I have a manuscript that I started when my unexpected journey began. I have no idea if it will ever find its way to a bookstore near you, (I would like to think it will) but I find it interesting how my views have changed over these many years. In the beginning, I would have argued that I had a close personal relationship with God—and to a degree, I would have been correct. Being confronted with “being” the church, as opposed to “going” to church, is where my journey began. The concept of being, as opposed to going, became the unexpected journey that initially led me to (what some have called) simple church.
I suppose the journey could have ended there, but as with the Apostle Peter, I kept saying yes when presented with the option of “being” instead of “going.” This is what led me to the path of a close personal relationship. Once I said yes to that path, I discovered such a relationship can be had with God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. I do not suppose this makes complete sense because, without the “follow me” offer, you would have no clue that something else might be available.
At the time my unexpected journey began, I was faced with a desperate decision. I had no clue what a setup (from the Lord) I stepped into. If not mistaken, the back-story can be found in the article, “This story must be told.” The decision was made based on finances—or the lack thereof, and it seemed the most prudent decision to make. Sometimes, following Jesus is as simple (or difficult) as making a decision to go this way or that.
Allow me to explain. The finances were so low that to continue meeting in the building would have placed the congregation in the red. Therefore, the decision was made to move all operations out of the building into our home—which happened to be the parsonage. This decision was based solely on the lack of finances; the move would reduce costs and bring us within budget. In other words, it was simply a good business decision rather than a “follow me” one.
This is important to understand, I was following Jesus—or so I thought. At the time, I was wrapped up in religion. As a pastor, I was doing what needed to be done in order to save the church. I had no idea that it was a doorway that would lead to a path, which would lead to an unexpected journey to follow Jesus.
Once the decision was made, things began to happen within our little group; we began growing closer to each other. This closeness led to other people joining us. In my mind, I thought this was the beginning of returning to our former state as a church. The fact is, it could have been, except for the prompting of the Lord (God the Holy Spirit) to go another way.
At that moment, another decision needed to be made; I chose to follow Jesus. Our small group made the same decision, and together we began a journey that has taken us in many different directions. Some of those people eventually returned to the traditional church, while others have not. Everyone is still following Jesus, although not everyone is on the same path.
In an earlier post, I mentioned Jesus talking to Peter about his path with Jesus. As soon as he concluded with Peter—perhaps being somewhat defensive—he asked Jesus about another disciple who was nearby. The answer Jesus gave Peter is huge because it reveals a path different from Peters. Jesus responded by saying that it was not of Peter’s concern where that disciple went, he (Peter) must focus on the path given him.
I mentioned earlier how my views have changed through these years of my journey. At first, I thought I needed to completely rewrite the manuscript to reflect those views. I have since come to understand that my journey might be the discovery—perhaps even rediscovery—that someone else might need in order to begin his or her own journey.
In that case, the manuscript must remain as it is.
Whether your journey begins because, like Peter, Jesus has spoken to you too, “follow me,” or you simply need to make a decision, as in my case, a decision must be made. Perhaps this will assist you along the way.