This is another Hagler celebrating his own victory, but you get the idea.
Last Saturday I was examined by Muskingum Valley Presbytery and they voted unanimously for me to be ordained a Minister of Word and Sacrament. The ordination service is on April 11th and both Friars and the Fool will of course be involved, as will be a number of other people.
Not only was the vote unanimous, apparently, but there were a number of people who were really happy with me. I did not expect that at all. Being that I perceive myself as living in an outpost at the edge of Presbyterianism, I was not expecting a warm welcome, but I got one. I'll be curious to see, from the inside, how far beyond the pale I really am, or whether the Internet just attracts crazies who like to post on blogs. ::wink wink::
Now, of course, some people were not happy with some of my answers during the examination. But I find that what I really want to do is to go talk to them at the next meeting, or between meetings, and get to know them, and find out more about what was behind their questions.
I didn't realize how much this whole process was weighing on me until that last vote. My spouse even cried tears of relief.
For future reference, I look forward, very much, to having all of these engaging, knock-down-drag-out arguments about theology with my colleagues. Particularly in MVP, which I am finding to be a really superb Presbytery. I never thought I'd look forward to the next Presbytery meeting, but I actually am.
Anybody else seen these flying pigs?
7 comments:
Congratulations! Seriously, it's great to reach a goal. I don't think that you had anything to worry about. I think that your views as expressed in your blog are in perfect sync with the current majority of the institutional leadership. I have no idea what you mean by being at the edge of modern Presbyterianism - is that possible?;)
Heh. Ask Jim Berkeley or Violar Larson or Chris Larimer how close I am to the center of Presbyterianism. :)
For example, I think I am way outside the center in that I support both LGBT ordination and departing congregations keeping their property as long as they own it outright.
Congratulations!
Wow! Did the subject of church property come up? That is a huge stumbling block for me in support of the PCUSA.
Grats man. You worried overmuch. I'm glad it ended up in a positive way - I find myself similarly surprised to enjoy Presbytery Meetings... as far as that goes.
As to what is or isn't fringe in presbyterianism nowadays its somewhat hard to figure. I'm with you on the two issues you mentioned. I also believe we should have Communion every Sunday and I lean in the direction of Believer's Baptism, but nobody argues about sacraments much. I guess they are way less central than property in our denomination.
Worry...overmuch? I don't understand the term. The world is a hostile place and one can only move through it with constant vigilance.
Property did not come up, but it is one of many things that could have come up on which I disagree with a majority of Presbyterians (as far as I can tell).
Doug, congratulations! I'm so happy for you.
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