Church and State
I have really tried to become more 'political' over the past few years. By this I assumed that I needed to know how to align myself along partisan lines. This process reminds me of my general ambivalence towards church denominations. In both church and government I have not been able to tow any party line. Not that I haven't tried. Am I product of a self-centered society? Is there a need for serious reflection on how to change institutional identification? Brian McLaren seems to be heading up some 'emerging' church movement. I seem to have a unfounded prejudice against that. Maybe someone can convince me to check it out. In terms of government they certainly need our prayers, I just don't put my faith in what I feel the church is called to offered.
This ambivalence is becoming more acute for me as I would eventually like to move towards ordination in addition to the upcoming election. I don't think I am holding out for a perfect church or a perfect political party I just haven't been able to use institutional identification as a means of embracing a denomination or party.
We all need to live and work from somewhere . I don't think I should marginalize myself as some sort of wanderer or exile. How do we nurture belonging and that great idealistic catchword, community?
My only response at this point is an appreciation for Anglican and Catholic churches which focus on the Eucharist. This is a tangible act of community which, at the best of times, helps us to position ourselves appropriately in the giving and receiving of worship.
This being said I am meeting with a conference pastor for the General Conference Mennonite Church to talk a possible place for me pastorally.
Any thoughts on politics or ecclesiology would be welcomed.