Sunday, November 22, 2009

A Wonderful Journey

Our church is taking a wonderful journey that all too often is not part of the life of other congregations of whatever denominational stripe. We have, for the past several years, been led in a concerted effort to enable us to see beyond the walls of our building and understand and fill the need that is “out there” for the hands and feet of Jesus.
I don’t know what church staff thinks (one of two of them read this blog), but I am seeing a quickening, a coming-alive, a revitalization of the organism of which I am a part. I am, somewhat reluctantly at times, also becoming more revitalized and am thoroughly enjoying witnessing the awakening in others and in the congregation as a whole (which is, I believe, greater than the sum of its parts).
It’s a little scary at times and unsettling at other times. We don’t know exactly where we are going and can only see ahead dimly. Yet we are taking the plunge and many of us, perhaps for the first time in our lives, are trusting God for guidance as we have never done before.
Our trip is multi-faceted. We have re-examined our participation in various missions efforts and outreaches and have made some modifications. We are working toward a church plant in a nearby neighborhood. We are receiving teaching and instruction that is pertinent, clear, and appropriate. We are working with several different efforts, both individually and collectively, in our neighborhood to make our part of Wichita a better place. And we are working toward a financial goal over the next three years that will enable us to carry out many of those things we see need for.
I’ve never been part of anything like this before. I may never be again. I am savoring the moment.

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