Riding in the Rain

This week is the first in a new time of Interimcy [I made that word up] in this Church. Our Associate Pastor, after much prayer and consistent with her statements in private from the start of my time here, has concluded her ministry. She did a fine job as a minister and dealt with a difficult time in this Church, including the death of the Senior Pastor. She is a fine, professional, effective minister and I and the Church will miss her.

The ball has been in my hands and I have fumbled it. We have succeeded in bringing on board a good Youth Director who has made a great start and for whom I have high hopes. But I have not succeeded in securing a short-term Associate Pastor. It is entirely my 'fault' (?) and somehow I seem to be either stalled or blocked by God (does God work that way?) from getting this done.

The theory says that if a group or person is stalled, try an off-the-wall solution; even a ludicrous one. That can get the system kick-started. I will admit to having some cockamamie ideas flit through my mind, but none that I would dare to float. It would be a very l-o-n-g stretch for a traditional congregation even if I could find the personnel to pull of some of those scenarios. But that may be just the problem - I am second-guessing the congregation!

At any rate, it's going to be a difficult couple of weeks or month. And the church's programs and routine are about to ramp up for the Fall. This morning we read Paul's words about "we have this treasure in clay jars" and I immediately thought of Jeremiah and the potter. I certainly feel like a cracked pot - some would say a 'crack-pot'! As my Australian Motorcycle Club says: "Grow old disgracefully" - be daring and do something a bit outlandish.

Like many mainstream churches we are on a knife edge. Are the moves we can make for the building up or the downfall of the Church? How do we remain faithful to the heritage yet stretch out to reach the newer generations in our midst? How much stress can a congregation stand?

I rode the last two days to visit my wife. The car wouldn't start (all of a sudden!!! Grrrr!) and so it was off on the motorcycle for the 155 freeway miles. It was raining and the roads were wet and that is always more difficult and dangerous - not my favorite. I don't get wet as I wear my orange Frogg Toggs but a bike's contact with the road is very small compared to a car's. It makes one focus a little harder and ride a little more defensively.

That's how I see this time. It's a little slippery and more dangerous than usual and a lot more is on me as a minister than usual. A sudden move by a fellow traveller can throw me into a slide so easily. I could even be very seriously hurt by such a move.

In fact riding a motorcycle is a bit like being a minister. There are times when you can achieve by just steady progress. Then there are times when you need all your wits about you and need to be ready to take opportunities to pass obstacles. When you are buffeted in the slip-stream of a truck or SUV it is sometimes best to change lanes and pass to find undisturbed air. At all times you need to know what's going on round you and not be surprised by someone else zeroing in on you. And you need to know when to stop, get off the road and off the bike and just have a break.

As my car is out of action for a day or so maybe I'll ride a bit more and by analogy with that activity learn again how to be a minister in these days ahead. Another motorcycle saying is "Keep the rubber side down". Keep on track and moving forward. Wave as you pass - it encourages me.