and universities to remove rules the Project sees as biased against religious schools or doctrine, but still allow Title IV funds to be available to these institutions.

One of the Project’s key efforts is to replace as many civil service employees as possible with conservative partisans, and materials indicate they are already identifying and training those people.  The plan is dedicated to eviscerating departments and agencies, essentially gutting the federal government.  They have laid out in detail how to fire supposedly ‘un-fireable’ federal bureaucrats; how to shutter wasteful and corrupt bureaus and offices; how to muzzle woke propaganda at every level of government.  Any employee that has been involved in diversity, equity, and inclusion should be subject to termination.

A particular target of Project 2025 are Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs.  Such projects are viewed as hostile attacks. The Project would end efforts to improve racial equity.  It would end the teaching of Critical Race Theory.  They would pass a new law barring the use of taxpayer dollars to teach Critical Race Theory. 

Project 2025 would ban all abortions, ban all abortion pills, and restrict people’s body autonomy and sexual and reproductive health and rights.  The DOJ would be required to prosecute providers and distributors of such medication.  Because I don’t believe in abortion, you can’t have one!  They would end Medicaid funding of Planned Parenthood. The Project would force all Americans, to abide by the wishes of those Americans for whom abortion violates the conscience and religious freedom rights.  The Project actually attacks contraception in many different ways. 

Project 2025 will defend the borders. “Immigrants are a crime-ridden-plague.”  They would dismantle the Department of Homeland Security and use the military to protect the border – expanding the border wall.

Project 2025 would end programs to address climate change.  Department of Energy should end its war on Fossil Fuel, respect the right of Americans to buy and drive fossil fuel cars.  The Project opposes the eye sore of windmills.  They want to open up many areas to oil, gas, and coal development.