A Call for Discernment and Evangelism

“Why Christ? Why Christianity? Why the Episcopal Church?” In my discernment and training towards ordination, I am frequently asked these questions. The preparation and continual discernment of my answers to these questions have been a fruitful spiritual exercise for me. The conversations that have developed from these questions, especially when they invite opportunities to help others learn about and grow in their relationship with Jesus Christ, have been life changing for me. Are you prepared to answer these questions? Do the actions, behaviors, and words that you choose in your life reflect your answers to these questions? 

I choose Jesus because of his Gospel teachings on love, inclusion, redemption, and social justice. As Christians, we are called to live in community with each other. Christendom and the specifically, living in the body of Christ, are how I choose to follow the teachings of Jesus Christ. I am seeking ordination because I am called to serve as an ordained disciple of Jesus Christ and help create Christendom in our society. I strongly believe that living in relationship with others and the practice of community through the tenants of our gospel are key towards social progress and a thriving culture. 

What excites me about Christendom is that it creates opportunity to support each other in physical and supernatural ways that is only possible through submitting to the Holy Trinity. When we show up and lay the groundwork offers our Holy Trinity opportunity to give insight of the eschatological promise of what is to come when Christ returns to make all things new again. Until then, it is our job to build heaven here on earth. 

What I appreciate most about Christendom and living in the body of Christ is that members of the community support others in their time of need, times of growth, and in relationship with Christ. Like the physical body, when one is needing rest, assistance, or healing, others overcompensate to carry more equitable weight. Jesus Christ shows up everywhere and we should too in our commitment as disciples. Living as the body of Christ means many things such as:

-       bringing meals to others in need

-       Caring for children of friends so they may honor their relationship with a date

-       Giving a ride to church

-        Supporting students in their education

-       Asking hard questions and invoking accountability in helping someone grow into a healthier life

-       Showing up and holding a hand in the hospital room

-       Supporting each other in prayer in their times of need, opportunities for growth, and daily lives. 

As Episcopalians, we have a reputation for beautiful liturgy and ritual but a lack of evangelism and enthusiasm in our discipleship. I disagree with this popular assumption, especially with the quiet and yet devote discipleship that I have repeatedly witnessed from Episcopalians and specifically, members of the St. Paul’s community. The “All are Welcome” invitation of the Episcopal Church invokes devotion to communal relationships and intentional appreciation for others and the St. Paul’s- Bakersfield community practices this Christendom in an impressive manor. 

St. Paul’s- Bakersfield taught me what Christendom truly means by practicing Church in this way. Our community has experienced tremendous change through the years and yet the core of the community has remained faithful to Jesus and to each other as a body of Christ. This commitment to each other should be commended and celebrated. However, as we are emerging from a season of drastic change and into a season of still waters with our new leadership, I wonder where there is opportunity to reevaluate how we are best supporting the bone structure and muscles within our body of Christ. How may we better support ourselves and each other in our discipleship and relationships with Christ and the Church?

I also wonder, where is there more opportunity for me, you as individuals, and us as a church to spread a greater awareness of the love of Christ through the progressive theology and foundations of the Episcopal community in our Bakersfield community. There are multitudes who are yearning to know about our God of love, respect, equality, redemption, and celebration. How may we bring the love and inclusivity of the Christ served by the Episcopal Church to the masses through our daily lives and relationships? How do our Bakersfield neighbors know Jesus through our words, choices, and actions?

 So, I ask these questions to you. As disciples of Jesus Christ and the Episcopal Church, “Why Christ? Why Christianity? and Why the Episcopal Church?” Are you prepared to answer these questions? If not, how can the community support you and your discernment in forming these answers? Living in Christendom is a beautiful journey, let us continue to dive deep into discipleship together.