Seek ye first the kingdom of the Lord and his righteousness.
And all these things shall be given unto you.
- Matthew 6:33
Presbyterians love a good confession. So here's mine: far too often (hourly basis) I have focused on the wrong things in ministry. I've evaluated myself and the ministry of congregations on the basis of their popularity and money. Interestingly, Jesus seemed to find neither popularity nor money particularly valuable. He knew that by continuing to tell stories (often puzzling stories!) of the Spirit of God or Kingdom of God at work, people might glimpse the reality of Jesus the Christ and be transformed by this spirit. To anyone who believes that people and money are needed for ministry, I would say: Sure, but they're not as important as the Holy Spirit who calls forth both and stirs them to action for the glory of God. Stories are more powerful, more inspirational, more sacred than statistics. In an era where many have been turned off from attending church, leaving faithful congregations and leaders desperate to survive, the Spirit is already ahead of us leading the way.
So let's shift our focus and start counting (and recounting!) stories more than statistics since they can often distract from the true power and purpose of God and Christ's body of believers, the church. I'm going to start with myself and start focusing on the sacred stories in the congregation and presbytery I serve, and maybe it will inspire others to begin capturing the sacred stories around them.
So let's shift our focus and start counting (and recounting!) stories more than statistics since they can often distract from the true power and purpose of God and Christ's body of believers, the church. I'm going to start with myself and start focusing on the sacred stories in the congregation and presbytery I serve, and maybe it will inspire others to begin capturing the sacred stories around them.
Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is near.Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. |
Rev. J. Evan Harrison received his B.A. in philosophy and religious studies at UNC Chapel Hill, his M. Div at Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary, was Warburton Urban Ministry Resident at Center Church, Hartford 2007-2010 and currently serves Sunnyside Presbyterian Church in Fayetteville, North Carolina's Vander community. He started the Sacred Stories project during his 2017 sabbatical as a special calling to get the word out about the Spirit's amazing transformation of the church he serves locally, regionally, nationally and world-wide.
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Send your storiesPlease contact me using the contact form if you have inspiring stories to share about God's work in PC (USA) congregations and the many other children of God with whom they partner in various ministry endeavors. Film it yourself or find someone in your congregation or presbytery to help and once you have it on YouTube or another site, I can see about linking it on this site. Viewers can share feedback in the comments section of the videos to voice your thanks or encouragement of some of the stories you hear. One of my goals in this endeavor has always been to get more Presbyterians sharing their testimony about the Holy Spirit.
Blessings in Christ, Rev. J. Evan Harrison |