November 18, 2014: Summoning the Saints
Author:
November 18, 2014
‘Leaving her water jar, the woman went back to town and said to the people, “Come see a man who told me everything I ever did…”’
A young Christian and university student, I was also fresh out of the ‘gay’ scene and grateful to Jesus and His friends for giving me an alternative. My pastors knew many young people like me. ‘Please help others,’ they implored Annette and me, while mentoring us in how to best share our stories and gather seekers for mutual support. My pastors took a risk by releasing us to serve the church. We in turn had to leave our ‘water jars’ and give ourselves away so that others might discover the riches of Jesus in His body.
That was the DNA of my young church: rousing one another to build the Bride. And who better to do so than young ones so grateful to Jesus that they want to offer themselves to His members? He honors these efforts; Jesus certainly magnified our little offering! As men and women received healing in our small groups, we invested in them and they became healers in their own right. God increased their healing as they offered themselves to others.
Because we did everything as a group, no one person had to bear the weight of another’s brokenness. Jesus did, through His Spirit, by releasing a variety of gifts. As wounded healer, we actually created a healing community; we encouraged one another through ongoing training and cyclical opportunities to lead healing groups together. In so doing, we increased our involvement in the life of the greater church. We fulfilled an aspect of St. Paul’s exhortation ‘to prepare God’s people for works of service so that the body of Christ may be built up…’ (Eph. 4:12)
We continue to train lay persons to run these groups. ‘Living Waters’ now flow throughout the world, in nearly every denomination. The local churches need such service for her sexually broken. And just as much, persons whose shame has been turned to glory need the dignity of becoming useful in the restoration of other lives. Without Jesus and His friends, these wounded healers would have been left eternally homeless. Now they help create a home for others in Christ’s body.
My new church home, the Roman Catholic Church, is a deep well of wisdom, authority and abiding love. She is also seriously challenged in releasing the saints to do the work of the ministry. Her strength–providing continuity of leadership—is also her weakness. It tends to create ‘religious professionals’ to which the laity remains childishly deferential. In order to meet the needs of broken people over the long haul, we need bishops and pastors who are open to new models of pastoral care and equipping/overseeing the saints to do such care. May she forsake a restraining (not dead) formalism in order to liberate her wounded healers.
‘It is through you, the laity, that the Church’s mission is fulfilled by the power of the Holy Spirit.’ St. John Paul ll
Please join us as we pray for:
1.
North & South Carolina, Dean Greer – Coordinator: For new regional leadership to be identified and raised-up, for existing groups and to see new groups established.
2.
Aguas Vivas: Evanston, Illinois, Kerrie – Spanish Coordinator: Grace, protection and anointing as Kerri attends the CrossCurrent group at the Vineyard and runs a small group for Spanish speakers.
3.
Restored Hope Network: CCR, Michael Newman, Houston, TX: Culture clashes and more connection with other ministries. Shadow of His Wings Ministry, Lee Preston, Garden Ridge, TX: Discernment for he and his wife to determine God’s path.
“Courage for Reverend Justin Welby (Archbishop of Canterbury), that he would ensure that the Church becomes a clear fountain of transformation for persons with same-sex attraction!”
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD BLOGS & PRAYER POINTS FOR NOV. 16, 17, 18, 19
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