Salvation
SALVATION
December 7, 2023
Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid. The Lord, the Lord Himself, is my strength and my defense; He has become my salvation.
Isaiah 12:2
Thought
As we return to the manger, let us not forget the meaning of His birth and the purpose of His life. He came to save, deliver, and redeem us: O come, let us adore Him!” (Jean-Michel Hansen)
Song
"O Come, O Come, Emmanuel"
1. O come, O come, Emmanuel
And ransom captive Israel
That mourns in lonely exile here
Until the Son of God appear
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to thee, O Israel
2. O come, Thou Dayspring, come and cheer
Our spirits by Thine advent here
Disperse the gloomy clouds of night
And death’s dark shadows put to flight
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to thee, O Israel
Prayer
My Lord Jesus, as I enjoy the festivities of Advent, from calendars and decorations to special foods and music, I joyfully acknowledge the reason for Your birth. You were born not to add to the lists of celebrations, but to save the world from sin and death through a cross beyond the manger. And for this I give You praise and adoration. Amen.
Daily Readings
Isaiah 10, Isaiah 11, and Isaiah 12
To see the full Advent devotional, click on the button below.
Trust
TRUST
December 6, 2023
I will wait for the Lord, Who is hiding His face from the descendants of Jacob. I will put my trust in Him.
Isaiah 8:17
Thought
While we wait, we have to trust, to have faith, but it is God’s grace that gives us that faith. (Michelle Blake)
Song
"Come Thou Long Expected Jesus"
1. Come, Thou long expected Jesus
Born to set Thy people free
From our fears and sins release us
Let us find our rest in Thee
Israel’s strength and consolation
Hope of all the earth Thou art
Dear desire of every nation
Joy of every longing heart
2. Born Thy people to deliver
Born a child, and yet a King
Born to reign in us forever
Now Thy gracious Kingdom bring
By Thine own eternal Spirit
Rule in all our hearts alone
By Thine all sufficient merit
Raise us to Thy glorious throne
Prayer
To the One Whose joy is the strength to those who live by faith, may You strengthen me that I might have a better trust in You. Help me to go beyond believing in Your promises to clinging to You with an unshakable hope and an unbreakable gratitude. The hope and gratitude of those who awaited Jesus and found joy through the Holy Spirit that He would reign forever. Amen.
Daily Chapters
Isaiah 7, Isaiah 8, and Isaiah 9
To see the full Advent devotional, click on the button below.
Send
SEND
December 5, 2023
Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for Us?” And I said, “Here am I. Send me!”
Isaiah 6:8
Thought
God sent a star to light the night for The Way, The Truth, The Life–His Son. He sent the Light of Life to prove His heart so we would invite His Son into our own. (Pamela Dowd)
Song
"This Is Christ"
1. Good news from heaven the angels bring
Glad tidings to the earth they sing
To us this day a child is given
To crown us with the joy of heaven
[CHORUS]
This is the Christ, our God and Lord
Who in all need shall aid afford
He will Himself our Savior be
And from our sins will set us free
2. All hail, thou noble guest this morn
Whose love did not the sinner scorn
In my distress, thou come’st to me
What thanks shall I return to thee?
[CHORUS]
3. Were, earth a thousand times as fair
Beset with gold and jewels rare
She yet, were far too poor to be
A narrow cradle, Lord, for Thee
4. Praise God upon his heavenly throne
Who gave to us His only son
For this his hosts on joyful wing
A blessed New Year of mercy sing
[CHORUS]
Prayer
O Maker of all things, Who filled the sky with stars, thank You for sending the brightest star, Your Son, into the darkness. His radiant beams revealed Your mercy and grace to humanity, and it showed the Creation Your heart of deep compassion and steadfast love. Lord, in this Advent season help me to grow in faith, and to be a beacon of mercy and grace that shines with compassion and love. In Your holy name I pray. Amen
Daily Chapters
Isaiah 4, Isaiah 5, and Isaiah 6
To see the full Advent devotional, click on the button below.
Listen
LISTEN
December 4, 2023
Hear me, you heavens! Listen, earth! For the Lord has spoken.
Isaiah 1:2
Thought
You hold your breath to listen. You are aware of the beating of your heart. The extraordinary thing that is about to happen is matched only by the extraordinary moment just before it happens. Advent is the name of that moment. (Frederick Buechner)
Song
"Let All Mortal Flesh Keel Silence"
1. Let all mortal flesh keep silence,
And with fear and trembling stand;
Ponder nothing earthly-minded,
For with blessing in His hand,
Christ our God to earth descendeth,
Our full homage to demand.
2. King of kings, yet born of Mary,
As of old on earth He stood,
Lord of lords, in human vesture,
In the body and the blood;
He will give to all the faithful
His own self for heav’nly food.
3. Rank on rank the host of heaven
Spreads its vanguard on the way,
As the Light of light descendeth
From the realms of endless day,
That the pow’rs of hell may vanish
As the darkness clears away.
4. At His feet the six-winged seraph,
Cherubim with sleepless eye,
Veil their faces to the presence,
As with ceaseless voice they cry:
“Alleluia, Alleluia,
Alleluia, Lord Most High!”
Prayer
Almighty God, Whose Light came down from heaven, thank You for another season of hope and joyful waiting. Help me to listen like the Cherubim with sleepless eye, and rest within Your Holy word throughout the weeks ahead. And may each day be filled with praises like the Seraph: Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia, Lord Most High! Amen.
Daily Chapters
Isaiah 1, Isaiah 2, and Isaiah 3
To see the full Advent devotional, click on the button below.
My New Parish: The American Protestant Church of the Hague
My New Parish
The American Protestant Church of the Hague
In March I was elected to serve at the American Protestant Church of the Hague [APCH]. Since then I have received many questions about this wonderful congregation in South Holland. At first I thought of answering them through a traditional article, but I thought it best to let APCH speak for itself.
To learn about my new parish click on the Church logo below!
The images featured in this post are by the American Protestant Church of the Hague.
I Still Love My Country: A Prayer for Independence Day
I Still Love My Country
A Prayer for Independence Day
Love Not Lost
There are many reasons to lose hope for the United States of America. In fact, I discussed a few of them with an ex-American just before the 4th. They lamented over several ills such as mass shootings and the Culture War, and expressed a fatigue at having the explain the problems while living abroad.
As an expat of over a decade I understand their frustration. Though not in government, we are in many ways representatives of our homeland. Our actions, no matter how small, can impact its reputation. From achievements that make Americans look respectable, to cultural faux pas that make us look foolish.
Indeed, I know all to well the frustration of my ex-compatriot. An irritation that for them became so much that they gave up U.S. citizenship. But for me, I am not so ready to leave behind my passport. For despite the egg on Columbia’s (the female national personification of the United States) face, my love for her has not yet waned.
I love my country for what it was, despite the issue in its founding and past. I love my country for what it is, despite its present issues which deserve critique. I love my country for what it could be, even if the future looks bleak. Despite many valid reasons I have not lost hope, and am still proud to be an American.
Love Without Extremes
Chad Bird writes that when loving the United States, one can fall into one of two extremes. They can either treat it as God’s favorite nation on earth or define it solely by its faults. While loving America I seek to do so without these extremes. She is neither a utopic promised land nor an ongoing failed experiment.
At the end of the day America is like all other nations on earth. A place with broken and beautiful people daily facing the brokenness and beauty of life. Therefore, as I lament her ills and bear the frustration I do not condemn. I simply pray for her well-being and wish her the best. My home and beautiful country.
A Prayer For Independence Day
Here is a prayer that I wrote for the 2023 Independence Day. It can also be used at any other time of the year.
To the Ruler all of nations, I thank You for my country. A land not higher than others in Your sight, yet under the care of Your guiding hand. Forgive me for the times and ways that I have loved it like an idol or taken it for granted while spurning the blessings You have given through it. Also forgive me for the times and ways that I have mistreated fellow citizens, and likened them to enemies instead of neighbors that I am called to love. Set right the wrongs among my country and its people, and give us Your peace that we might be a true agent of healing for the wounds of this world. In Your gracious name I pray. Amen.
The images featured in this post are by rogerl01 and Pexels of pixabay.com, and Paul Stahr from the WWI period. Each image is free for public use with the proper acknowledgements.
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UPDATE: Next Stop Netherlands!
UPDATE: Next Stop Netherlands!
A new adventure for the Williams family
Instead of a barbecue with relatives and friends, my family and I spent this Juneteenth clearing out our apartment. After seven years in Wittenbach, and thirteen years in Switzerland, we are embarking on a new adventure in another part of Europe.
Last November I was invited to candidate at the American Protestant Church of the Hague [APCH]. A congregation that has been quite special to my wife and I throughout the years. In fact, I preached there in the summer of 2013, and some of its former pastors are mentors and good friends.
The idea of serving at APCH brought much joy and excitement, and I am happy to announce that in a few weeks it will become a reality. On March 19th I was voted to be its next Lead Pastor. I look forward to joining an amazing team bringing Good News to an amazing place.
On behalf of my family, many thanks to all who helped us get to this point. We will never forget your loving support as we move on to The Hague.
The images featured in this post are by Scotty J. Williams, tomekwalecki and Wereldbestormers of pixabay.com, and the American Protestant Church of the Hague. Each image free for public use with the proper acknowledgements.
Fit Pastors: Building A New Culture of Ministry
Fit Pastors
Building a New Culture of Ministry
In the wake of the Pandemic, where clergy are leaving in great numbers, a new culture of ministry is emerging that is focused on health and healing.
An Unhealthy Culture
As the world was shaken up by the COVID-19 virus, the Church was being shaken by a growing “Clergy Exodus“. Many pastors had long thought of walking away from ministry, and the Pandemic was an ideal moment to make a peaceful exit.
Despite their various reasons, those who left had one thing in common. They were worn out from an unhealthy culture that is found in numerous congregations. This culture calls for service through a constant sacrifice. A surrender that, though noble on the surface, is detrimental at heart.
Part of being a pastor entails a degree of putting Church first. After all, we are shepherds of Christ‘ flock and it comes with the territory. There are days where one must postpone things that they enjoy for important meetings. And there are nights one must leave family dinners to take emergency calls.
Nevertheless, being a pastor is not solely putting Church first. Yet, the unhealthy culture of sacrifice has led many to wrongly think that it does. From this droves of clergy have served with a self-denial that neglects self-care, and burned out they hang up their stoles while saying, “I did not sign up for this.”
A Radical Step
To be clear, the Clergy Exodus is not some way to hurt or punish the Church. In fact, most of those who choose to leave still love and want the best for her. They are really taking a radical step for health and healing, and the same is true for those who choose to remain in sanctuaries.
At the end of 2020, I considered departing from ministry. I had been drained through Pandemic outreach and was on the verge of a burnout. Following a year of exploring other options (e.g., university work) it became clear that I should stay, but I wanted to take a radical step while keeping on my stole.
Like the colleagues who hung up their stoles, I did not sign up for how things were. So, with this in mind I decided to make a list of all the things I did sign up for. The list rekindled joys that had been lost in the rigors of ministry, and I changed my goal in pastoring to pursuing them as I preached Good News.
Pursing these joys was my radical step, and they brought me to a place of health and healing in ministry. I could leave models of pastoring steeped in the unhealthy culture, and be the pastor that I felt God had called me to be. Best of all, I could be the pastor that I wanted to be, and find spaces that shared my values and welcomed my gifts.
A New Culture
When the Pandemic began to wind down, a number of clergy stated that they did not wish to go back to “normal”. To not return to the unhealthy culture that can drive one from the pulpit. For years, we had addressed this problem collectively through seminars, but this time we employed a solution that was much more individual.
Since the road to healing and health is different for every person, pastors began focusing on their specific stories and the particular things they needed. For some it was better pay and more time with their families, and for others it was a new career and more vacation days.
Of course, there are needs we share and we offer each other pointers. Still each of us are walking our individual paths to health and healing. We are building a new culture where self-denial is not burdensome. A new way of being a pastor where sacrifice does not harm well-being.
Fit Pastors
One could argue that the culture we are building is nothing new at all. If truth by told, it is basic self-care and not very radical. Nevertheless, for many pastors the idea that their well-being matters is life-changing, for the unhealthy culture is centuries-old and rewards those who follow it.
Church history is full of names that found greatness through constant sacrifice, but in the process they sacrificed what that mattered, and especially their mental and physical welfare. In the end, after faithful service, these pastors became unfit and were unable to fully thrive and grow in life and ministry.
Thankfully, the Pandemic has caused pastors today to question their forbears more seriously, and to see that Christ cares for more than His flock. He also cares for the well-being of the shepherds He has called. Therefore, all clergy should care for themselves, and do their best to get and stay fit for life and ministry.
One way that I am getting and staying fit is meeting with a therapist. It is such a joy to have a voice and a space where I can be heard and find guidance. I am also getting and staying fit by going to a gym. A non-religious space where I find good community and celebrate visible progress.
Just as Jesus cares for us, we pastors must care for ourselves. Through this we will continue to change the unhealthy culture of constant sacrifice. We will continue to create a new culture of health and healing that fosters thriving. And perhaps we might even stem the tide of the growing Clergy Exodus.
The images featured in this post are by Scotty J. Williams and KL Yuen. These image by KL Yuen has been purchased with the proper licenses for use on this website.
Noumuso: Documentary Debut
Noumuso
Documentary Debut
Afropfingsten Winterthur-May 26, 2023
On May 26th, at the 2023 AfroPfingsten Festival, a documentary film about Noumuso (the band that I do spoken word for) was debuted. This film focuses on an album that Noumuso released last year called “Freequency Of Da Sun“. Two of my spoken word pieces, “Kids In the Sun” and “The Spirit“, are featured on the album.
Before the debut, I had the chance to attend a private screening of the documentary with my son. It was his first time in a movie theater and he loved it. Many thanks to Brotha Emmanuel Riederer for inviting me to take in this amazing music venture!
Documentary Trailer
Kids In The Son
The Spirit
Good Neighbor: A Tribute to Timothy Keller
Good Neighbor
A Tribute to Timothy Keller
“Not everyone is your brother or sister in faith, but everyone is your neighbour, and you must love your neighbour” – Timothy Keller
Culture Wars
While training for the ministry my pastoral mentor, the late Rev. Whitcomb, asked me an interesting question. He said, “Scotty, what type of pastor are you trying to be?”, to which I replied, “I am trying my best to be a good neighbor.”
At that time the American Culture War was reaching its zenith, and more Christians began to plant their flags in liberal and conservative camps. There were also calls to be more Democrat or Republican, and discussions of which candidates were more line with God.
As time went on, pastors found themselves being called to get involved in the Culture War. To pick a side and join a camp while preaching who to vote for. But in my case, I had no desire to be a Culture Warrior. I simply desired to confess my faith while serving all those that I encountered with love.
Yes, pastors must address and engage the issues of their context. Nevertheless, the goal is not conquering culture, it is enriching it with Good News.
Enter Tim Keller
After hearing my answer, Rev. Whitcomb encouraged me to look for good neighbor colleagues. Ministers who were what I wished to be and whose example I could follow. Along with him I found a number of wonderful clergyfolk, and among them was a Presbyterian in Manhattan named Timothy Keller.
At first, I avoided Keller because a lot of Christians recommended his work. I was, and still am, not too keen on popular voices that are often passing fads. Yet, Keller was grounded and expressed Protestant thought in a friendly refreshing way. And he avoided the camps of the Culture War and planted his flag elsewhere.
Instead of liberal or conservative, Keller called himself “orthodox”. A bold move in a time where orthodoxy was mistaken for fundamentalism. Best of all he was an apologist who did not waste time with debates. He simply spoke and wrote what he believed to be true, and sought respect and peace in disagreement.
Gratitude
In Keller I saw the type of pastor that I wanted to be. A minister who, in the words of Gregory Neal, has no enemies among people. The true foe are the things that make us forget God’s love for and image in others. Things that compel us to fight Culture Wars instead of building communities.
Since encountering this Presbyterian, whose tradition is now my spiritual home, I have found the freedom to prioritize the well-being of other above all else. This is the heart of the Gospel that he cherished and proclaimed. That God cared so much for the well-being of humanity and the world that He gave His all to save us.
During a conference in 2014 at the American Church in Paris, I had the privilege to meet Keller in person and thank him for how he impacted my life and faith. I also got to thank him for the ways he impacted me in that moment by listening to my struggles as a Black pastor in Europe and responding with encouragement.
Because of him I have become and am becoming the pastor that I desire to be. A confessional minister who strives to be a good neighbor to all. It does not matter who they are or where they stand. I am here to serve them as he did with respect, peace, and love.
Thank you Rev. Dr. Keller for your wonderful example and faithful witness.
Rest in peace, and rise in glory.
The images featured in this post are by Scotty J. Williams, Scott Herr, and Darelle and wiggijo of pixabay.com. These images are free for public use with the proper acknowledgements.