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Crossing with Jesus

In the Scriptures, getting God’s people together for one reason or another in a large group often resulted in something pretty huge.

Think of Moses descending the mountain after a personal experience with God. He had tablets in hand which outlined God’s commands (Exodus 20 and 32). He was on his way to deliver these life-giving words to the wandering Hebrews (wandering all over the place spiritually and geographically).

Or remember Josiah, one of the kings of Judah, who asked for all of God’s people to gather for the purpose of hearing once again the words of God in the Book of the Covenant. The book had been lost for a long time, and God’s people were fast becoming illiterate of God’s will and story. But the book was recovered in the Temple (2 Kings 22). Some think the king’s reading session may have included hearing the entire Pentateuch, while others think it probably was only Deuteronomy. Whatever it was, God’s people needed to make up a lot of lost time.

In the New Testament, Jesus, like Moses, delivered to crowds of people The Beatitudes and ethical admonitions which were compiled as the famous Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7).

All four Gospels focus on one of the most famous meals in biblical literature which thousands participated in. The crowd was able to eat from a small lunch of bread and fish which a young boy had brought with him. The child had been part of a large crowd who were seeking Jesus to experience healing and hear him preach and teach (Matthew 14:13-21 and 15:29-39).

As the fledgling Christian movement began its mission, Gospel writer Luke records that scores of Jerusalemites and visitors from out of town heard Peter’s first sermon (Acts 2). Peter needed to explain why many of the followers of Jesus were speaking in different languages about God’s great acts. They were not intoxicated with wine but were filled with the Spirit of God and the story of the crucified, risen Jesus.

Later, Luke also describes the convening of the fledgling church’s leaders who gathered to discuss the nature of salvation and how one enters into it (Acts 15). Eventually, the leaders made one of the most important decisions in the early church’s life when they decided that Gentiles did not have to fulfill Jewish traditions (circumcision and obedience to Mosaic law) before becoming part of the fellowship of God in Christ.

Luke reports how Jerusalem’s leaders responded to reports from missionaries Paul and Barnabas, and other believers, of God’s saving generosity to Gentiles. The news brought “great joy” (v. 3). The church of Jerusalem “welcomed” them and they were given time to report all “that God had done with them” (v. 4). People were allowed to voice their views, even as sharp disputes arose. But respected leaders, such as Peter and James, brought the issue into perspective, including a way to bring resolution between the different camps in the church. A letter expressing the views of all was drafted and hand delivered to the church at Antioch. The decision which “seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us” (v. 28) was read to all, including Gentile believers. The people “rejoiced at the exhortation” (v. 31).

Summer Event
But now, fast forward to the present time, and ask yourself: Where are God’s people gathering together in large numbers this summer for significant fellowship, encouragement, and exhortation?

For my family, we’re in the midst of one of those major milestones many of you have crossed or will cross someday. Our youngest child, Laura, just graduated from high school in early June. She is more than eager to move on — in her case, moving on will mean going to a college, and living and working in a world of higher education.

Much of my daughter’s time this summer is being spent working at jobs to earn some money for the summer as well as for school, easing some pressure off future student debt as well as her parent’s crunched budget.

But just as significantly, she and four other high schoolers and an adult mentor / counselor / chaperone are off to San Antonio, Texas, for the 2006 ELCA Youth Gathering from July 12-16. This will be the Gathering’s second week (the first one takes place July 5-9).

If you happen to be looking at this Comment anytime during one of those two weeks, there is a good likelihood (unless you’re reading this at 2 a.m.) that about 14,200 (the first week) and 22,900 (the second week) high school youth and adult leaders are praising, serving, and learning about the Lord of Life and the world our God so loves in the environs of the Henry B. González Convention Center and Alamodome.

You might want to follow the events of the Gathering by going to the website (www.elca.org/gathering). This site will be updated daily. For example, the site will host live streaming of the plenary sessions in the morning and evening. Pictures will be taken daily and posted on the “Photo Gallery.” There will be daily devotions.

Speakers include Francis Bok, a Sudanese who escaped slavery, Bible study leader Stephan Bond, noted author and speaker Tony Campolo, Sojourner Magazine editor, Jim Wallis, and more. Musicians include The Newsboys, Krystal Meyers, Hawk Nelson, the Katinas and more. Opportunities to share one’s gifts through service projects, offerings, and music ensembles will be available. Multicultural youth and differently-abled youth will convene prior to the Gatherings from July 2-5.

Over the years, this triennial event has attracted thousands of high school youth and adult leaders from one-quarter to one-third of the ELCA’s congregations. Many of these youth are considered leaders in church, school, and community.

I began this Comment describing some of those large group gatherings in Scripture which were very significant in scope and consequence. I realize that the revealing of the Ten Commandments or the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost are events beyond compare. But, nevertheless, many of us are hoping that our own kids and our congregation’s youth who happen to attend the youth gathering will discover something truly “huge” and blessed in San Antonio. We are hoping and praying that this event may be one of God’s milestones in their young lives, so that they can serve the Lord and their neighbor in the name of Jesus in the months and years ahead.

So remember our young people and their adult leaders in prayer at your congregation’s worship and at home. Remember too their hosts — from the churchwide office, the synod, and San Antonio — who will welcome them and work hard to make things go smoothly. Don’t forget the speakers and musicians who yearn to speak and sing God’s word with clarity and power.

“Cruzando — Journey with Jesus” is the Gathering’s theme. Cruzando is a Spanish word which means “crossing.” The Web site explains (see www.elca.org/gathering/theme.html):

“The community of Christ is coming together in San Antonio, Texas. Lutheran youth and adults are coming from all over the map to be renewed in their faith journey. They are crossing every kind of border to be with friends and neighbors who share the same name child of God.”

Godspeed, children of God, Godspeed as you make many crossings in the name of Jesus.

This Issue
July/August is our “Christian Practice” issue. Three of our articles, two features and a sidebar, take a look at “mutual ministry.” At one time, this concept was mostly concerned about helping a congregation support its pastor and staff. Now the concept has grown to encourage congregations to see if their ministry helps both laity and the clergy become equipped and nurtured in their respective ministries.

Susan Lang provides an introduction to mutual ministry in “A Healthy Approach to Mutual Ministry.” Nelvin Voss and Melvin George provide some concrete examples of mutual ministry which pastors shared with one another in “Swapping Stories about Mutual Ministry." Rick Summy gives some ideas of how to shape a Mutual Ministry Committee, ideas which he initially published in chapter four of Pastor and People: Making Mutual Ministry Work (Augsburg Fortress, 2003).

In another vein, pastor and scientist, respectively, Janice and Carl Peterson, provide some theological and scientific insights to help us sort through the ethical challenges involved with end-of-life decisions. They find much to value in integrating Luther’s theology of the cross in such decision-making.

Jerry Johnson, an associate in ministry, looks at the world of background checks as we plan for and call and hire church staff. Book reviews, poetry, Mullins’ Scripture word study, Austin’s computer tech column, and more round out this summer issue.

May your summer provide some time for renewal and rest.

William A. Decker is editor of Lutheran Partners magazine, Chicago, Illinois.