Reflections on the 2020 Election

 

This past Saturday I, along with many other Americans, watched as thousands of people flocked into the streets to celebrate the election of Joe Biden as the 46^th President of the United States.  I was not surprised to see so many young people in the crowds.  The festivities took on the same passion as commemorating a World Series Championship or Super Bowl victory.  I suspect that many of them were even first-time voters.  Sure, there were a few gray heads in the crowd but for the most part, it was the under forty voters who turned the tide in this election.  At the same time there were those protesting the legality of the election, alleging the Presidency was stolen from Donald Trump.  While most of those in that camp were over forty, I am sure you could find some young faces.

I could have predicted the outcome of the election.  I quite frankly surprised that the results were not different four years ago.  The Democrats lost that election because they chose Hillary Clinton and not Bernie Sanders as a candidate.  Bernie was the choice of Millennials and those Gen Z’s old enough to vote.  When he was out of the picture, they boycotted the process.  I felt eight years ago that it was the last time that Baby Boomers would have their way in a national election.  I was only four years off.

It is tough being on the losing end.  It is also difficult seeing so much change and having it out of your control.  There is no denying that values have shifted.  A few years ago, Pew Research reported that over half of Millennials (54%) felt things had changed for the worse, that compared with 77% of Baby Boomers and 70% of Gen X’ers. 

It is tough to except change, especially when we view the modification as a borderline-revolution.  How do we live in a world where same-sex marriage is a reality, women can choose to put an end to the life within them and even the impact of the Christian Church is on a rapid decline[T1] [T2] .

I think the key to survival is to realize that for us as Christians, nothing has changed.  We feel like we are living in Babylon but God is still on the throne, and Jesus still reigns victorious.  As the people of God, we are called to do the same things we have always done.  We must be Jesus in the world.  That requires loving people for who they are, not who we want them to be.  It means being people of hope and grace.  Only when we embrace the change and view it is a new opportunity to share Jesus will the church survive. 

 

 

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There's Got to be a Morning After

 I have had the song The Morning After stuck in my head recently.  If you are not familiar with the song, it was featured in the 1972 disaster movie The Poseidon Adventure.  The plot centered around survivors aboard a cruise ship that had capsized in a tsunami.   Most of the film takes place underwater as they try to find an escape route. The irony is it popped into my mind at a time when I feel trapped inside the 2020 election process.  As I write this, there are only ten days left till all the ballots are cast.  Still, I am looking for an escape route.  I am weary of the negative campaign ads on television.  I am tired of the anger and the rhetoric. I even had a sleepless night after watching the first presidential debate.

In the film, six survivors do finally escape.  For them, there is a “morning after.” I am not sure we can anticipate much relief on the morning of November 4.  The reality is there are going to be a lot of angry and frustrated people once the results are finalized, whether it be that day or in the days or weeks to follow.  It is hard to recall a time when our nation has been more divided.  The level of angst boggles my mind. 

I think that pastors, and others who are in ministry, need to be ready to care for and support those who are faced with the defeat of their candidate for president.  I do not think the anger is just going to disappear.  The challenge for the church, myself included, is how do we be people of hope and healing at such a time as this.

As always, I looked to the Bible, as a history of the relationship between God and His people. It is there that we find hope and guidance.  I am drawn back to God’s people in the Old Testament.  The Children of Israel went through many times and circumstances that were more troubling than what we are facing right now.  God brought them through every situation.  He truly was “the Deliverer.”  Ultimately his rescue is found in the Cross of Jesus and the Open Grave.  The things of this world are only temporary. 

Yes, we will be delivered from our current situation.  There will be a “morning after.”  In the mean time we need to be the people of God, standing confidently focused on the cross.  That means rising above the current fray and being messengers of hope. 

 

 

In-Person Worship: Guess Who Might not Come Back

Barb and I have opted not to return to in-person worship, even though our church has opened back up.  It is a combination of both of us being over seventy and the fact that her “pre-existing conditions” place her in the “high risk” group.  While we miss the fellowship with our church friends, we recognize that this is just a season we are going through.  One unexpected benefit is we are able to be part of our children’s individual ministries.  Our sons, Peter and Mark, are both pastors.  We are able to worship with them virtually, and still participate with our church family at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church where our daughter Katie serves as director of worship and the arts.

Though the view of the congregation is limited, we are able to see a few familiar folks at Prince of Peace.  Yes, there are a few folks who are our age and older who are in attendance.  We are okay with their choice.  In-person worship is not something we feel comfortable with right now.  With the latest data indicating another spike in COVID-19 cases, we recognize it could be several months before we feel comfortable being out and about again.

I am well aware of the fact that folks are anxious to return to church.  Early in the pandemic my brother Jim reminded me that “we are not designed to live alone.”  When the opportunity to gather with friends and family becomes available, people will flock to be part of it.  I am hearing reports from my friends in youth ministry that when they hold events now, the kids come in droves.  It does require some adjustments for social distancing, etc. but even with the restrictions the kids want to be around their friends.  I suspect the same need is driving adults to return to worship.  The experience in the sanctuary fulfills one need and the fellowship in the parking lot and around the coffee pot satisfies another.

As people drift back to worshipping in-person, I hear one generational group is conspicuous in their absence.  Millennials, probably more than any other group, have been impacted by the pandemic.  While we still tend to think of them as being young people, the reality is that the oldest of the Millennial Generation are now approaching forty.  Do the math; If Millennials are the generation born between 1980 and 1995, they are now, for the most part, established in their careers.  Many are parents with young families. 

Many Millennials have been forced to work from home, while also supervising their children.  They are juggling their own jobs while also overseeing their children’s education.  As a result, many are in overload.  Their own needs, including spiritual, have been put on the “back burner” as they function in survival mode.  Even if their children are returning to in-person instruction, it is difficult for them to see much normalcy in the midst of the pandemic.   As a result, they are probably going to be the last generational group to return to in-person worship…. if they come back at all.

Millennials are not big on on-line worship.  The two things they cherish in being part of a worship community are lacking in virtual worship.  They want to be engaged.  That means involvement and fellowship.  Unlike many older adults who are content sitting in the pew, Millennials desire to be actively engaged in ministry.  They want to be in leadership positions and involved in hands-on ministry.  They also desire to network with others their age.  That is especially true for young parents who are looking for support and emotional encouragement. 

The challenge for pastors and church leaders become, how do we minister to and equip those who are not physically present? The truth is most Millennials still have the need but might not ever return to our church buildings again.  The new reality is finding ways to do ministry outside the physical church structure.  In the future, ministry is not going to happen in the church, but through the church touching the lives of people where they are at. 

I have long maintained that older adults and Millennials have much in common.  Now, the pandemic has added another element to the list.  At this point in time, many of us are sheltered at home.  That does not lessen our need to hear the gospel message and to be equipped to share it with others.

The Church, Science and Teen Faith

 

A few years back I found myself on the same program as creationist Ken Ham.  If you are not familiar with Ken Ham, you probably have heard of the Noah’s Ark Creation Museum.  Ken Ham is the Australian who was behind the project.  His “Back to Genesis” lecture series focuses on the first eleven chapters of the Bible.  In Ken Ham’s opinion, evolutionary theory has led to cultural decay in our country.  We were both speaking at a teacher’s conference.  I remember his statement to the audience of mostly Lutheran grade school teachers.  “More students lose their faith in high school than in college.”   The litmus test is evolution.  What happens when what they are taught in Biology Class runs contrary to what they heard in Sunday school. If the church cannot be trusted on that issue, what else can they be lying about?

Even among churchgoing teens there are shadows of doubt when it comes to how they view science and the church.  According to research from the Barna Group, 49% of Christian teens feel “the church seems to reject much of what science tells us about the world.”  When you add the reality that many teens do not “see the church as a safe place to express doubt (27%}, you can begin to see the problem.  Many Christian teens see the Bible and science in conflict and when that happens almost one in four (24%) consider themselves on the side of science.  That compares to only 17% who would consider themselves on the side of the Bible in such a debate.  Just a little over one in four (28%) see the Bible and Science as being “complementary,” meaning they support each other. 

This becomes a predicament when they head off to college, especially if they attend a public university.  What happens when the professors share a “world view” perspective that not only runs counter to what they were taught about creation but many of the values that Christians hold dear?   That puts a tremendous burden on parents and those who are involved in church youth ministry.  According to a report from the Barna Group, less that half (48%) feel “very prepared” to discuss science and the Bible with their teens. 

The current pandemic has brought this issue even more to the surface.  The question in the minds of many teens is not over who to listen to, but rather why are we not listening to the scientist who have the information?  Here again the church must take the lead in responding to the situation with appropriate action.  It also means creating a forum where the issues of science and The Bible can be discussed. 

Stop... Listen... and Learn

My friend, Jerry, invited me to play golf last Friday.  Jerry volunteers as a marshal at a local course and he was excited to show me the layout.  He had reserved a tee time and instructed me to meet him in the parking lot a half hour before.  Since I had never been to the course I left early and was there plenty early.  On arrival I sent Jerry a text saying that I was waiting and then proceeded to get out my clubs and change into my golf shoes.  As I was doing so, a fellow rode up in a golf cart and asked if I needed a ride to the club house.  Turns out he was waiting for his playing partner as well.  Before I could accept his offer my phone vibrated.  I checked and had a text message from Jerry; “Wait.”  I declined the fellow’s offer and ask what his tee time was.  It turned out he had the time just before ours.  As he responded he became quite agitated.   “This guy is always late,” he complained.  “He’s a young guy and he doesn’t wear a watch.”

 I reached into my car to get my face mask that I would need to enter the club house.  “You know this whole virus thing is a hoax,” he boldly stated.  He then proceeded to give me a lecture on how the virus was a plot to keep President Trump from being reelected.  I wanted to tell him I had lost an Uncle to the virus, but decided it was not worth the argument. 

Fortunately, my friend Jerry soon arrived.  I was grateful I had read his text.  Turns out since Jerry volunteers at the course he had enough hours credited so that he could cover my greens fee.  Unfortunately, Jerry had not had to hear the same discourse from my new friend.  The upside was that he offered Jerry a ride to the clubhouse so he could check-in and get our golf cart.  I followed behind carrying my clubs. 

I arrived at the staging area to find Jerry in the cart waiting for me.  “We won’t have time to hit any practice balls he reported.  The group ahead of us is waiting on one person, so we can move up.”  My mind immediately went back to the fellow we had met.  In the mean time a call had gone out over the speaker that someone was to report to the #1 tee immediately.  Within a minute our friend from the parking lot raced past us heading for the tee box.  It turns out his friend had been waiting for him the whole.

Since we had arrived at the tee as well, we were privy to a rather heated exchange.  It turns out the fellow waiting in the tee box had tried to text and call his waiting partner.  Our new friend was so caught up in his anger and frustration that he never checked his phone.  He just assumed he was right and the other gentleman was late.  Fortunately, the golf course starter intervened and got them on their way, alas ten minutes behind schedule.

As we waited for our turn, we had an opportunity to process what had taken place with the marshal who was serving as starter.  He shared our opinion that what had happen was so typical of what is wrong with our world today.  People do not communicate.  Messages are sent, but all to often we get caught up in our own opinion and biases. That keeps us from hearing the messages and opinions of others. 

I’ve sensed it as I visit with my neighbors and discover the barriers created by the political signs in the front yards.  I have heard it in visits around the coffee pot at church and seen it played out in social media.  Unfortunately, we all witnessed it in the first Presidential Debate.  We have lost our ability to listen, and learn from each other.  We have lost our ability to be civil and fair with each other.  And, we have lost the ability to love one another. 

I pray we can again learn to stop… listen…. and learn.

and seen it played out in social media.  Unfortunately, we all witnessed it in the first Presidential Debate.  We have lost our ability to listen, and learn from each other.  We have lost our ability to be civil and fair with each other.  And, we have lost the ability to love one another. 

I pray we can again learn to stop… listen…. and learn.

Standing in the Gap

We are still six weeks away from the national election and I am already weary of the political rhetoric.  We have stopped answering the house phone, knowing most of the calls are political in nature.  I pretend to have blinders on when I take my evening walks around the neighborhood trying to ignore the political yard signs.  I do not watch much television but when I do it is usually pre-recorded so I can fast-forward through the political commercials.  The one place I cannot avoid the political rhetoric is Facebook.  Social media is part of my life.  I use it not only to network with friends but share my ministry.  I can block the political ads but I am not going to unfriend someone just because I find their political statement offensive. 

Jesus is not pro-republican or pro-democrat.  When Jesus died on the cross, He did so for all people.  He loves those who are pro-life, just as He does those who are pro-choice.  He loves the gun rights activist the same way He loves those who pursue legislation to restrict who has the weapons.  He loves those who come to our borders seeking a new life in the same way he loves those who live in gated communities.  He loves those who want to make America great again, in the same way he loves those who cry for social justice and the end of racial inequality.  I pray each morning for President Trump in the same way I pray for Vice President Biden. 

From my perspective, I am called to stand in the gap holding high the cross of Jesus Christ.  He continues to be the only hope for our broken world.  The heated voices from either side only dishonor the Savior who died for us.  What our world needs is the hope and healing only Jesus can provide. 

Yes, I have an opinion.  When it comes to casting my vote, I will express that at the ballot.  In the meantime, I am standing in the gap praying for both sides.

 

The Eyes Have It

I have recently returned from a road trip.  It was my extended venture out into the new world.  Our son, Mark, and I traveled 2500 miles in seven days to attend a funeral in Michigan.  My 97-year-old uncle was one of the early victims of COVID-19 but we were not able to have a family gathering until now.  Uncle Don was a World War II vet, so he was buried with military honors.  He loved bagpipes and we were able to find an excellent piper to provide the music for the grave-side service.  Other than his pastor and the honor guard, the service was limited to family.

Trip itself seemed a little surreal.  We spent five nights in hotels and seldom saw anyone.  The lobbies were deserted and, with one exception, there was no complementary breakfast.  The people who served us were all wearing masks, which severely limited the conversation.  With two exceptions we ate only in fast-food restaurants, trying to use drive-thru when possible.  We restricted our rest stops to travel centers where we felt the restrooms would be clean and spacious.  Overall, I felt safe, and seemed to have returned home healthy.

I do have a few observations that I think will help us all as we move forward.  I say that because I now believe this is a long-term situation.  I think we are going to be living in this environment until there is a vaccine that is available to all who desire it.  That could be as long as a year from now.  So, as you venture out, here are some things to expect

People are more respectful. People are social distancing and as a result they seem to be more considerate of others.  People are not only giving each other space but seem to be more patient as they wait their turn in line.  In my time on the road, I cannot recall hearing one harsh word.

People seem distant.  What can I say?  I miss the casual conversations with people.  I enjoy meeting other travelers and those local people who serve me.  I enjoy talking with the truckers when I stop at a travel center and the spontaneous conversation with the people around me when I stop at a restaurant.  My mask creates an obvious barrier.  There is also the reality that there are few people close by to visit with.

Intimacy is a challenge.  I attended a funeral but there were few hugs.  The embraces I did receive were awkward.  As a result, my words need to convey more.  I need to go out of my way to express the things that I am feeling.  In the process I am giving other people the opportunity to express their feelings as well.

The eyes have it.  With our facial expressions hidden behind a mask, our eyes must become the way we reveal who we are.  Eye contact is not enough.  Our eyes must convey the hope that we have as the people of God.  If there is fear and despair in our hearts, that will be communicated through our eyes.  If there is one thing the world needs today, it is a spirit of hope.