Talking Church in an Uber - Rector's Rambling for August 25, 2019

While out of town the other week I got a ride in an Uber (ride sharing service, like a taxi).  Traveling in my clergy clothes is an open invitation to others to start a conversation about God, faith, and prayer.  I enjoy that about traveling dressed this way.

My Uber driver that day took up the invitation by announcing that he would be moving soon to begin his study for the ministry.  He was involved in a “Holiness” Church, a mid-19th century movement that grew out of the Methodist church with an emphasis on a secondary conversion after baptism leading to living one’s life without sin by living according to various holiness rules (modesty in dress, etc.).  He was happy to hear that I was acquainted with the movement and I commended him on his desire to serve the Lord by going into the ministry.

The clergy collar then invited him to ask me a question because he assumed I was a Roman Catholic priest – why Catholics “worship” Mary.  I explained to him that they do not worship her, but rather venerate (give reverence) because of her role and participation as the mother of Jesus.  He had never heard it explained that way but thanked me for the clarification.

After I explained that I was in the Episcopal Church he then asked if “Episcopal” was because we use the Epistles instead of the Gospels.  I have to admit this was a wonderful guess at where the name Episcopal comes from.  I explained it came the Greek word επίσκοπος (epískopos) because we are a church with bishops in apostolic succession compared to the Presbyterians (πρεσβύτερος) who are governed by a non-apostolic board of elders.

The rest of the conversation was about Jesus himself, whom we both love and serve.  I am glad that he was my Uber driver that day.  It was a wonderful opportunity to share our common love for our Lord, dispel misconceptions, and inform others about our church.  One never knows where the opportunity will arise to share the faith, as well as correct mistaken information.  Another good reason to be regular about worship, study, and learning.  May Timothy grow more and more as he prepares for the ordained ministry to our Lord.