ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHING
December 16, 2021
It was really nice to have some representatives of Brite Divinity School (the Graduate Seminary at Texas Christian University) at Cypress Creek Christian Church last Friday. They were here for Martha Bissex’s Memorial Service. Dr. Newell Williams, President at Brite Divinity School, offered the closing remarks and the Benediction. Martha and Earl created a scholarship fund at Brite, a way of supporting future ministers. In talking with Dr. Williams and the other staff, I was so impressed to hear all they are doing to train another generation of clergy. The Brite students I have met over the last four or five years have been exceptional – smart, talented, wise. Our denomination’s other seminaries are also producing topnotch folks. They include: Christian Theological Seminary, Lexington Theological Seminary and Phillips Theological Seminary. I raise this today as I think about the world these students are entering. Throughout its history, the church has always been facing some significant challenge, but the church in the United States is watching a dramatic shift in the culture and how a majority of Americans view the church. Generally, it is not good. The pandemic and political conflicts have only intensified the culture’s suspicion or outright disdain for the church. There are many self-inflicted problems that we must own. But as I think about these students, I have hope. Their studies are not simply preparing them to be ministers in one moment of time, but to think critically about where the culture is going and how the church might remain relevant without compromising the most basic premise of the faith: The limitless love of God. Being church in the coming years is going to be beyond challenging, but faithful Seminaries are cranking out clergy who can run circles around me in regard to theology and faithfulness. We’re going to be ok. And by the way, Rev. Mariah Newell and Rev. Tamika Nelson, are but two of those incredibly talented ministers coming out of seminary.
Though the mountain is steep, O Lord, you are walking with us; encouraging us; keeping our focus on what is truly important. Thanks! Otherwise, the church would be in trouble. Amen.
