A Serve-Serve Opportunity

At first glance, the rows of folding chairs set up in the nether regions of the San Jose Mercury Convention Center look like they might actually be comfortable. Let me assure you, they are not. The nearly three and a half inches of what I thought was foam padding actually projects a gravitonic force field, quadrupling the tush-pain quotient. It’s either a testimony to the commitment of the folks who sit all around me that they stay seated for these long debates or to the self padding capacity of Presbyterians. I’m choosing not to investigate which it is.

My “at first glance” tendencies are coming into play right now. We’ve arrived at the GA session that includes consideration of the standards of ordination. The commissioners are discussing whether or not to undo the decisions made by Assemblies since 1978. I admit that my “at first glance” response is to frame this debate as a win-lose proposition. I want biblical authority to be upheld. Others want inclusiveness to champion the day. In just a few moments, adherents to one of these two positions will not get their way. The commissioners are voting as I type, and I feel this pressure in my chest. I pray, sharing my desire for the vote to turn out in accordance not only with the Bible (which I believe is authoritative in all it says about life and faith), but also with our church confessions and heritage. I know there are others hoping and praying for a change in our denomination’s standards and an embrace of culturally celebrated values. One way or the other, nearly half the gathered body will be unhappy. There will be winners and losers—at least that is the way I’m feeling right now.

The vote was just announced. The commissioners chose to undo the existing authoritative interpretation, which takes effect immediately, and to send to presbyteries for their ratification an amendment to our constitution that will change the current standards for ordination. Bottom line is that inclusivity won, and biblical authority lost.

Once again, my “at first glance” response kicked in. I felt the agony of defeat. When I exited the building a little bit ago, some of the “winners” were standing outside celebrating and singing, “We are one in the Spirit. We are one in the Lord.” My mind briefly went to some dark places.

I’m tired of my “at first glance” response. I’m guessing God is too. Jesus didn’t tell his disciples that he had come to win. He told them that he had come to serve and to die. He didn’t hand out trophies and medals. He gave out towels and wash basins and pointed people to the cross.

It seems that a Jesus-centered first response is more of a serve-serve proposition. Nothing happened today to change any first-level priorities. God is still God. Jesus is still Lord. The Spirit is still at work. The Bible is still the written word of God. I’m still forgiven, loved, and empowered. Is my witness to the world diminished by GA’s actions? Maybe. I believe, however, that how I choose to respond today, tomorrow, and into the future will be the greater portion of my personal witness to the world. Winning a theological point and upholding a standard—while important—doesn’t seem to carry as much weight with others as when we choose to show them tangible expressions of God’s love.

So you are welcome to hold me accountable to serving others in the name of Christ—to creating a serve-serve environment in which Jesus gets the glory. I’ll work with you and others to return the PC(USA) to a more biblically faithful position, and I pledge to proceed in a manner that treats even those who disagree with me as women and men for whom our Lord gave his life. Hopefully in your first, second, and umpteenth glances at my efforts, you’ll see someone faithfully serving in the manner of Christ. But please, when glancing—avoid commenting on my capacity to provide self-padding of my hind side.