Assimilation Fall 1990

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Some time ago, I participated in the funeral service for a high-level corporate executive and community leader. The service was held at another, larger Church to accommodate the great number of attenders. The pall bearers consisted of mayors, a former governor, an astronaut, and other community leaders. The procession to the cemetery was led by twenty stretch limousines, and several hundred cars followed.

I went to the bereaved family's home following the service and found a catered reception. The large tent standing in the back yard made the event seem more like a garden party than a funeral reception.

Feeling awkward, I wondered for a while if I was needed. Finally the caterer left and the tent came down; the friends and relatives said their good-bys and departed. Yet, grief and loss lingered, and I was glad I was present to help meet the needs that remained.

This experience, however, has not been that unusual. My congregation is full of professional athletes, politicians, high-level corporate executives, and self-made business people-"up-and-outers" who hold positions of great wealth, power, and influence in the community and yet find themselves in need of ministry.

Relating to this group has presented unique challenges. Theirs is a world of roomy, custom-built homes, late-model luxury cars, lavish parties, and elaborate weddings. These, not to mention second homes, Colorado ski vacations, and European trips, sometimes intimidate me. I live in a modest home, drive a well-used car, and for most vacations visit grandparents.

Yet while many up-and-outers may live in houses hedged behind high walls and secure gates, the locked gates and security systems cannot keep out the inevitable pain and confusion of life. Sometimes, the ...

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