A doxology – what is it?
A doxology is a hymn verse, usually the last, in which are words (Greek: logos) of glory (Greek: doxa), sung to our Triune God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. We may think of the great doxology, sung to the old tune for the 100th Psalm: “Praise God from whom all blessings flow! Praise Him all creatures here below; Praise Him above, ye heavenly host: Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.”
We know this verse well in our Church. It is sung after nearly every convention, every major election, every time we want to invite God to bless our decisions, thank Him for bringing us this far, we may sing the doxology.
Doxology – what is it?
Doxology is a pastoral formation program using advanced study retreats to strengthen pastors for the task of faithfully shepherding the souls entrusted to their care. Last month, January 15-18, I joined a group of pastors who wanted to improve their pastoral care for ‘Doxology: the Gathering’ at the Bishop Lane Retreat Center, in Rockford Illinois.
I was both skeptical and nervous, initially. But soon after arriving, I discovered that I had nothing to fear. All around me were fellow Lutheran pastors, eager to improve aspects of their ministry. I was not alone.
Every man gathered there was put through a rigorous exercise of prayer (3-4 times per day), study (a full day could have up to six intense sessions), punctuated with brief, half-hour breathers for rest.
Utilizing the finest contemporary Christian psychology and theology, the Rev. Dr. Harold Senkbeil, and Dr. Beverly Yahnke led the theologians through grueling self-examination, case studies, psychologically and theologically tricky situations, and more.
We were confronted with the Law: how on earth could sinful men do the work of Jesus in His place? It is an impossible task by man’s power. Only with the authority of God can a pastor shepherd the flock of God. The metaphor of pipe vs. bucket was used: is a pastor a pipeline for the infinite gifts of God to pass through, or is he a bucket, who will run dry when emptied?
Doxology helped each person learn more about himself. It was truly an intense retreat – but not altogether devoid of refreshment. Every moment spent in worship refreshed us by the Gospel. Singing together bonded God’s people, cementing old relationships, and forging new friendships. Men who served the Lord gathered together for mutual consolation and conversation, as our Confessions speak of, in the Smalcald Articles, Part III, article IV.
It was a deep blessing for me to go to Doxology: the Gathering. It is my fervent hope that I be a conduit, a pipeline, for God’s grace unto you all. I anticipate God’s blessings through this intense and rigorous time of study, reflection, and meditation on God’s Word. I pray that you also be blessed by His work through the service of your humble pastor.
Luke 17:10 – “So you also, when you have done all that you were commanded, say, ‘We are unworthy servants; we have only done what was our duty.’”