For Three Days It Felt Like John 17:21
..that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. Jn 17:21
There is a man who profoundly affected the way I look at the church. I never met him. I heard him speak in person only once. But as a young preacher trying to build a congregation of disparate Christ followers, I found his ideas to be controversial, avant-garde and ahead of the times. Maybe that’s what attracted me.
Born in Baltimore in 1884, E. Stanley Jones became a noted Methodist missionary-statesman to India, a confidant of President Franklin D. Roosevelt during the WWII years, a Nobel Peace Prize nominee, and saw his work become interdenominational and worldwide in scope. He died in India in 1973 at the age of 89, remaining engaged in the work of Jesus until his journey’s end.
I thought of him again in the weeks since our CASA Network International Leadership Conference in Anaheim, California. I think Dr. Jones would have enjoyed being there. He would have applauded each presenter, hailing from a broad spectrum of the church, the Churches of Christ, Assemblies of God, Evangelical Free, United Methodist, Nazarene, Independent, Evangelical Lutheran, Baptist, Covenant and Christian churches. Conferees were even more diverse. And for three days we were “one together,” united in the midst of our diversity, focused on the vital task of developing ministry to and from Christ followers who are in life’s second half. It felt like John 17:21.
Dr. Jones would have liked being there to witness a principle that he taught me many years ago, even though we never formally met. It was a ground rule that held my work together as a young pastor and remains in my heart today, namely that true Christians will hold together among men and women who differ on various issues. In those days as a senior pastor, when I was asked, “What do you believe about thus and thus,” it was always easy find ways to remain apart. But when asked, “Whom do you trust?” we always found ways to come together around one name and one loyalty—in Jesus Christ. When those moments came to me as an under-shepherd of the flock, I knew I was living John 17:21!
David Noreen, from Westminster CO’s Covenant Village of Colorado, following ILC—Anaheim, wrote to say, “Thanks for helping ‘open the door’ to those who for many represent the ‘other side,’ i.e., Rick Gentzler…I always wondered why evangelicals couldn’t see the values from ‘the other side of the street’. In my work, I was both appreciative, but also challenged by such associations…in doing curriculum, planning conferences for church educators, etc. There seems to be a kind of blindness and suspicion by both crowds, conservatives and liberals. Our folk (should) determine to be bridge builders.”
While teaching a class recently, Peggy Fulghum, Boomer Builder Ministry Director at Johnson Ferry Baptist Church, Marietta GA, and a CASA Network board member, was asked this question: “What about persons who belong to a church that approaches, for example, baptism differently than ours?” Peggy’s response was, “Jesus is my Lord and my Savior who bought my salvation. That puts me on a highway to heaven. Another denomination may also believe as I believe, but teach infant baptism whereas I believe in immersion. That believer is on the same highway but simply in another lane. I am not going to run him off the road. I am thrilled he or she is going to the same place I am!”
Dr. Richard Gentzler, Jr., Director of the Center on Aging and Older Adult Ministries for the General Board of Discipleship of the United Methodist Church, during ILC—Anaheim, said to me privately, “I didn’t know what to expect when I first arrived, or how I would be received, but this has been a wonderful experience.” He subsequently wrote,
I felt a close affinity with you and really enjoyed our time together at the CASA Network Conference. I believe it would be in the best interest of our aging/graying society and our various congregations if we would be in a mutual collaboration of sharing and support. Aging and spiritual wellbeing transcend liberal verses conservative theologies. People age, experience transitions and milestones, and struggle to find meaning and purpose. If given a chance, they could make a tremendous difference in the lives and faith of future generations. But, they need to be encouraged, equipped, and empowered to be the “wise ones” and the Christian sages for our world today. Unfortunately, growing older in the Western Culture does not always avail itself to the positive aspects of aging. And, churches, heavily influenced by our culture, rarely help. Churches, caught up in a “youth-only” mindset, fail to recognize the wealth of wisdom and faith that often abound in older adults. Churches want their money, but not their wisdom. Churches want their bodies to help fill their pews, but not their faith struggles. Churches want their service, but not their needs. Most congregations would not promote racism or sexism; yet, ageist attitudes exist in congregations. And, as Christians, we should all be ashamed. Scripture is clear about the benefits and respect due to our aging ones but our present day thinking and actions are anything but biblical. I am grateful for congregations that seek to help people of all ages grow in Christian faith. And, I am grateful for CASA Network which brings churches and leaders together for the purpose of being intentional in encouraging and supporting one another in this vital ministry. Yes. Let’s continue to join together in friendship both personally and professionally. I would very much like that opportunity.
These reflections are more reasons why The CASA Network is so important to the body of Christ. Ministry in local churches as well as national endeavors in many denominations have been replacing ministry to and from older adults entering the second half of life along with those well into the final turning. It is critical to the wellbeing of each local church and the Kingdom of Christ on earth as a whole to “encourage, equip and empower aging Christ followers to become spiritual sages for the church and our world today.” It is never easy, but things of lasting value seldom are.
Happy New Year!
Ward