Discipleship is a serious matter, but as disciples, let’s not take ourselves too seriously — at least, not all the time. Let’s make room to celebrate. Just look at Pentecost: When the Spirit filled the disciples, the mood was so celebratory that spectators thought they were witnessing the effects of too much wine.
How would you rate your congregation’s capacity to put on a celebration? Do you have regularly scheduled celebrations during the church year? Do you think people view celebration as a central part of the church’s communal life together, or an accessory?
For some, too much celebration may feel frivolous: perhaps less spiritual than, say, a Bible study or a well-planned worship service. However, as we examine the Scriptures, it becomes clear that God loves a good party. In Numbers, the Lord instructs the Israelites to celebrate the harvest by holding a sacred assembly, doing no regular work and offering animal sacrifices (Numbers 28:26-31). In addition to the Festival of Weeks, there’s the Festival of Trumpets (Leviticus 23:23-25) and the Festival of Tabernacles (Deuteronomy 16:13-17), and we can’t overlook the celebration in Luke 15 when the prodigal son returns home.
Granted, animal sacrifice doesn’t quite align with contemporary Christian ideas of a good time. For our modern context, the point is that God delights in and blesses these moments of rejoicing and being together. Yes, there is hard work that we need to do as faithful followers of the crucified Christ. But as we do the work of ministry, which often involves difficult choices and personal sacrifices, let’s not forget that we have a reason to celebrate.
Resources
The headlines reinforce Babel, but we are in Pentecost!
In the midst of overwhelming news of the world, three enduring and reassuring teachings of Pentecost should prevail.
By Edgardo A. Colón-Emeric
What narrative are you telling about your organization and your community?
We can take a lesson from the Hebrew midwives and live into a hopeful, faithful vision rather than one that is rooted in fear, writes a director of programs and grants for Leadership Education at Duke Divinity.
By Mycal X. Brickhouse
The well of joy
We cannot deny the world’s suffering, but building up our sources of joy can help sustain us in work for justice, writes a clinical psychologist.
By Jessica Young Brown
One invitation away from returning
Are there folks in your church who got out of the habit of attending during the pandemic and haven’t returned yet? One sincere, guilt-free invitation might be all that is needed to get them back.
By Rebekah Simon-Peter
Before you go…
When I was a new pastor, I intuitively understood the importance and value of hard work. I did not understand why people wanted to eat together so often. A wise, experienced minister saw my frustration and helped me appreciate the times of rejoicing and feasting together. I now value congregational celebrations as an essential spiritual practice for deepening personal relationships, inspiring joy and overcoming loneliness. I look forward to sitting around folding tables with the elders to hear their stories. I delight in seeing children play games together. I thank God for the sacred assembly when we’re not doing regular work. As you plan the rest of the year, how will you celebrate the goodness of God?
As always, you can reach me and the Alban Weekly team at alban@duke.edu. Until next week, keep leading!
Prince Rivers
Editor, Alban at Duke Divinity