I have a habit of rereading some books, mostly fiction, especially when I need a break. Every day my mind is spent studying and reading books that challenge my thinking, add to my learning, or for use in sermon prep. So every once in awhile I like to read something totally not associated with my “serious” mindset. So I will often pick up a fiction book and read it again. I did that early this week. I picked up The Dancing Priest by Glynn Young. Glynn blogs at Fact, Fiction, Friends and I cannot tell you how long we have been reading each other’s blogs. The Dancing Priest is #1 in a 5-part series.
It is the story of Michael Kent, who through a series of events finds himself on the front page of TIME magazine and a Tour de France hero. He is also ordained into the Anglican Church as a priest. Glynn has weaved together a wonderful story that even a non-religious person would enjoy. Even though Michael is a fictional character, one begins to admire this young man and his passion for life. Grounded without being preachy, The Dancing Priest is a wonderful story of faith, hope, caring for others, putting other’s interests before your own, and being sensitive to those around us. Following his ordination, Michael finds our where his pastoral assignment is to be. (I will not tell you because that would be unfair if you have never read the book and decide you want to). Let me just say his heart is in Malawi, Africa and working with kids in an orphanage.
The day he learns his assignment, Michael was speaking with the archbishop of York. (I plead my ignorance on how this denomination works since it is foreign to me. But it really is irrelevant to this story). Anyway, the archbishop tells Michael something that is relevant for all churches. He says, “Michael, the future of our church is in grave doubt. If there is a future, then you and others like you are that future. It will be better for you to be on the periphery than at the center because the center is rotting and collapsing. The future of the church is at the edges, and there you’ll find a willingness to abandon what’s dead, to meet the spiritual needs, to fearlessly preach the gospel-that is our way of survival.” (p.163). A little later in the conversation Michael is told, “You are a remarkable young man. You will do great things, Michael. not as the world defines them, but great in the way God defines them.” (p.164)
The church is one generation away from extinction. If I was a younger pastor (and not 72 years old), I would “fight” to be part of the solution, not the problem. I would not want to be part of the collapse and rot but part of the building up and preservation of the truth. Yes, the story is about Michael Kent. But it is also about me…and you. Let’s be part of the resurgence not the decay of the church.
Fantastic books, indeed, Bill, and stories deserving of being read again and again. Glynn is a gifted writer and it is an honor to know him. May we all be inspired by Michael’s life to dedicate our all to God.
Blessings!
Great recommendation Martha. I knew you felt that way and it is good to see it in writing and hope others see it as well. And yes, may we all live our life dedicated to God.
Having just read through Judges not long ago, you shake your head at how quickly the next generation fell away from God. Simply put, our jobs to teach children and those around us about our loving Father, has to be at the top of our list daily. We have to each take on that responsibility, never tire of telling the stories, witness to one another. Never assume someone else is taking care of the responsibility of reaching out to others, so your part is not that important. If we all make it a top priority, than the next generation will make it a top priority as well. Falls happen to fast, and you can not predict them. Sitting on the fence, does not help anyone.
Well said Gail and a great challenge to all of us! I know that while my children are adults and my grandson is to soon graduate, my task to teach the younger generation should never lag behind.
I know I could say a lot on this topic. I also know that I don’t personally do enough to be a part of the solution. I often try to say I am finding a “balance”, yet Jesus doesn’t ask me to find a balance. He asks me to go all in. My real struggle… not wanting to commit.
What I do know is as a church, we are failing our young people. And it is not the lack of programming, it is the lack of relationship. It is the lack of living life together. You cannot have an impact on people you casually see once a week (if your lucky) in passing before and after a Sunday service.
I am currently helping lead a discipleship program with our men’s group. It is based on the movie “The Forge”. As part of the study, there is a challenge to identify those you can disciple and then begin doing it. The challenge is real. I have a couple guys in mind and plan on reaching out to them this week. I am being intentional about reaching those in the 18-25 range as I feel that is where our biggest gap is. That is where my heart is.
I admire you Ryan that you don’t want to sit back on your laurels and let someone else do it. I’m glad to hear you are purposefully searching out young men to mentor and lead. Thanks for seeing there is life in them young ‘uns.
Bill, thank you so much for the shout-out. Your words mean a lot.
My pleasure Glynn. Just finished Dancing Priest. Heading on to #2. I’m excited to read them again.
My favorite book series! I have read them multiple time and may need to start again! Thanks for the reminder Bill!
My pleasure to recommend Bill. Thanks for stopping by and supporting Glynn