A New Calling & Role: Theologian in Residence
A New Calling & Role: Theologian in Residence
by Rev. Dr. Case Thorp
Last June Dr. Swanson and I were sitting outside, eating lunch together in beautiful Northville, Michigan. We were there at the Ward Church for the annual General Assembly of our denomination. I threw out a crazy idea to see what he thought.
I said, “David, now after 17 years of service, I wonder, what would you think about me lessening my FPCO obligations to serve the greater church, beyond First Pres?” As he has always been with my growth and development, he loved it.
Starting September 1, the Session has approved a new role for me. I will shift from Senior Associate Pastor for Evangelism to Theologian in Residence. I will pull back on my work at the church by 25% to give me more time and space to serve the greater church nationally and globally. I’ll still be a pastor, still a member of Presbytery, and still very much involved in the ministry of our wonderful church, but with a bit more space to serve others.
Where did this new calling originate for me?
Again, another David story. In late 2017 David came running in my office, and I mean running. He said, “You are about to get a phone call! They want you to be the moderator of the denomination!”
Well, I knew very well that David likes his pranks. I’ve learned to see them coming, and become quite limber executing the backward-bend-motion Neo uses in the Matrix to dodge a bullet. I said, “Please! You are pulling my leg.” “No!” he said, “You are really about to get a call. The General Assembly Nominations Committee chairman just called as a courtesy to let me know you are being asked.”
I was shocked, and even a bit uncomfortable. I objected and said, “David, this isn’t the right order of things. You should be asked first.” He laughed, and said, “Are you kidding me?! You’ll be great and that’s not my gig.”
Thus began a wonderful three year journey serving the Evangelical Presbyterian Church, and I loved every single minute of it. It was during this term of service that God revealed to me the ministry work of apostleship. What is this spiritual gift?
The description provided by Westminster Presbyterian Church in Butler, Pennsylvania is quite succinct:
apostleship [Ephesians 4:7, 11]: (those with this spiritual gift) motivate the body to look beyond its walls in order to carry out the Great Commission. Apostleship provides people with the desire and ability to start new endeavors for God, most often churches. They are eager to be known as ambassadors for Christ in the world.
Since my time as moderator I have been asked by more and more churches and church leaders to share what we’ve learned here at FPCO. Last December, the St. Andrews Kirk in Nassau, The Bahamas, had me for a weekend to work with their Session as they prepare for folding in another congregation, a difficult and risky project. I take a number of calls from other pastors, even young ones, who want to process their call and situations in ministry. My writing has slowed down as of late, and I hope to pursue more writing and possibly even a book one day (one day!!).
Now, by no means does this spiritual gift imply the office of Apostle; that was clearly reserved for the first century church. This is simply growth on my part to lean into the gifts and passions the Lord has ignited and developed within me. I want to keep growing professionally, and sharing with others what a healthy church looks like, think deeply about the church in increasing cultural exile, and how missional churches function.
Part of this decision also rests on the fact that Jodi and I love Orlando, and our church family so dearly. We see ourselves here long term, and as our kids begin to launch beyond Boone High School our prayers are shifting to, “Bring them back home one day, Lord!” Central Florida, what a great place to live and love, minister and put down roots.
A Theologian in Residence is not what my kids think it is: Official Church Nerd. (Although, they are not far off *smile*.) You typically see such a role for a visiting professor who comes to a church for a limited time to have space to write, but also share his gifts and skills with the congregation. In our situation I’ll still be here, week in and week out, doing most of what I do best.
In the life of FPCO I will keep teaching and preaching, writing and creating content. You’ll find me on Sunday mornings occasionally preaching, leading worship, and weekly teaching my favorite topic, the Biblical Narrative. I’ll still be supervising and teaching Gotham Fellows, Arts Fellows, and our Orlando Heart of the City Fellows. My work, that I love, mentoring future ordination candidates and pastoral residents will continue. Throw in an occasional wedding and funeral, and denominational relations, and my plate will be full.
What is coming off my plate? Church planting (locally, nationally, globally), evangelism projects, the new covenant partner process and Meet the Press, and a number of other staff workgroups behind the scenes.
Every seven years associate pastors at our church take a sabbatical, and mine is up for this summer. I’ll be away June, July, and half of August, spending a month with the church plant we support in Esk Valley, Scotland, and then back for the new adventure. Please, pray for this time of rest, renewal and re-energizing.
Some may think, “Hmmmm, I won’t notice any difference, Case.” And perhaps not, but The Session, David, and I wanted you to hear from me about this change and the opportunities ahead for me. Most of all, please pray for me as I engage in some of the new work ahead and find a good and healthy rhythm.
To God be the glory!
SEE THE VIDEO FROM WORSHIP ON 03.12 FOR MORE DETAILS