Why I pastor a liturgical church

Well, first of all, a serious liturgical church is the type of church I’d like to attend as a parishioner but here are some other reasons: 

Grown-up men pastor Liturgical churches

Okay, I know that is extremely broad but in the circles I run in, conservative, Reformed, and liturgical, I’ve found a higher proportion of men who served in the military. I noticed that pastors like this like to do guy things (like shooting guns and gigging frogs) but they also seem genuinely competent in the arts. Real painters, musicians, writers and photographers, not just the Thomas Kinkade crowd. They like to read serious literature and they have happy families that don’t take themselves too seriously.

Unashamed men pastor Liturgical churches

Liturgical pastors aren’t afraid to be visibly identified in their community. They shun looking like 15 year old boys on a shopping spree at Hollister and wear an adult uniform (clericals) during the week. On Sunday they recognize the gravity of representing Christ, the bridegroom to the Bride (the Church) and dress accordingly. They wear the robes and stoles that the church has always had its minister’s dress in. They aren’t just one of the guys but profoundly, and unlike all the other gents in the church, ministers of Word and Sacrament.

Sacraments are served in Liturgical churches

I always felt uncomfortable at baptisms and the Lord’s Supper in my broad-tent Evangelical days. Everyone always acted like these “ordinances” were no big deal. Nothing’s really going on. If nothing’s really going why do them? Why not be like Thoreau and just rationally apprehend the sacraments in our minds? No need for water, wine and bread. But finally, I found in Protestant liturgical circles, a sense of mystery that I thought was only for the RCC and EOC and the magisterial understanding that something huge is going on when the sacraments are administered was still practiced.

The arts are real in Liturgical churches

Show me a liturgical church with resources and there you will find some serious church architecture. What is serious church architecture? Well, buildings rich in focused historic symbolism that is well thought through. Chrismons that are carved into the stonework, fish and loaves in the stain glass, red doors to enter in through the blood of Christ. A Eucharistic table front and center with a pulpit to the pastor’s right and a reader’s lectern to the left. A well placed baptismal font and a structure rich in nautical detail hearkening back to the Ark of Noah. Detail, detail built to last 1000 years. Can you find buildings like this where your local mega-church meets?

These are just a few of the reasons why I pastor a liturgical church.

Comments

[Daniel the Deacon]

"A well placed baptismal font..."

...in the rear of the building, near whatever door people use to enter. Baptism is our entry into the Kingdom of God. Just as we enter "under the blood"-- through the red door-- we are washed before we take our places at court.

[Garrett]

Hi Daniel,

Nice chancel! We need to get one o' dem here in So Cali.

[Daniel the Deacon]

Thanks. That's me on the far right, getting ready to rumble.

[Trent Hunter]

Pastor Garrett,

Do you think it's time to collate all of your thoughts on sacred space, liturgy, and church growth into a book?

[Garrett]

Yes, one of these days.