So much fear.
Churches are feeling the crunch. Finances are tight, or in some places even critical. For some denominational structures they are approaching critical status and could face collapse within a few years.
Things are going to be changing. And fast!
Conversations I’ve been having with people locally and through social media revolve around the question, “What are we going to do?”
And not really in a positive way (although some are trying).
It feels like we’re running around crying, “The sky is falling! The sky is falling!”
It seems people are felling that if a denomination falls in upon itself, or if a church has to close, even if it appears to be in a prime location, all hope is lost. As if all of christendom is hinged upon our ability to avoid this outcome at all costs.
People who know me know how I feel about this, which boils down to…
So what?
Do we really think that God is relying on human made structures to further the kingdom? These structures and policies we’ve created to protect ourselves, are they really God’s design?
The Gospel of Jesus Christ does not limit itself to how our churches are organized. It is only limited by the hearts of those who seek to follow him. Something we can do wherever we are: in our homes, our streets, our workplaces, and even in our churches.
It’s no question in my mind that the church will look very different in 5 to 10 years. Especially in my own denomination.
The question I have is this.
Are we willing to let go of our need to control, to drop the fight for the scraps that are left, and let God build His church?
If we don’t, then nothing will survive.
So while it may appear things are burning down around us, are we willing to wait and see what God will raise from the ashes?
Remember, for resurrection to happen, something has to die first.
Photo from http://www.sxc.hu/photo/1072585