Dale Cresap's blog

Do you like to be able to plan confidently for a certain future? This is an illusion that you can live by in times of stability and affluence. You are fortunate if such times are the rule rather than the exception for you, but this has not been the case for the span of human history, and events can remind you that you can’t count on this going forward. You can mark your calendar with your intentions, but you should do so in humility, knowing that all your plans are tentative.

Do you have values? Do you believe in doctrine? Do you think they are the same thing? You can think of your doctrine as elements of the faith, such as my identity and events in my life. Values are less specific. They would include a commitment to honesty and freedom of conscience, free speech and equal protection under the law for all, a respect for the life and human dignity of every person regardless of any circumstances of their condition or belief. So do you see the difference between these things?

Have you ever been in liminal space? Do you know what it is? Certain situations in life are ripe for learning and growth. People desire these things but they don’t often seek them out because the same situations are characterized by instability, uncertainty, and discomfort. How much growth has occurred in your life during times of predictable stability and comfort? Do you intentionally seek times of instability because of their growth potential? Few people do, but they will come whether you seek them or not.

In the Old Testament, the priesthood was a conferred office. This is still true in some denominations today, but not in others. Within those churches, those holding the office have recognized authority and responsibilities. Outside of those churches, the accepted position is that all believers hold the priesthood. What have I given you the authority to do in my name? Heal the sick? Declare the good news of the Kingdom to the poor and the lost and the blind? An easier question is what have I denied you the power to do in my name. Nothing. I have given you a durable power of attorney.

Do you know how large the Body of Christ is? You do not have a way to take a census of all believers, but I do. I know those who are mine. There are many members and many denominations. Some of these have a strong hierarchy structure with a visible leader and others do not, but even within well-defined organizations there is a wide range of opinion. With no structure in your world to unify my body it is remarkable that it is as unified and consistent as it is in core beliefs. Does this point to a unifying influence beyond this world?

What do you look for in a pastor? Education is highly rated, and an important part of being a theologian. So seminaries select professors for high academic credentials and they create institutions and graduates according to the same value system. What is the core value of the Christian faith? Don’t believers claim that love is more important than anything else?  How would you describe me and rank the things that I considered important? Would education ever appear at the top of the list? How is love expressed in every aspect of your church life?

Are you a hopeful person? What are you hoping for? People generally use this term in connection with a specified outcome, such as, I hope my car will start, or, I hope I don’t get sick, or lose my job. These are valid concerns but is this the Biblical type of hope referred to along with faith and love? What if those things you hope for do not come to pass the way you want? Is hope still a valid concept? Even if you don’t get what you want, do you still believe that you live in a favorable and benevolent world and that I watch over you in love to secure your ultimate good?

Do you draw a strong distinction between full time ministry workers and laymen? Do you see your own occupation as full time Christian work? Let me rephrase the question. Are you a full time Christian? Have I instructed you that you are to do whatever you do as unto me? The Bible recognizes church offices, but it makes a stronger case for inclusion and all belonging to one body than it does for multiple classes of believers. I want you to think of whatever you do as full time Christian work, whether you are a farmer, engineer, barber, or truck driver, among others.

Have you ever killed time? You understand that time cannot be killed in the same way that living sentient beings can, but this is a common phrase never the less, and for good reason. If you pass time without any accomplishment or worthwhile activity, it is just as dead, and it will pass at a uniform rate either way. Does this concept imply that you have a duty to move ahead, to make connections and progress? I told my disciples that their time was always ready. Have you ever been in a situation where there was nothing beneficial you could do?

Do you believe in Santa Claus? Children believe in Santa because adults tell them to. The adults know better, and generally leave it to the kids to figure out the truth on their own. Yet adult believers who claim not to believe in Santa still have an approach to prayer. What are the essential features of your prayer life? Does it involve a list of requests? Do you expect answers on the basis of whether you have been naughty or nice? Do you ask primarily for toys for yourself?