Always a Friar and Never the Pope

Yesterday I once again visited the local halls of power within our church denomination, the Region Office up in Denver.

The whole experience when I go there is strange for me. I feel I am liked and supported by the folks up in the big city, but that I am not necessarily "one of them". And, I misread the vibe of the whole meeting, which left me feeling a little bit disappointed in myself.

First, I misread the tone of the meeting. I thought it would be a laid back meeting of youth workers. Instead it was a fairly formal meeting to start out with, and I did not present myself formally when I entered the meeting. So I had Flat Stanley with me, and my saint patricks say headgear for fun, and it went over like a lead balloon. They were thinking a business power meeting. I was thinking a youth leaders get together. (For those of you who dont know, us youth leaders are a little less structured and informal) I felt so stupid.

Second, I treat everyone equally. Which means, that I am not good at the political kiss ass game. So, I listen and care what the retired nurse has to say as much as the region executive. I argue with the white folk and the black folk in the room, women as much as men, and I say what I need to say whether or not people like it or not. I am not sure people quite know how to take this attitude and approach.

Third, my theological views do not match those who hold power in our denomination. I am more conservative theologically on core theological issues and issues of ethics in the church, especially the issues which are most divisive in mainline denominations in America. I am hard working and graceful enough that I am invited to the table, but I am enough out of the PC crowd that I dont get invited into offices afterward or out to dinner.

Ahh....it is my lot in life....a good friar.....but never a pope.