Getting started...

I had a dream a few minutes ago, so real that it woke me shaking. In this dream I was visiting a church campground that had been a part of my life in the past. I was seeing people that I knew, and there was a certain familiarity to the surroundings. Yet, something didn't seem quite right, for their was a crowd around that seemed to be calling the shots. And for some reason, time seemed to be out of control, and I was tired all the time.

This is where the dream got freaky, for in the midst of this, the leaders of the religious community came up to me and attempted to lay on hands. I felt like I was being shocked with a cattle prod, until another friend broke through and pointed out to me and others that what had happened was that this familiar camp had been taken over by a cult, who used the laying on of hands and sleep manipulation to control new adherents. This group had taken over the church camps, and were trying to suggest to their adherents that they would be killed by God if they stepped outside the property line. After fighting off their attempts at regaining control, we walked to the back end of the property and climbed the fence. When they saw that we were not struck down by God, the whole system fell apart, and true changed began to happen.

What does all of this have to do with this blog? In part it has to do with climbing the fence and regaining control of my life. The demands of ministry are many and the "cults" that attempt to take me off track are always calling. But part of this is about the need for our pastors to admit the the places where circumstances surround and try to co-opt this call of God in their lives.

I don't know where this is all going other than to say "Come join me" as we explore the limits of ministry together.

I've got to get back to sleep, so see you later.