When I preached most Sundays, the Fourth of July weekend always presented a challenge. I love the United States, and Independence Day is one of my favorite holidays. Most years, I spend it in Canyon, Texas—a town with a vibrant parade, a festival in the square, and a fireworks show that lights up the sky.

I love what Independence Day stands for. I’m stirred by the familiar words:

“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all people are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights...”*

Sunday, June 8, 2025, is Pentecost Sunday. Are we celebrating the gift of the Holy Spirit or the birth of the Church? I can already name the Elders who would smile and say simply, “yes.” They’re right, of course—but a little reflection might deepen our understanding.

The name Pentecost means “fiftieth day”—a Greek transliteration of the Jewish festival Shavuot, which falls 50 days after Passover. Jesus was crucified at Passover, and according to Acts 1, he spent 40 days teaching his disciples before ascending into heaven. Then, during the festival of Pentecost—when faithful Jews from across the Mediterranean had gathered in Jerusalem—Peter stood up to preach.

Jesus ascended into heaven 40 days after the Resurrection—not as a farewell, but as a promise. Ascension faith means trusting Christ’s presence, honoring his authority, knowing we are heard, and living out our mission here and now.
“Why do you stand looking into the sky?” —Acts 1:11

Commissioning, Ordination, and Standing

Within the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), the words Commissioning, Ordination, and Standing are more than procedural terms—they form the backbone of how we understand and authorize ministry. These three concepts are interwoven, each playing a distinct yet complementary role in a minister's life and calling….