Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not regard equality with God as something to be exploited, but emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, being born in human likeness. And being found in human form, he humbled himself and became obedient to the point of death—even death on a cross.
– Philippians 2:5-8
These words from Philippians will be heard in worship in our Epistle reading later this month, on Sept. 27. At the same time, it is an appropriate passage to be meditating on already now. As any new ministry begins, it is important to reflect on what it means to have the same mind that was in Christ Jesus. What does it look like to enter into a ministry with humility and as a servant? What does it mean to enter into a ministry out of closeness to God and with authentic compassion for others and their needs?
As I begin my ministry with you at St. Matthew, these thoughts are on my mind: What will it look like to minister among, with, and towards you, the people of St. Matthew, in such a unique time? How do I prepare myself to be full of authentic compassion even as I work to get to know you? I look forward to these things, and at the same time pray fervently for the guidance of the Holy Spirit to lead us.
At the same time, I am not the only one entering into a new ministry in these days. On one level, all of us are called in this time to think again through the ways that we serve others. Are our ways of service activated by our closeness with God and engaged in authentic compassion for others? What does that look like in a world disrupted by distance? What was once sure might not be so now, and so I urge everyone to consider anew what humble service might look like for you. What new thing might God be doing in your life now?
As we come to the end of September, it will also be time for a Congregational Meeting that includes election of council members. This, too, is a time of new ministry. Here, again, we can look to the guidance of the Holy Spirit and pray that a sense of call be ignited in the hearts of those who may be called to serve God and the church through the leadership ministry of the Congregational Council. I pray that the whole Council may see their work in the light of the saving grace of our Lord Jesus.
As we move forward into new times, may each of us feel the nearness of God in Christ anew each day, and may that presence of Christ move all of us forward to serve our neighbors with deep love and compassion.
—Pastor Eric pastor@stmatthew-lutheran.org