I’ve wanted to revisit my master’s thesis and share the story of an Alabama confederate chaplain and Presbyterian pastor. The name “Petrie” is honored at Auburn University since the chaplain’s son brought football to the college in 1892. A state history periodical gave the go-ahead, so I planned a day at the college archives last fall. What I discovered is that parking is more of an issue than I remember.
I turned off College Street onto Magnolia at Toomer’s Corner and spotted a space. When I turned in, campus police flashed behind me. The officer explained there’s no turn on red in the city, and furthermore, a large sign at the intersection said this. Honestly, I never saw the sign since I was creeping along dodging cars backing out and jaywalking students.
I quickly told the officer my purpose—I was an alum and had an appointment at the library archives. I don’t know if it was my persuasive abilities or his kindness, or both, but he waved me off with an admonition. I wiggled out of a traffic citation.
It reminded that that wiggling out is an active practice in Christendom.
I meet often with nominating committees. A frequent declaration is, “Preacher, I’ve served my time.” These are good folk who’ve usually taught children or kept the nursery or sang in the choir and believe that younger people should step up. While not disagreeing that others should step up, I always think “I’ve served my time” is what inmates say at parole hearings!
Serving the Lord is a privilege.
And some of our scriptural heroes were aged men and women. Moses, for example, began his work at age 80. The late, great Charles Stanley always insisted that retirement isn’t biblical--his words, not mine, and I’m not sure I’d want to defend his statement. But it’s also true that churches should be open to helping members find new ministry if they need to move to other life challenges.
One of my best memories is a retired Baptist pastor who taught my class of high school boys.
Sometimes people wiggle out of church.
A pastor friend told me about a lady who was on the search committee that brought him to the church. She emailed one day that she and her family decided to go to the big box church down the street. At least my friend got an email. Sometimes churches are “ghosted” when members move on without announcement.
So, two thoughts.
One, every believer should use their giftedness in God’s work no matter their age.
And, two, Christians should be lovingly honest with church leaders at all times.
Save the wiggling out for when the blue light flashes.
