There are times in my life where I have been energized, motivated, encouraged and empowered after hearing a good word, attending a conference or inspirational event. There are times when I have left on a “spiritual high” and enjoy a “mountaintop experience” which lasts a short while before coming back down to reality. Then there are the rare times when I leave an event as a completely changed individual with a greater appreciation of who I am in Christ, what my role is in the Church, and what the Church’s role is in the world.
I left the 2013 National Festival of the Academy of Preachers as a changed individual.
When I was preparing my sermon with my mentor, I had originally chosen Acts 17 as my primary passage of scripture. Upon my arrival at the Grand Hyatt, the day before the festival began, I felt prompted to change my passage to Ephesians 2:14-22. This text speaks of Christ dividing the wall between Jews and Gentiles, joining all together in unity, experiencing peace and reconciliation. It was one thing to preach this text as I saw it relevant to the Gospel in my context in the Pacific Northwest. It was an entirely different lesson learned as I experienced this reality throughout the festival.
Sometimes we come with a sermon in mind, yet God helps us experience the sermon in the way God has in mind.
In every conversation I had, each session I attended, the dividing wall was removed between the denominations and all that could be seen was Christ at the center of our messages, the center of our hearts. There were discussions on doctrine, and at times disagreement, yet it was done out of love and a desire to learn from each other as brothers and sisters, not as enemies. I often felt the emotions of the other preachers; the anxiety if they lost their place in the manuscript, the passion in their voices. I found comfort when I looked out and saw new friends sitting in chairs during my sermon supporting me as though they had known me my entire life. I was experiencing true unity in the Church. This unity gave me the desire to continue conversations begun at the festival and be intentional in relationships with other denominations. It challenged me to reflect on the lack of unity I have experienced in the past and place it as the priority in the ministries God gives me in the future.
Since I was a child, it was clear that God was calling me to a ministry of Gospel preaching. I did not know what this would look like and quite frankly was terrified of this reality as I did not think I had the experience, nor did I have the mentors or the opportunities to preach. I also did not speak up and say that this was an area God was calling me to. This was what was holding me back.
It only took three days in Atlanta for me to realize that not only am I called, I have fellow preachers, coaches, board and staff members that are supporting my call, praying for me each step of the way. Yes, I am a preacher and that is one of my roles in the Church. And it is a unique role in the Church. With the voice God has given me I can preach about “Dividing Walls,” and “The Gospel and the City.”
I can also practice it. This is the Church’s role in the world.
At AoP 2013, we, as a city of preachers were being the Gospel to each other. And that was a beautiful sight to see.
I pray that we will never lose this vision as we continue to preach the Gospel message.