As the "peer minister" (read president) of the Canterbury (episcopal) group at my university, I am facing the issue of appeasing the diocese and the students. The university is set in a fairly liberal diocese, and it is expected that I accept what the diocese teaches. I however take issue to some of the doctrine the diocese teaches and would rather maintain the orthodox doctrine that I was brought up with in my home diocese. Nevertheless, I feel compelled to accept/not speak against what the diocese mandates because I am employed and paid by the diocese.
The real issue comes when students at the university will not take part in the campus ministry because I will not open state what I believe (because I do not feel as if that is my place). How do I draw the line between the two? Do I completely through out the diocese's doctrine and say this is what I believe is truth? Do I tell those who have openly said that because I do not declare their version of orthodox doctrine to get over themselves?
More to come later, but I was just looking for feed back/personal experiences that could help the ministry further the kingdom of God.
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fatherlee (2 years ago)
I could say this in a much rougher way, but why don't you just quit?
You're obviously not courageous enough to say what you believe, so why are you wasting your time and theirs? If you were to speak openly as to your beliefs and the diocese can't take it - that's their problem, not yours. But, it is my experience that young people will respect you more, even if they disagree with you, if you simply say what you believe and let them take it or leave it.
This time in the life of the Church is a time in which faithful Christians simply have to be hardcore, and to but it succinctly, a little brash. My suggestion to you is that you either stick your neck out for the Gospel, or quit and figure out what you really believe. Sorry to be so harsh, but you have got to figure this out, or you're going to be an absolute failure in ministry.
Morosus Rex (2 years ago)
Rereading my initial post, I realize that I poorly phrased my question. I said that I could not openly declare what I believe, which is not true. Everyone in the group knows what I believe--but I cannot "teach" it as doctrine. Where is the line drawn between open dialogue between different understandings of Scripture and interpretation of those Scriptures and tradition? And how firm should I be? This is supposed to be an inclusive campus ministry where people from different dioceses are coming together to worship God--just with different understandings. Should I kick somebody to the curb because of unorthodox believe or keep the current practice? To expand on this, what is the greater good: including everyone (even though they may not be on the same page) in the established Christian community or censor those who oppose the orthodoxy?
fatherlee (2 years ago)
That makes more sense.
I think you can teach it as doctrine, without excluding anyone. If they can't take the teaching, and they decide they can't stay - then that's their decision. Just never give them any reason to think that you don't love them.
fatherlee (2 years ago)
One example you could use is to ask the question: "Does God love you?"
The answer is going to be yes.
Well, then, would God be loving you if He didn't tell you the truth?
They might say - "what is truth exactly?" But, they cannot deny that God would not be a very good God if He were to withhold the truth.
In the same way, you're not kicking anyone to the curb by teaching the Scriptures, and saying that you believe them. Like I said, if they can't take it, that's their choice, but I think you need to firmly establish your love for all of them, and love them by teaching them the truth.
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