News
From the Pastor's Desk
With the second installment of Charting the Course coming up soon I am becoming somewhat nervous. Staring at the unknown can often do that. Persons will come and will champion their ideas for the primary focus for the congregation for the coming year(s). With that in mind I wanted to offer some food for thought for those who will be attending the meeting. The source for my reflections comes from “Moving Off the Map: A Field Guide to Changing the Congregation” by Thomas G. Bandy. Bandy talks about systemic change which is necessary for congregations to avoid extinction.
The first of his keys is “Opportunistic initiative” “It is the ability to seize the moment, create and liberate mission teams, and surf the chaos of change. This requires high trust and absolute clarity regarding the values, beliefs, vision, and mission of corporate life.” In other words, mission focused individuals being given permission to go off and start something that will enhance the mission of the church.
Second is “Ownership by the congregation” Bandy says: “Many congregations simply refuse to take responsibility for their own growth.” He goes on to say: “Lay leadership development is the key to congregational ownership.” In essence, the lay persons must engage and be captured by the vision, and become motivated to move forward in the mission.
Third, the missional focus of the congregation must be Spirit led, and its motivations unmasked. Why do we do what we do? Are we just being nice or do we have an agenda, like bringing Christ’s message to all? Bandy says: “Beneficial action, without intentional spiritual growth, never achieves long-term societal solutions.” “Leaders must… (facilitate) transforming experiences with God, which change the human heart.
Finally, it is the uncontrolled (by us) encounter with Christ which must drive us. Bandy says: “Oddly enough, when it comes to helping others experience Jesus, congregations make too much of strategic planning. It is as if they would help people fall in love by organizing a computer dating service. Yet evangelism is not a program, it is a way of living.” In the final analysis, all the programs in the world are not good enough if we are not owners of, and passionate about, the sharing the missional message of Christ.
It is my hope and prayer that you would prayerfully consider these things as you assist in moving us toward mission this month, and that you would allow the Holy Spirit to Guide your thoughts and your choices in this meeting and in all of your life decisions.
See you in Worship!
Pastor James