Sunday School

It is not often that I get inspiration from the Calgary Sun, one of our local newspapers. Referred to as The Rag by those of us not fans of its political orientation, I nonetheless read it as a freebie along with my coffee at our local McDonald's halfway through each morning’s constitutional walk. This morning’s read was one of those tolerable ones. The front-page article was a begrudged affirmation of our Prime Minister’s speech at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. Next page was equal print to Donald Trump’s rambling speech obviously not pleased with the standing ovation "Mark" had received. 

Today’s free read was …. almost balanced. In fact, a little further in and back to the Calgary scene, Rick Bell the Rick Mercer of the Conservatives, went as far as to identify some ‘problems’ in Alberta’s healthcare system after his recent experience in an Urgent Care facility! Interestingly, Bell, the unofficial PR man of Alberta's UCP, gets immediate response from our government Hospitals Minister Matt Jones also admitting there are some problems (Really? Nice to at least have it acknowledged, even if it's only damage control). 

So our Rag was uncharacteristically balanced today. Media is indeed a form of communication; it includes words, images, art, and a whole lot of posturing, and also 'conforming' to the ones who are buying in, i.e. paying their wages. Media will give a balanced perspective if it is consistent with identified business goals. Today’s limited and fairly humane depiction of the media message, which is the reason for the title of this post. Given the vested interest and inaccuracy of media and the deep contrariness of speeches in the big arenas, we need to relearn sitting with one another, quite available in Sunday School!

Here we go! Given our privilege of at least to date still living in a free and democratic society, it is even more important (urgent) that churches and faith communities learn - perhaps relearn - how to speak with one another! The media situation being what it is, we cannot but admit that the truth of all 'stories' is larger than information, whether that come from journalists, politicians, or from preachers behind the pulpit (Yes, clergy we must admit this). In the congregation I belong to we have devoted recent months to an intentional transition process - preparing ourselves for engagement with the next pastor, reimaging our future. Guess what, now that we think we know what we want, nobody is applying. Pastors are hard to come by (correct me if I'm wrong). There is none who will say it just right, sufficiently educated, computer and media savvy, well read, and sufficiently committed to the Lord Jesus as Savior and Lord to impress us with 'good messages' – someone who will provide adequate leadership for this day. 

The challenge for churches is the same as the challenge to the media. We do not have adequate articulation, and our views at best are all over the place; raising the impossible challenge for well-educated pulpiteers to say it just right. I posit that it would be good for all of us to head back to Sunday School. And guess what, this is where I continue to be a fan of and a strong supporter for those of us in the low church tradition, the Mennonite church, if you will. We don't have to unlearn the dependence of many fellow Christians in the 'big churches' since we have never become dependent on those authoritative highly qualified pulpiteers. [Although our history has definitely had some 'strong personalities'] Our strength is in what we are apparently known for - community of believers. This means we practice the scripture at the heart of our theology, For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them (Matthew 18:20).This is what orders our life.

It also is a natural solution which we need to offer unapologetically in our media dependent world (worldliness). So even in our low church media there are little quips like “Sunday School faith” apparently inadequate in today’s progressive world, but we have an opportunity to relearn the power thereof. Jesus, the Messiah and Teacher, is still available as the paraclete (Holy Spirit), is right in here when we speak truthfully and interestedly with one another (John 16:6-8). I suggest that we need more Sunday School faith. It's more important than if we get some interesting information or a barn burner of a sermon from a high-paid professional.

The Word as touted by many these days, is not adequate. It would be good for all to either return to, or perhaps begin some Sunday School lessons. Jimmy Carter, even during his years as President of the United States, served his country and his people well, regularly teaching Sunday School in his local church.