ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS
August 22, 2026
Tomorrow afternoon, I have the honor of preaching at the Recognition of Ordination Service for the Rev. Shannon Little. Shannon came to the Disciples from another tradition, but he has been serving University Christian Church here in Houston for a number of years. He started the process through the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) to have his ordination recognized by the Disciples, and after some additional classes, writing a few papers, and an interview with the Regional Ordination Committee, Shannon was officially given standing in the Disciples. The final interview was over Zoom, and because it is to be at a neutral church, we had the honor of hosting Shannon and our Regional Staff person for that interview. This Sunday at 3pm is the service of celebration, and again, I am honored that Shannon asked me to preach. Of course, the last few weeks, my mind has been on getting two different sermons together for tomorrow.
It is important to know that in our tradition, we believe that all are called to ministry. At the same time, there is a belief that some are called to the specific task of ordained ministry. Not only does this usually require a graduate degree in theology and Biblical studies (called a Master of Divinity), but through ordination, the church uplifts the specific call from God to lead the church or step into specific ministry work, such as chaplaincy. The downfall is that some people in the church begin to look at opportunities of service, yet think to themselves, “I can’t do that. It needs to be done by the professionals.” Those of us who attended seminary and received a Master of Divinity degree often joke that we mastered very little. A true, “Jack of all trades, master of none.” Yet as I often say, I might have the best job in the world… in part, because it’s not just a job.
Holy God, I give thanks for the way you call all of us to the work of ministry, including the ministries of reconciliation, healing, and hope. May we never think of our gifts and calling as less important than any other gift or calling. We truly are the Body of Christ, and every part of this Body is essential. Amen.
