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Greetings San Marco Church Family and Friends: There is a word that I have begun to use and understand more fully as a result of working in the field of mental health. That word is agency. In the context of mental health treatment, agency refers to our active participation in the management and/or healing of a particular diagnosis. It implies a sense of ownership, empowerment and self-control. It also assumes participation in decision making. A sense of agency routinely gives patients greater self-confidence and hope in otherwise difficult situations. Agency is also a powerful concept in our spiritual lives. As followers of Jesus, we always get to choose how much we invest in our discipleship. Sometimes that investment means setting aside time to listen for God’s guidance before we act. Sometimes it means challenging the injustices that we encounter daily. Sometimes it means being intentional about worship and the study of scripture. I have had times in my life when I knew I needed help from other people. When I was younger, I thought asking for help was a sign of weakness. Now I realize that one of the best exercises of agency is acknowledging my need for help and then seeking help from God and from other people. My agency in my spiritual life is never a solitary endeavor. Christ calls us to a lifetime partnership with the Holy Spirit. We are never alone in our agency. Rather, we are partners with God in Christ, who lives within us and seeks to transform our lives. The question we must ask ourselves daily is what we will choose to do with the agency God gives us. As our church membership vows ask us, “Do you accept the freedom and power God gives you to resist evil, injustice and oppression in whatever forms they present themselves?” Accepting this freedom and power is what spiritual agency means. It is not always easy, but it is worth it! For the next two Sundays, I will be exploring Romans chapter 12. This passage contains so much practical advice for followers of Jesus. Sometimes I will hear folks comment that we need more practical application connected to Bible study. I agree with this, and I think Romans 12 is the perfect place to start. So I hope you will plan to attend worship the next two Sundays, and that you will read Romans 12 in preparation. Finally, friends, the most important ministry that changes lives is prayer. Please pray for me, for everyone in our congregation, and for our extended community. Prayer itself is a powerful expression of agency! See you Sunday! Steve Hart
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