Reflections by Lou Hays: the Jesus Movement

Our new Presiding Bishop, Michael Curry, likes to refer to us as the Jesus Movement, or the Episcopal branch of the Jesus Movement. I like the term a lot. It sounds dynamic, not static. Perhaps it reminds me of “The Way,” which was a term for the early Church, suggesting a journey. A movement seems less institutional, more outwardly focused, and less inwardly focused. And perhaps a movement is less hidebound with the institutional trappings and traditions that can sometimes get in the way of mission and ministry.

That said, I imagine that some Episcopalians are uncomfortable with the term “Jesus Movement.” Perhaps it conjures up images of Jesus freaks from the 60s and 70s. Or maybe the word “Jesus” is off putting for some. It has been my observation that many Episcopalians are uncomfortable with saying “Jesus,” preferring to use the more generic “God.” Maybe saying “Jesus” seems impolite, or too in your face with your belief.

If I’m correct about Episcopalians being uncomfortable with saying Jesus, it’s pretty ironic. After all, if it weren’t for Jesus, we would be down the street at the synagogue with our Jewish sisters and brothers, or perhaps offering sacrifices to some pagan god. And our worship services revolve around Jesus. We have readings from both the Hebrew Scriptures and the New Testament, but most often the sermon is based on the Gospel, the good news of God through Jesus Christ. And the Eucharist is all about the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus.

If you are someone who is uncomfortable with “Jesus,” I invite you to reconsider. Remember that Jesus lived and died and rose from the dead for you. And I invite you to consider becoming part of the Jesus Movement. Please be on the lookout for Jesus. In our Baptismal Covenant we promise to seek and serve Christ in all persons. We never know when we are going to encounter Jesus at work in the world through the people we encounter. And, we never know when someone is going to encounter Jesus in us!

Here’s another way you can participate in the Jesus Movement: take Flat Jesus with you when you travel this summer, and send pictures back to Lisa Brown (lcbrown@stpaulspgh.org) for posting on our Facebook page. If you’re not familiar with Flat Jesus, it’s based on a popular children’s book series about Flat Stanley. This may not be what our Presiding Bishop has in mind when he refers to the Jesus Movement, but certainly Flat Jesus is moving around the country, on the way. You can pick up a Flat Jesus at church, or download him here: http://stpaulspgh.org/uploads/files/flat-jesus_859....

I wish you a blessed and refreshing summer.

Yours in the Jesus Movement,