Jesus Freak
I originally wrote this post five years ago, on June 15th, 2018. I’ve edited it slightly for context and to make it look like I didn’t write it with my index finger! I then flash forward to the present day with some added thoughts.
June 15th, 2018
This morning I gave notice that I will be resigning my credentials in good standing with my church denomination. I am no longer Rev. Jordan Majeau; the title has been left aside. I had a wonderful and gracious meeting with a leader from our district office. I have a great deal of respect for him, and I have a great sense of peace about the process. I can't overemphasize this. I've always been treated well by my denomination.
Brings me back to 1995. A great album.
I am asking myself though...how did I get here? After a great deal of thought and contemplation, I think it started back in 1995. An album called "Jesus Freak" was released by D.C. Talk. It's by far the album that has had the greatest influence on my life. The lyrics pushed the 14-year-old me to go "all in." I took the message seriously. I was a radically different person then, and I think this is the point of this post.
I believe that lifelong change can only be the result of complete devotion to God. You start your journey at one point thinking you're headed to one specific destination, only to realize you've ended up in another surrounded by neighbors, new adventures and a new understanding of the world. I marvel at how this has all panned out. It's been great. I've traveled to places I'd never thought I'd get to see. I've met incredible people that have changed my life.
So, I'm not exactly sure what is next for my family and me, but I do trust that the story will continue and it's going to be great! What's the difference between Rev. Jordan Majeau and Jordan Majeau? We'll see.
Flash Forward to 2023
What's a Jesus Freak anyway?
It's a term that was used initially decades before I was even born in the 1960s. Here's the definition from Merriam-Webster
Jesus Freak
1: a member of an evangelical Christian youth movement that began in the late 1960s and emphasized communal living, Bible study, spiritual gifts, and the active work of the Holy Spirit in the modern world
2 usually disparaging : a devout Christian
I’m not from the 1960s, but the description here is compelling.
A devout Christian? Hey, count me in! But what does a devout Christian do?
I don't think we need to spend much energy to come up with an answer. A devout Christian is a follower of Christ. I believe the last three words of that last sentence are to be interpreted in the present tense. So, the next question might be, does Jesus walk? If so, does he only hike around the confines of home?
If Jesus goes out into the world with a message of hope, justice, and peace, you might have to jump the fence to follow him. This is the struggle of the ages for anyone religious. Do you allow your faith to evolve when presented with new information? I would say yes. I resigned my credentials for that very reason. That doesn't need to be everyone's decision, but it's the one I made. Making that kind of decision was an act of faith in itself. I'm happy I did. It's part of my ongoing attempt to follow a God who travels. It's not always been a perfect walk, but I'm doing my best.
I think I’m doing ok. And…so will you.
Friend, if you’re at a crossroads, you’re not alone. Many out there feel just like you. There are Jesus Freaks like us out in the wild of the world, forming new communities and humbling serving a world that we think is beautiful and worth serving. When you’re ready, jump the fence and follow him.
Thanks for reading, friend. May you find yourself a group of Jesus Freaks this week.