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In some countries, government departments are called “Ministries:” Ministry of Defense, Ministry of Education, etc. What if we use this idea to understand ourselves (the Church) as “The Ministry of Reconciliation?” Our King, Jesus, under the authority of God the Father, has appointed the Holy Spirit as Director of the Department of Reconciliation. The people of God, the Church, are public servants, employed by the Department. In our work, we are given these four operating principles:

1.      The “Ephesians 2 Principle.” In Ephesians 2, Paul is writing to a congregation that saw itself as being two distinct groups: the Jewish Christians and the Gentile Christians. Paul tells them to get over it. Jesus had broken down the dividing wall of hostility. Jesus was their unity now. This department is strictly non-partisan.

2.      The “Eighth Commandment Principle.” One of the most helpful tools we have in our Lutheran Christian tradition is Martin Luther’s explanation of the 8th Commandment. “You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor” is the command. What Luther teaches is that “we are to fear and love God so that we do not betray, slander, or lie about our neighbors. Rather, we should defend them, speak well of them, and explain their actions in the kindest way.” It is department policy that we assume the best in others.

3.      The “Matthew 5 Principle” says “Go first.” If you are on your way to church and you realize that your brother or sister has something against you, turn around, be reconciled first. Department of Reconciliation employees are expected to take the first step toward healing and restoring peace: extend the olive branch, confess the sin, make the apology, ask forgiveness. 

4.      The “AFAIDOY Principle” (Romans 12). Government agencies love acronyms. This one is from Romans 12:18, which says: “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” (As far as it depends on you). Reconciliation takes two. Relationships cannot be fixed by force or force of will. When efforts of reconciliation are met with resistance, department policy recommends repeating steps 1-3 (see above).

--Rev. Doug Peterson, Shelton Branch Manager, Department of Reconciliation