In The Name Of Tradition.

I was part of a conversation last night, in which the topic of tradition came up, as it relates to their place and practice within the church. While traditions have their place and relevance, their can be a adverse reaction to them as much as their is an enduring response to them.

Thus, the conversation brought us to a place of understanding that there is a balance to tradition, both how we hold them in respect and reverence as well as the reason and manner in which we keep them in practice.

Understanding the balance is one thing. Keeping the balance is another.

It's impossible to please everyone, especially all at the same time revolving around one particular issue. One needs to go no farther than asking the family where to go to dinner or a group of friends to decide on a movie.

Every church, congregation and community is difference. Their approach to ministry and outreach is different. The people they are trying to reach will always have differing experiences of church, Christianity not to mention the Christians they come in contract with. So, it goes without saying, that this is simply another area in which the pastor must practice patient, purpose and perspective, while not negating the impact and importance that they may hold.

On this #seniorPastorMonday, pray that God would give clarity to pastors regarding the practice and purpose of traditions. Pray that God would help them to keep and serve well those that truly serve a meaningful place and purpose within the church and not hang on to them for the mere sake of tradition that perhaps nobody understands why they exist. May God give them wisdom and the words, to be able to explain when needed, why certain processes and operations within the church happen in the time, place and manner that they do. Pray also, once again for a spirit of unity. May the differences of tradition and the understanding and practice of them, not be a hindrance that keeps people from the presence of God and a meaningful encounter with Him.

For every thing has a time and a place,
A reason and a season for its' existence.
For the glory of God
And the advancement of the cause of Christ.

- PNC