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March 23,
2007
I’m at Mt. Aetna Retreat with 22 other pastors immersed in the
first class of a Doctor of Ministry program with Andrews University.
The denomination’s world headquarters are not far from here. Neither
is the Review and Herald publishing house or our nation’s capitol.
This afternoon some of us will drive about 20 minutes to Antietam –
a Civil War battle site where over 23,000 soldiers lost their lives
in just three days of fighting.
We’ve been considering the nature of servant leadership. One presentation
dealt with Jesus’ model as foretold in Isaiah chapters 49, 50,
52, & 53. What an inspiration. To spend time in reflective conversation
on the role Jesus took on himself. But even more astounding is the congruency
between role and identity. Jesus was who he was because that’s
who he was.
One of the things I appreciate most about the class so far is the emphasis
– repeated over and over – that this program is not about
skill mastery, although skills are specifically worked on, but this
program is about transformation.
Being new is a scary thought. What will it look and feel like at the
end? What will it take to produce change? But being new is also a freeing
thought. Possibilities, open doors and opportunity.
I covet your prayers. This adventure will demand much focus, reflection
and attention. It will be work. But I only do this because of the conviction
it will enhance my ministry and my church.
This passage really humbles me. Am I willing to really follow this kind
of leader?
“But the LORD was pleased To crush Him, putting Him to grief;
If He would render Himself as a guilt offering, He will see His offspring,
He will prolong His days, And the good pleasure of the LORD will prosper
in His hand. As a result of the anguish of His soul, He will see it
and be satisfied; By His knowledge the Righteous One, My Servant, will
justify the many, As He will bear their iniquities. Therefore, I will
allot Him a portion with the great, And He will divide the booty with
the strong; Because He poured out Himself to death, And was numbered
with the transgressors; Yet He Himself bore the sin of many, And interceded
for the transgressors.” Isaiah 53:10-12
Rejoicing in hope,
Pastor Steve
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