A Gift

Written by Rick Butler April 13, 2011

One of the gifts this congregation offers me is the freedom to grow spiritually.  As a pastor it is a cherished gift.

Not all communities of faith offer this gift to their pastors.  Often the pastor is expected to stay within the “company line”—the particular theology (the understanding of God’s nature, purpose, and will) of the congregation’s tradition or majority beliefs.

But here at BVCC I have been presented with the gift of freedom of thought and exploration.  It’s the freedom of flexibility and change.  The gift has been welcomed and cherished.  Over the past 5-10 years my theology has taken different paths--new twists and turns. And while on the journey I have not had to keep quiet or hide what I believe; how I’ve changed; what I’m questioning and pondering.

I’m celebrating the gift because a men’s bible study we have here just turned 13—entered adolescence.  It’s a group meeting Wednesdays at 6:30 AM.  For much of the year we enter in the dark and leave in the light, literally and metaphorically.  As a member of the group I am allowed and encouraged to say what I’m thinking, to raise what I am questioning, to affirm what I am believing.

There are 9 of us in the group.  Three of the men have been in the group since April 1, 1998 when the first call to gather was issued.  The group is a manifestation of the gift.  They expect of me honest intellectual growth that deepens my faith.  They offer me and each other their faith journeys.  Together we search scripture, study scripture seeking purpose, will, and the way of life that is most whole and just.

This group, just turning 13, is part of the gift of this faith community to its pastor.  In our tradition as Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) we come each Sunday to the Lord’s Table and hear the words of Jesus: “Do this in remembrance of me.”  Every Wednesday, for 13 years now, these companions on my faith journey have gathered early in the morning to hear the words of Jesus: “Do this in memory of me.”

It is a wondrous gift I am given—the freedom to grow spiritually.  Thanks be to God.