"Wind of the spirit" Questions
Pentecost Sunday is May 31. Acts 2 gives the account of the Holy Spirit coming with power that Pentecost day upon the gathered disciples following Jesus’ ascension to heaven. Nothing would be the same following that dramatic event. The once timid disciples were emboldened to fearlessly share a message that would ultimately change the world.
We are obviously living in a time of great change right now as the COVID-19 pandemic creates a watershed moment in history (at least in our history). We have already figured out that things won’t simply “return to normal”. There will eventually be a “new normal”, but no one knows when or how that will happen.
In a recent mailing to the churches in Shenandoah District, John Jantzi, District Executive Minister, shared some insights and questions for us to ponder. He writes:
As we approach Pentecost, the theme “Wind of the Spirit” is much on my mind. It is becoming apparent that this will not be a simple adjustment and then everything returning to normal. I believe the COVID-19 crisis is necessitating a fundamental reset that needs to be discerned and listened to carefully. The following are some “Wind of the Spirit” questions that I ponder.
1. What does this say about the structure of our life together? How will this look, and what are we learning?
2. What is the spiritual reshaping that God is doing, and how are we listening to the voice that calls us to the remaking of our inner life?
3. What is this revealing about the nature and character of our American way of life? How are Christians called to relate to what is being revealed?
4. What are we learning about how we treat each other and the value of relationships?
5. One of the unexpected happenings that congregations have reported is the re-engagement of people who had lost interest in church life. What are we learning from this, and how do we keep engaging these folks?
6. There are many pastors and congregational leaders who have become conversant, through necessity, with social media platforms and technology. What role will this continue to play?
7. What are we learning about the kind of leadership that is necessary to guide us into the future? What kinds of character traits are essential?
8. How do we “do church” when the economic landscape is changing? The gap between the “haves” and the “have nots” is widening. The middle class is under duress.
9. What other questions are on your mind and in your heart in this not-normal time?
Pastor Wayne
We are obviously living in a time of great change right now as the COVID-19 pandemic creates a watershed moment in history (at least in our history). We have already figured out that things won’t simply “return to normal”. There will eventually be a “new normal”, but no one knows when or how that will happen.
In a recent mailing to the churches in Shenandoah District, John Jantzi, District Executive Minister, shared some insights and questions for us to ponder. He writes:
As we approach Pentecost, the theme “Wind of the Spirit” is much on my mind. It is becoming apparent that this will not be a simple adjustment and then everything returning to normal. I believe the COVID-19 crisis is necessitating a fundamental reset that needs to be discerned and listened to carefully. The following are some “Wind of the Spirit” questions that I ponder.
1. What does this say about the structure of our life together? How will this look, and what are we learning?
2. What is the spiritual reshaping that God is doing, and how are we listening to the voice that calls us to the remaking of our inner life?
3. What is this revealing about the nature and character of our American way of life? How are Christians called to relate to what is being revealed?
4. What are we learning about how we treat each other and the value of relationships?
5. One of the unexpected happenings that congregations have reported is the re-engagement of people who had lost interest in church life. What are we learning from this, and how do we keep engaging these folks?
6. There are many pastors and congregational leaders who have become conversant, through necessity, with social media platforms and technology. What role will this continue to play?
7. What are we learning about the kind of leadership that is necessary to guide us into the future? What kinds of character traits are essential?
8. How do we “do church” when the economic landscape is changing? The gap between the “haves” and the “have nots” is widening. The middle class is under duress.
9. What other questions are on your mind and in your heart in this not-normal time?
Pastor Wayne