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wings
Turn the world upside down
Bishop Swanson presided at his first Holston Annual Conference June 12-15 in Lake Junaluska, N.C. The following letter was published in the daily on-site edition of The Call on the final day of the meeting.
Dear People of Holston:
I greet you in the blessed name of the Lord Jesus Christ. As we prepare to leave the cozy and beautiful surroundings of Lake Junaluska, I am reminded of the words of Jesus, "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you." The clergy fulfill this commandment as they receive appointments to an area of service and commit themselves to "...equip the saints for the work of ministry."
I realize that in the strictest sense I don't truly assign the laity, but I do believe that your assignment was set for you during your baptism. I wonder if you remember this question: "According to the grace given to you, will you remain faithful members of Christ's holy church and serve as Christ's representatives in the world?" Your answer was, "I will." So we are sent out - clergy and laity - as partners in ministry to represent Christ to the world.
As you go from here, take up the mantle of telling others about this Christ that has sent you out. Do your best to help others back home - in your church, community and everywhere you have influence - to see a glimpse of God's preferred future for them. This is a vision of a life lived in communion with God through Jesus Christ and in community with others.
I realize that this will not be easy. Jesus did not believe it was easy. He said, "See, I am sending you out like sheep into the midst of wolves; so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves." It may not be hazardous today, but the mission can appear to be impossible. Yet, if we go back to Matthew 28:20, the rest of the verse is this: "And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age." It is not a mission we undertake alone, for we are "...more than conquerors through Christ Jesus that loves us." I love that word, "more."
Let's leave here determined that we, like those early disciples, will turn this world upside down.
More,
James E. swanson Sr.
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Bishop James Swanson
Resident Bishop
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