ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS
September 21, 2022
A few days ago, I received word that a professor and mentor, who later became a good friend, had died. Dr. Joe Jones was an extraordinary theologian who trained so many ministers with a clear understanding of why a good systematic (another way of saying consistent) theology is important. Though as a student, I did not fully appreciate the implications, it became very evident early in ministry how the words I preach on Sunday morning must be consistent with what I say at the bedside of an individual who is dying; what I say to the person who is mad at me because I wrote something that sounded too political; what I say to the victim of domestic violence; what I say when people ask why bad things happen to good people; what I say during a time of national crisis. This doesn’t mean clergy have all the answers or they must reject the notion of mystery, but as a minister, I do not want to imply something in one situation and then find myself recanting what I said because it no longer makes sense. I was not the best theological student, but what Joe instilled within me continues to shape how I think about every aspect of ministry. Today, I pray for Joe’s three daughters and their families, along with Joe’s larger family of students who he loved. He helped to create a generation of ministers who can speak about the Gospel in ways that are healing, life-giving and transformative. Thanks, Joe!
For the many saints who have shaped the task of ministry, I give you thanks, O Lord. Make sure we never become lackadaisical about the profound implications of the Good News you shared in Jesus. Amen.
