Where to from here?
Lingering in my mind is a quote that the former Archbishop of Canterbury made as he reflected upon the staggering realities that face churches these days. Roughly, he said, “The church is the only organization that exists for the sake of those who are not yet members.” When we forget that, we become anxious and caught up in maintaining the buildings and we circle the wagons and that is the beginning of the end.
Churches may exist for those who are not yet members, but it is because of the membership that they exist. The balance of keeping our work relevant while maintaining the structure is no easy task. The context in which we live means everything and the context is in constant change.
We live with new challenges than even we faced 10 years ago, and things we hold dear have become more sacred in the midst of uncontrollable change. Our church statistics paint one picture, and our church finances paint another. Yet communities of faith clearly demonstrate the value they still place on supporting the church as a viable presence in their community. I don’t think we are satisfied to merely standing by and watch slow decline. We value the tangible presence of God much more than that. I continue to see signs of hope as we gather in community, to have heightened awareness of the spiritual gifts each of us possesses, to be in awe of the many caring acts offered to those in need by those who are able, to reap the benefits of being a real part of a community of faith.
As Rev. Alison Etter, who is in ministry in Baddeck, Cape Breton, reflected on the value of local churches no matter the size said “because rural communities may decline, but God’s love does not decline; because our way of life may change, but God’s faithfulness will never change; because our young people may be forced to move for work, but God is still here, we need to keep working.” We need not live in fear of change, God is with us. On the other hand, it behooves each of us to live as if that matters; to live a relevant faith, to keep up with the times, to engage in change rather than pretending change does not affect us. God is in the change ahead of us. It is there we are called on the journey.
So as I continue to be grateful and hope-filled by those who quietly attend worship services each week, and for the gift of their presence, and for those who take a leadership role, offering commitment in busy and uncertain times, I want also to say, let’s not judge new ways people are finding spiritual fulfillment. God is there too.
Holding the balance of appreciating where we have been yet boldly going where the Spirit leads is what that lies ahead. Thank God there are always those who faithfully lean into living the challenge of faith for today.