Two More Spotlights

http://www.nuvo.net/nuvo/closings-loom-for-libraries/Content?oid=1354794

Conscientious Objector

I thought I would make this letter public since I do that sort of thing.

- Greg

**************

April 28, 2010

To the Wabash Conference of the Free Methodist Church of North America:

I am here declaring my right to register officially with the Free Methodist Church as a conscientious objector to war in accordance with the Book of Discipline Section A, Paragraph 332.3 (1995 Book of Discipline).

Briefly stated, after several years of intense study on the morality of war, I have concluded that Christ calls his followers to a nonviolent, alternative way of life which upholds the suffering cross as our example rather than military power or national flags. I believe Christians are called to resist evil, but to do so without entering into the very violence that the world condones. Many of Jesus’ teachings seem to me to be quite clear on this point, especially in his famous Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 5-7.

I renounce the desire to control the course of history as misguided and commit myself to fidelity to God’s sovereign purposes even at the cost of my own life. We worship and imitate the Lamb Who Was Slain. On the cross, Christ redefined the meaning of “power” and revealed to us that the ultimate redemption of creation is laid on the foundation of self-giving, suffering love for the sake of the Other rather than upon retaliation.

Violence is cyclical. This has been demonstrated through all of world history and I am convinced that, among his many other missions, Christ came to teach us how to break out of the cycle of violence that has existed since Cain and Abel. Although not a professing Christian, I certainly agree with the insight of Mahatma Ghandi who said, “An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth and the whole world would soon be blind and toothless.” Forgiveness breaks the cycle and puts an end to it. We, as the people of God, must have such a radical trust in the power of God and his resurrection that we would rather die than participate in the violence introduced to the world through sin.

Lastly, I believe that blind patriotism and sworn oaths of loyalty to a nation-state can compromise the Christian position. The agenda of God’s kingdom does not always align itself with the agenda of the United States or any other nation. For this reason, I prefer to swear no loyalty or allegiance to my nation lest it compromise my citizenry in a sacred country – the peaceable kingdom. Hence, I would find it a violation of my moral conscience to enter into the military or even public office for fear that it could divide my loyalty and put me in a position of moral compromise.

Respectfully Submitted,

Gregory R. Coates

The Job of a Pastor

Having been a pastor for almost two years now, I have a newfound respect for those women and men of the cloth. Here is the role of the pastor:

Resident scholar of theology and Bible, orator, self-help guide, counselor, administrator, motivator of unpaid volunteers, prayer warrior, living example of how Christ lived, counselor, close confidante, friend, the one who kisses all babies and asks how everyone's grandmothers are doing requiring a very good memory -- and one who is NEVER allowed to forget a name, one who must smile even when hurting inside, worship leader, Scripture reader, musician and/or connected to musical friends to prod into the position, sometimes janitor, computer tech guru, Mr. Fix-it, work-day organizer, perfect husband and father (no outbursts of anger allowed), one who keeps regular office hours, one who is always interruptable, one who changes the batteries in the wireless microphones, back-up sound booth worker, power-point creator, absorber of insults and anger, peacemaker among those who have no desire for peace, reconciler between enemies, solitary monk and the one who knows everyone, host for new members who eat lunch after church, political activist, community leader, one who serves on multiple conference boards, paper-work filler-outer, contact for insurance companies and phone bill companies and banks and disgruntled neighborhood dwellers, voracious reader of new Christian books, keenly aware of the vast body of classical literature (for sermons), youth worker and mentor, one who takes out the recycling bins, mopper, sweeper, and duster, charismatic leader, one who is funny, one who is serious, visionary, prophet, mild and timid listener, and the list goes on...

I'm not complaining. I love my job. But most people seem to think the pastor works one day each week. Think again.

I found this and it is even better than what I've written:

WANTED: SENIOR PASTOR
Handsome pastor needed to preach 10 minutes each Sunday. You will be
working daily from 8 a.m. until midnight. The perfect candidate will have a
burning desire to work with teenagers, and he will spend most of this time with
the senior citizens. He will smile all the time with a straight face because he has
a sense of humor that keeps him seriously dedicated to his church. He will
condemn sin but never hurt anyone’s feelings. Attendance at all church
meetings is required. The perfect candidate will make at least fifteen home visits
per day and will always be in his office to be available should an emergency
arise. Preference will be given to a young pastor with 15-20 years of experience.
Some light janitorial duties required.

In the news again...

The fight continues. I don't know why they pick me to speak in their clips. I'm so monotone.

Even better...

Even better, my wife's voice has been heard through the letters to the editor in the Sunday edition of the Indianapolis Star. I'm so proud of you, honey!!!

http://www.indystar.com/article/20100418/OPINION01/4180346/1031/Branch-backers-want-doors-open-Don-t-forget-precious-ones

Woohoo! I made my voice heard!