This week we consider a fundamental part of it faith: sharing that faith with other people! In a world that is increasingly indifferent or even hostile to organized religions (for many good reasons), how can we witness to the lifegiving power of a relationship with Jesus and a community that is learning and growing together? Our tradition is wary of heavy-handed evangelism, and yet we still are called to share this faith! But how? What will make it make sense to those around us? Do we expect them to come to us, or are we willing to meet others where they are (the way that Jesus did)?
This is especially appropriate as a topic on our annual ordination Sunday where incoming Elders and Deacons are ordained and installed into ministry and leadership. The Presbyterian Church USA ordains these lay leaders with the same questions and liturgy that they use to ordain clergy. No calling is superior to another. We all have gifts and we all have a ministry. We are Christ’s hands and feet on earth, and who might know Christ better because of who we are and the stories God gave us?