I consider myself the luckiest pastor in the world.
I know that’s a grand statement to make, but that’s the way I feel. Most pastors hope to make a difference in the lives of parishioners and to move a congregation forward, but very few get to re-think and re-do church “from scratch”, and with property and buildings and very little debt.
When I came to Wedgewood in 1989 it had a Sunday attendance of 170 and a full-time Minister of Education youth, and a part-time minister of music, organist, and secretary. By 1994 we were down to 20 and I was the only paid staff. It was hard to see that many people exit, but what an opportunity!
If you were creating a church from scratch, what would it look like?
At Wedgewood we imagined a church in which non-Christians could be members. In fact, we have a member who is Muslim. He’s not a token Muslim either. No, he’s the chairperson of one of our most important committees.
I often get strange looks when I tell people we have a Muslim who is a member at Wedgewood. I can understand that response, but I can’t imagine church any other way. For Wedgewoodians, the most important category is “human being”, not “Christian”. And the purpose of the church is to love the world as God loves the world.
Who could be a member at the church you would create?
What would be the purpose of the church you would form?
You have a wonderful congregation. My Episcopal parish in Athens will use the newly-authorized rite for the blessing of a same-sex union during the main service tomorrow morning. We are among the most inclusive congregations in the town, and word is getting around as people who cannot handle our broadness leave and others who find it attractive take their places. I do not have create a church; I have found one which accepts anyone with a pulse.
Episcopalians are amazing (accept in Charleston, SC). I love your phrase about “anyone with a pulse.” Hope the service goes well, and congratulations to the couple.
Thanks! And the Diocese of South Carolina lives in a parallel universe. I am blessed to live within the bounds of the Diocese of Atlanta, a more urbane and liberal environment than some other dioceses. The reactionary corners of The Episcopal Church have become less numerous, so my Plan B (flee to another denomination because the diocese is to the right of Atilla the Hun) remains unnecessary. ELCA is Plan B, given its liturgical and historical links to TEC, by the way.