Davison's Doodle

Appreciated Reverence

During October many Christians pause to offer words of thanks and appreciation for their minister(s). You may not know it, but this is a fraught-filled and fruit-full time to be serving in ministry. As I age and mature a bit, my reverence has appreciated for those I hold in esteem. No list of persons, significant relationships, or conversations is ever complete. The persons in this post have contributed to my journey in faith and continued service in Ordained Christian Ministry. Given that the Internet has become a tool for identity theft and can be a weapon, I won’t use full names here.

In active ministry or retired states, many serve Christendom or the rainbow of God in the 21st century. Some suffer what I call, “true believer syndrome” which helps balance my cynicism. These ministers of the gospel are both friends and colleagues helping me evolve. Their commitment, wisdom, example, and tolerance keep me challenged and grounded. Hat tip: BSD, Randy K, Nancy P, Jerry J, Charlotte N, Mike G, Terry E, Susan D, Alan H, Rick L, and Pam H.

Being the spouse of a minister isn’t easy. I do my best each day as does my companion, Rev. Dr. Lisa D, as we have navigated our vocational calls to serve. Being a clergy couple isn’t easy. She helps me be a better person, and minister every day.

I’ve never been one to maintain an institution for the sake of its existence, but there are ideals, processes, and character traits of institutions that require maintenance and upgrades to remain relevant in society. These persons helped, or help me, think deeply about the Church (universal) and church (denominational/local) as I represent the institution and represent God in middle judicatory ministry, gate keeping, intentional Christian community, and programmatic Christian education. Hat tip: Tommy P, Bob, S, John C, Don P, Guy W, Jan E, Lon O, Ike N, Jim B, Julie R, Adam F, Steve M, Lara B-P, Shannon C, Tara D, Eula H, Lee Y, Tom S, Olivia B-U, Leslie D, Colton L and Gene S.

Lessons from seminary have stayed with me. I am forever grateful for Dr. Rowell’s directness following a theory in Christian ed class, “Mr. Davison, one day I’m going to kick the cynicism out of your ass.” Dr. Cravens, comparing my theological commitments to pocket change, noting in front of my peers during mid-program review, that there would be times I would have to be willing to leave my last quarter on the table on behalf of the Church. “You’ll have to choose what’s most important Michael.” And Dean Suggs, whose voice could call down the power of God, asked me during the Dean’s course, “Mr. Davison, the gospel is one generation away from extinction. What are you prepared to do about it?”

Some of the esteemed have “claimed the fruits of their baptism,” as Michael M, a mentor and colleague, would say. In Memoriam: Ambrose E, Ken L, Margaret H, Will V, Mary Beth G, Steven J-B, Joey J, Dr. Baird, Dr. Suggs, and Fred Craddock. I should say that I didn’t know Rev. Dr. Craddock well. He couldn’t remember my name when we would meet at events, but when I would remind him of my name he would respond, “Oh yes, you work with the young people. It’s very important. Thank you for doing that.”

I pass on to you what was given me. Ministers serve as preacher, teacher, prophet, and priest (pastor). If you are serving the good news of God through the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in ministry, ordained or commissioned, you have my admiration, respect, and gratitude. For my colleagues and peers beyond my little frontier movement, you as well have my admiration, respect, and gratitude.