Retreats are things that religious people -
especially ministers - do sometimes. I went on a retreat last week. I wrote
about the food, which was fun, but what has really been on my mind are the
people I met, the conversations we had, and what happened to me in Georgia.
Everyone at the retreat was a Disciples of
Christ minister in Georgia. Except me, of course. I'm a Texan and still proud of
that. I'm a Baptist and not so proud of that, but okay with it.
I was the leader guy of the retreat, but you
have to think about that concept loosely. These are people who lead retreats and
preach and walk with people on their spiritual journeys all the time. You don't
need to talk to people like this. You should get the conversation started and
then join in. That's what I did, and it made it seem like I wasn't leading
anything or anyone.
There is a certain collegiality among ministers
when we get together, in part because we can have a hard time being ourselves at
church. We have a tendency to become icons and symbols of the community. Many
churches want an icon and many ministers get lost in that role. How you live in
the role of preacher/pastor is an esoteric journey itself. There aren't many
how-to manuals. You have learn things the hard way. When we get together, it's
very relaxing. Suddenly the shepherds are all together in a flock, watching out
for each other.
I became aware that something was happening
inside me on the first night. I was experiencing a rush of joy and a slow creep
of sadness. After the shattering events of the takeover of the Southern Baptist
Convention by Falwellesque fundamentalists, many fringe Baptists like myself
have felt rather alone. I'm aware of some ministers who are kindred spirits here
in Texas, but we aren't organized well enough to get together regularly.
Disciples of Christ ministers come in many
varieties, of course, but I find that as a whole they are more theologically
open than Baptists. In truth, I fit better with these guys. However, I love the
church I serve. I don't know if there are other Baptist churches that would have
me, but I'm not looking to go anywhere, so that's not an issue at this time.
So what happened to me on the retreat? I think
I could say it this way: I did not feel alone. I felt, instead, surrounded by
ministers who are on the same journey. And even now that I'm home in Texas, I
still don't feel alone. It helps just knowing that these people are out there.
To my new friends in Georgia: Thank you for
making me welcome. It was so good to be with you.
This is a very
cool bunch of ministers. Relaxed, open-minded, in love
with the journey, able to walk with you and not try to drag you along.
So many people have sent me emails telling me how badly they wish
they could find an authentic minister and a church that will bless their
journey and not shout them down. Take a look. Here they are.
If ONLY I could find a way to hook you up with them.
rlp
