Presbyterians… And Participation

SUN., SEPT. 11, 1994, 6:08 AM
FARM, STUDY

See… you are here, fulfilling your commitment to Me and accepting the opportunity of hearing and learning from Me, the Holy Spirit. The opportunity is constant, but you must be willing to show this as a priority in your life by coming, mostly in this first waking hour of the day.

Preparation for your Sunday morning class has been good. I like the questions, particularly the ones that involve your Presbyterian Church. Mostly, this morning I’ll comment on the query as to whether you can be a Presbyterian and not be an active participant in that church.

Now I am certainly aware, from My special “vantage point” that many persons call themselves Christians but participate very little, if at all, in the life of the church. Among you Presbyterians the span of participation is wide on the positive side. Many who are attracted to your denomination (or who “grow up in it”) feel the need to be active in any organization of which you are a part. Such folk are capable, motivated, and eager to serve… and to lead. Combine that general personality trait with a love for and commitment to Christ and His Church and you should have a well-functioning group.

Fortunately or unfortunately (and it is some of each) there are others who occupy pews regularly and occasionally, and some who just remain on the roll who want to be a member of a successful organization but without participation. They want the “prestige” that membership brings, as they perceive it, and they seem to be able to have that without much effort. Some of these are in that special category of Mine, the elderly who have served well during their young and middle years and now just want to “rest in the Lord.” You are not there yet, but you expect to have a few years in such a retirement category, later in your life.

I would call you a limited but enthusiastic Presbyterian participant. You have never fully accepted your Church’s form of government… in that you have not been willing to serve in the Presbytery, Synod, or General Assembly, or committees thereof. You accept this “connectionalism” as a good, but without being in it. And you observe that there may not be enough able and dedicated “organization folk” to make it run effectively.

On the local level you are active, but you choose your ways of participating, trying match these to your talents and motivations. I have encouraged you in such a path through your life, and I generally approve of how you have been active. Your monthly Newsletter is a fine contribution to your church’s life, and I say, “Keep it up.” Continue to lead an Adult Forum, and perhaps some day you’ll have the chance to use these Teachings again… or lead the Bible Study group. You have served well on the Session, and surely you will serve again. And you may consider the Deacons, as another form of care for others.