Being Prophetic and Being Pastoral

This morning I had the privilege of participating in a clergy breakfast with George Regas, the retired pastor of Pasadena's All Saints Episcopal Church -- the same George Regas whose challenge to George Bush got All Saints into trouble. George was in town to give the Walter Capps Center's Martin Marty Lecture (UCSB).

George engaged us in a fruitful conversation about being prophetic. He lamented that preachers these days aren't as prophetic as they were back in the 60s and 70s. There may be several reasons for that, one being fear of the IRS, but more likely fear for one's job.

In our conversation we focused on how and why we can be prophetic, and the key maybe the pastoral support for one's prophetic work. More than anything, to be prophetic in our churches we must have a group of folk who will support us in our preaching. They don't have to agree, and George pointed out that back in the day when he first went to Pasadena, a group of about 12 members offered their support, even though only 2 agreed with his positions, during a difficult time. I'm blessed in Lompoc with a congregation that may not agree with me on everything, but they do let me speak, which I greatly appreciate.

And of course, it takes a willingness to hear the other side.

I did share my own journey and struggle with being prophetic. I pastor a small congregation in a relatively conservative and military impacted community. And so my prophetic work must be ground up, educational in the main. But I'm seeing movement and growth, and hopefully in time the congregation will see an influx of those who want to share in kingdom work!

So, I just want to thank George Regas for being out there showing us how it can be done!