Going pastoral

This morning at 6:45am, I met with four men whom I greatly respect. These four men serve as shepherds here at the Rochester Church. Our conversation this morning centered on shepherding the families with youth.

I don't think I have ever been more excited about the future of the ministry I am a part of, or the future of the Rochester Church. One of the areas where Rochester has not always been strong - and for that matter, most churches have not - is in the area of shepherding families. Especially for larger churches, this can be a real struggle. However, I feel as though we are making changes and moving in the right direction to correct this situation.

This morning we discussed how we can effectively connect with every family and help them in their spiritual journey. While we are in the early stages of this process, I feel like we are moving in the right direction. I am sure there are bumps and potholes in the road ahead, but I am thrilled that we are moving down the road.

In most churches, there are a significant number of people who come to the building for worship and that is the majority of their connectedness to their church family. This can create a huge vacuum in terms of support, encouragement, and rebuke (when needed) for people in their spiritual formation. Without that network of people around you, the journey of following Jesus can become overwhelming and people often give up or settle.

We as a family of God must do all we can to prevent that from happening in people's lives. We must get outside of our comfort zone, reach out to those around us, and create an enviroment of community and caring.

In this busy and complex world we find ourselves in today, people have connections all over the place - cell phones, email, children's sports teams, etc - but many people are not truly connected anywhere. We run from place to place and activity to activity, but we struggle with putting down roots that run deep.

The result?

Marriages fall apart. Families are crumbling. Lives are shattered. And much of this happens right under our noses because people do not have a safe place with significant relationships to share their burdens.

My dream is that Rochester Church becomes a place where families and individuals can feel safe to share those burdens and struggles - as well as their victories - so we can get away from being a religious country club and become the hospital for those who are hurting. And if we are honest, the vast majority of us are hurting in some way.

There is a song by Casting Crowns called "Stained Glass Masquerade" that summarizes what I am trying to say. I will end with the words to that song:

Is there anyone that fails
Is there anyone that falls
Am I the only one in church today feelin' so small

Cause when I take a look around
Everybody seems so strong
I know they'll soon discover
That I don't belong

So I tuck it all away, like everything's okay
If I make them all believe it, maybe I'll believe it too
So with a painted grin, I play the part again
So everyone will see me the way that I see them

Are we happy plastic people
Under shiny plastic steeples
With walls around our weakness
And smiles to hide our pain
But if the invitation's open
To every heart that has been broken
Maybe then we close the curtain
On our stained glass masquerade

Is there anyone who's been there
Are there any hands to raise
Am I the only one who's traded
In the altar for a stage

The performance is convincing
And we know every line by heart
Only when no one is watching
Can we really fall apart

But would it set me free
If I dared to let you see
The truth behind the person
That you imagine me to be

Would your arms be open
Or would you walk away
Would the love of Jesus
Be enough to make you stay

shine!
Jason