Pastor Alison Additions:
On a plaque in the Wesley Chapel on City Road in London, the following words describe the ministry of John Wesley in 18th Century England: “Regardless of fatigue, personal danger, and disgrace, he went out into the highways and hedges calling sinners to repentance.” Such a portrayal of Wesley inevitably leads to comparisons to Paul. We have been studying the life and letters of Paul in our Disciple class at SPUMC and are amazed by Paul’s passion, persistence, and courage in spreading the Gospel to Gentile communities in the first century CE.
While traveling throughout the Roman Empire and Asia Minor, Paul typically started preaching in the temples and synagogues and ended up proclaiming the Gospel on the streets. Under his direction the Gospel spread widely. Paul was not afraid to challenge the philosophers in the Areopagus of Athens, or boldly proclaim his faith before a Roman Governor or king, “Whether short or long, I would to God that not only you but also all who hear me this day might become such as I am-except for these chains.” (Acts 26:29closeActs 26:29 29 And Paul said, “Whether short or long, I would to God that not only you but also all who hear me this day might become such as I am—except for these chains.” (ESV) closeActs 26:29closeActs 26:29 29 And Paul said, “Whether short or long, I would to God that not only you but also all who hear me this day might become such as I am—except for these chains.” (ESV) 29 And Paul said, “Whether short or long, I would to God that not only you but also all who hear me this day might become such as I am—except for these chains.” (ESV) )
Paul was first and foremost a pastor. He travelled from house to house with companions and worked for his keep. While seeking out the hospitality of those in foreign places, he immersed himself in their culture. In essence, he was not afraid to step out of his comfort zone, to understand other ways of being, thinking, and doing.
John Wesley and Paul were preachers, pastors, and missionaries. However, it was their mission work that changed so many lives. They went out of their way, beyond the “highways and the hedges,” to connect to those around them. As we anticipate a change in our mission by hiring a part-time Family Ministries Director, it is my hope to be faithful to the roots of the SPUMC community. Sierra Pines started as a mission church – first in the living room of a private home, then a building on Streeter Road, and now a church on W. Hacienda. It is this mission spirit that resulted in growth.
In the days and months ahead, may we be inspired to find meaning in our lives by allowing ourselves to venture beyond the walls of our church. When we allow ourselves to be channels of God’s loving kindness in the world we become a community without borders, a community that reaches out to all its neighbors with care as well as good will. When we are at home in the presence of God wherever we happen to be – Holiday Market, Generations Health Club, the Lake of the Pines Club House, or the Starbucks on Combie Rd. – we may discover that discipleship isn’t limited to a one-hour experience on Sunday morning. Strangely and otherwise, discipleship happens everywhere.
Blessings,
Alison
