Four years ago, I ended Oboedire. I had the sense that it had run its course. I honored that sense, even though I reactivated it ten months later as we moved into a time of national turmoil, bringing a more prophetic dimension to my posts. The focus on social holiness these past four years has been formative for me, and I hope helpful to you.
I now find myself at another transition place, and I am going to honor it as I did at the end of 2016. Oboedire will remain an active site, but the purpose is changing.
I am an elder (older adult), and I want Oboedire to reflect that. Elders “sit at the gate,” engaging in what Eugene Peterson called the ministry of small-talk. Elders listen more and talk less. They are not runners; they are encouragers of those still on the track. I want to use Oboedire that way. So, from time to time, I will write a new series of posts entitled,”At the Gate.”
I welcome suggestions from you regarding what I might write about as an elder sitting “at the gate.” Use the Oboedire email to be in touch.
The “In-Sight” series will become less frequent, but active when I have something in keeping with its theme to share. The January “In-Sight” will be the final one for now.
As the pandemic brings new challenges to the Church, it puts increasing pressure on pastors. So, in the new Oboedire, I am reviving the “Shepherd’s Care” theme, as a way to encourage clergy.
I am also ending the ad-free feature of the Oboedire site since it will not be as active, and that means you will use a new access address if you search for it on the web: oboedire.wordpress.com. If you subscribe to Oboedire, you will continue to receive posts automatically via email.
Some of you have been part of the Oboedire journey from the beginning 10.5 years ago. Others of you are recent companions. Thanks to all of you.
I pray that the new year will be a path of restoration and renewal for you. We are in need of recovery on many levels. I write about that in the January “In-Sight” which posts tomorrow.
Oboedire 