"It Starts in Laodicea"

A little devotion and dates for your review…

 

“Write this letter to the angel of the church in Laodicea. This is the message from the one who is the Amen—the faithful and true witness, the beginning of God’s new creation.”  Revelation 3:14, NLT

 

“It Starts in Laodicea”

 

 The city which held the lukewarm church has become the namesake for mediocrity, and the chastisement for all Christians who have lost their salt and flavor.  I never really noticed it before, but did you catch how Christ introduced Himself?  “This is the message from the one who is the Amen—the faithful and true witness, the beginning of God’s new creation.”  Even in Laodicea, God never gave up hope.  In fact, Laodicea is where new creation starts, in the midst of the mediocrity and milk toast.

 

Where do you start?

 

I confess I always want to start well over the hump, when the hard work has already been accomplished.  Here, God starts right where we would all most want to hurl, even where God is ready to vomit it all out of God’s mouth.

 

Notice how God introduces Christ…as…

 

1.  The Amen—the One who begins by saying “so be it,” the One who has already determined its success, no matter how far off the mark it seems.  God begins with confidence, even in the lukewarm.

2.  The Faithful and True Witness—My perspective is sometimes weak and so is my witness.  Christ’s testimony and perspective are flawless.  Don’t run from Laodicea, start in it.  God has already judged it…judged it worthy of new life.

3.  The Beginning of God’s new creation—here?  Anywhere.  God starts where we would most like to run from, beginning a new genesis of faith, where Adam and Eve want to frolic, and new seasons of life break forth every day.

 

In Laodicea?  Wherever.

 

 

Thriving in Christ with you,

 

Chris

 

 

 

Dates to mark on your calendar and watch the District News for more details…

 

March 21…Introduction to Leadership Formation: Character, Competence, and Connection; Effective Models of Leadership Formation; Urbana UMC, 2:30-5:30pm.  Email kgeiling@ameritech.net for more details.

 

April 20…Dr. Pryor Rescheduled; Living in the Passover Dimension; 1-4pm, Fairview UMC.  No charge.

 

April 24…Leadership and Supervision Training…great for PPRC/SPRCs, especially those welcoming new pastors; Fletcher UMC; 9am-4pm; email kgeiling@ameritech.net for price and details.

 

May 4…Come hang out for a Day-Apart with Chris’ Spiritual Director from the Henri Nouwen Society; Teachings on Contemplative Prayer, a L’Arche View of Life, Community Spiritual Direction, and Preparing for a Gethsemane Retreat.  Watch for details. We’re looking for a cool conference room with a view and walking trails.  Got any ideas central to the district?  Email Chris at checkaman@wocumc.org.

 

May 13… B.S. with the D.S.; 10:00-11:30am at the District Offices UTS Campus; Come and chew the fat on all things leadership and important in growing your churches; discuss topics that could be covered in the future (leadership reorganization, stratehic planning, interventions, appointment making, whatever you like); coaching by area mentors, etc; call or email to reserve a spot.