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| Norma Boeckler gallery - as imagined by a non-artist. |
I was talking with a friend about the collapse of congregations, which are greater than anyone imagines. The first ones to go are the glory churches headed by by vain-glory ministers always selling their product, not the Gospel.
I once looked up the early Hour of Power (which countered the Hour of Glower). The almost famous man looked and sounded fairly normal at first. His extreme gestures grew until it was it was more of a clown act, or maybe a sandcastle near the seashore, aching to dissolve. And it did.
Few seem shocked today that the Hour of Power eventually became the Roman Catholic Diocese of Orange.
The glory pastors - now retired - are too many to count, but a surprising are still rising up to make themselves known again. The real issues are more like this:
1. Denominations and synods are doubly harmful in making sure sonny boy will be at the top - or equally - someone who will be driven away for being too serious, too sober, too academic. Keep track of the genetics, in-laws, and cousins. The smaller groups memorize it all and repeat solemnly.
2. Didja ever wonder how many dullards leapt to the top, landed in a choice spot, and floundered?
3. Only the efficacy of the Word and the Means of Grace will make a difference, no matter how glorious the outward appearances look
a. Efficacy means we always treat the effective Word of God as active through the work of the Holy Spirit. For example, when we ask for help, pardon, and relief in our prayers, they are always both asking from God and listening to God's Word.
b. Efficacy in the Means of Grace can only prove that the visible and invisible ways in which faith receive grace.
I go through folders of files and find beautiful photos and illustrations. They remind us of the grace that comes to us and others through faith in Jesus Christ the Good Shepherd.
