Conversion
On Sunday, I mentioned in my sermon an incident that occurred as I was preparing to leave seminary and launch my career as a pastor. I was at the CTS building and happened to run into my faculty advisor, Dr. Ed Towne.

Enthusiastic and upbeat, I said to him, "Well, I was ordained in January, and now have been called to be the pastor of a church. I guess I'm ready to go out and convert the heathen!" Without missing a beat, Dr. Towne replied, "Or be converted."

Yikes!

He made a good point, as I soon discovered. Folks were interested in my confirming their notions, prejudices and perceptions. When I resisted, some tried to convince me of their point of view, and I'm sure some even dismissed me when I failed to see things their way.

This complicates the pastoral relationship, and I admit it is difficult for me to feel kinship with parishioners (and others, of course) who express views denigrating or stereotyping others.

Somehow mediating grace in those circumstances depends upon my remembering that God's grace even is extended to me, with all of my shortcomings, oversights and failures. If I believe God's grace is applicable to my life, I can't sort out others I disagree with, or whose opinions I find offensive.

But, it ain't easy! Resisting conversion to their views is one thing. Embracing them as brothers or sisters is another. I have to depend upon God's help, looking to the example of Jesus.