a new type of "concerned" Nazarene

I have recently seen many people using the word "concerned" across social media in speaking of the Church of the Nazarene. This, no doubt, has different connotation than the group known as "concerned Nazarenes" (not to be dealt with here).

 This "concern" is a response to a number of situations across the denomination, including NPH, MNU, and most recently, NNU. I have recently read many posts, comments, discussions, blogs, and open letters. One of my favorites regarding this "concern" can be found HERE, unless you already read it from the link on my Facebook.

What I like about this open letter is not that I necessarily agree with everything, but that, for the most part, he is not accusatory or pointing fingers.  There are no personal attacks.  He comes across stronger than I would, but there is a good point being made.

Admitting that we don't have all of the information, and people are for the most part ignorant of what really happened, a message is being heard.  It would be good to see some transparency.

Whether these people are actually being silenced or not doesn't matter to most, because the perception is that they are indeed being cut off. Whether or not the message is being sent, the message is being heard, "there is not much room in the Church of the Nazarene."


Regarding this situation, I have a few thoughts and questions.
1. Is this really as big of a deal as it seems right now? Or will it all blow over in a matter of time?  Are some people just jumping on the bandwagon because they like to "stick it to the institution?"

2. Is it possible that the lack of explanation from these institutions is actually a move of grace?  Could there be more to these stories than we know, and grace is actually being shown by not sharing the details?

3. Where are we headed as a denomination? Is the "big tent" that was present in our early years still present today -  Unity in essentials, in all else, harmony...?

4. I am, and will remain, faithful to the Church of the Nazarene.  That does not mean I will not ask the tough questions.  But I will not make unfounded criticisms or accusations.  There are definitely questions that need to be answered in the near future. There is definitely a need to strengthen our identity as the Church of the Nazarene.  I am not saying we have lost our way, just that there are many Nazarenes who don't know who we are anymore.

Something stirring...

Something has been stirring inside of me for the past few weeks.  I'm not sure what it is. I can best express it as a series of questions, and I'm not sure about the answers... all I know is that I feel compelled to write, to share my thoughts and opinions, contribute to some of the conversations going on in this world. Just by admitting this, I already begin to answer some of these questions.

Why do I never share my thoughts on issues? Political, social, current events, or anything?  Why do I share articles on FB and rarely comment on any or give a caption to the ones that I share?  

Am I afraid to put my thoughts out there? Am I afraid of what people might think? Am I afraid of offending? Of putting off? Of being pigeon-holed or stereo-typed? Afraid of criticism? 

Or am I just afraid that I'll turn out ignorant in conversation? Have nothing worth saying?

Is my desire to share my thoughts motivated by self-promotion? Arrogance?

I am reminded of two scriptures:

Luke 6:26 - Woe to you when all men speak well of you...

And Matthew 5:11-12 Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

But that doesn't mean I put stuff out there just to be criticized (duh).  And I need to always ask myself questions about what motivates me - a need to be heard? arrogance? self-promotion? OR to be the "light of the world" and "salt of the earth" (Mt 5:13-16), to proclaim truth and justice, and just being obedient to the Spirit.

So I think, in this moment, I am making 2 resolutions:

1. Quit living in ignorance and become aware of what is going on in the world, country, and community.  Become knowledgeable.  Learn both sides of issues.

2. Don't be afraid to use that knowledge and insight in conversation.  Listen to the Spirit in seeking ways to get involved in constructive dialogue.  If I believe that there is truth to be told, don't be afraid to tell it, always in love.