“RISK TAKING NECESSARY FOR MISSION ”

“Living at risk is jumping off the cliff and building your wings on the way down.” + Ray Bradbury

 “Security is mostly a superstition. It does not exist in nature, nor do the children of mortals as a whole experience it. Avoiding danger is no safer in the long run than outright exposure. Life is either a daring adventure or nothing.” + Helen Keller

 “A person would do nothing, if they waited until they could do it so well that no one would find fault with what they have done.” + Cardinal Newman

 There is virtue in being prudent and cautious. There is also virtue in being extravagant and adventurous. The balance between the two can be delicate. We need both a cautious and a adventurous spirit within the church. My observation is that the church tends to be more cautious than adventurous – sometimes that has been a benefit – it has prevented some crashes so to speak. But sometimes this is a detriment – it has held us back from exciting possibilities to carry out the mission of Christ. I guess it is good that within the church we have some people with their foot on the break and others who have the pedal to the metal – maybe between the two we can embrace new ideas and possibilities in a thoughtful and deliberate way. Some of us may need to speed up, others of us may need to slow down. Still, at the end of the day, ministry is a risk! We are disciples of one of the all time big risk takers – Jesus!

 “MINISTRY MUSINGS”

Beginning with this newsletter I am trying something new. Inserted in the newsletter is a brief essay called “Ministry Musings.” These are my reflections about life, ministry, work, or whatever. These “musings” are intended to stimulate your thinking and consideration. I believe the church should be a safe place for the exchange of ideas. If you are a person who likes to engage in ideas please read “Ministry Musings” and consider participating in the monthly conversation – further details are found in the May “Ministry Musings” in this month’s newsletter. This months essay is entitled “Three Components of Neighbor Love: Charity, Advocacy, Empowerment.”