Generationally our congregations developed as havens of faith for loved ones of similar ethnic groups, often fleeing persecution or seeking opportunities in communities of similar backgrounds. Overtime those communities, and in turn many of our congregations changed, and our connection to the neighbors in those communities has weekend. Formally vibrant congregations are sometimes home to only a few believers today. Unfortunately, the world changed around them and we as a denomination did not realize it quickly enough.
So… what can we do? In the Gospel of Luke, the young lawyer asked Jesus “but who is my neighbor?” The response was a parable that has been chiseled into the foundation of our Faith. But do we always remember who our neighbors are? Its time for us as a denomination to remember to BE the Samaritan and see the neighbor in our small and struggling churches, and in turn, help them see and serve the neighbors in their communities.
Though our present pandemic has caused pause to some actions, work has already begun. Regular, scheduled visitation support will be provided by a rotating schedule of our North American Churches. The intent is to “strengthen that which remains” while providing opportunity for the broader Church family to experience service in a small congregation.
Additionally, we are working to develop short-term programs and events to foster energy and connection to the communities. We are also beginning analysis of individual locations in order to develop “health-checks” and support plans to foster renewed growth.
Some may say, “what’s the point?” We’re certainly out of touch if we think we have the only set of keys to heaven. But if you’ve found your way here, you’re obviously thankful for the family of Faith to which God lead you, and I hope you’d echo the words of Brother Henry Michel that “nothing boasting but we have the greatest thing in the world.”
That “THING” isn’t the country club style fellowship we’re so often accustom to, but rather, the “faith once delivered to the saints.”
The question we each need to ask ourselves is, “how can I be more fully committed to sharing that greatest of all things, my FAITH, with my neighbor who needs it?
So… what can we do? In the Gospel of Luke, the young lawyer asked Jesus “but who is my neighbor?” The response was a parable that has been chiseled into the foundation of our Faith. But do we always remember who our neighbors are? Its time for us as a denomination to remember to BE the Samaritan and see the neighbor in our small and struggling churches, and in turn, help them see and serve the neighbors in their communities.
Though our present pandemic has caused pause to some actions, work has already begun. Regular, scheduled visitation support will be provided by a rotating schedule of our North American Churches. The intent is to “strengthen that which remains” while providing opportunity for the broader Church family to experience service in a small congregation.
Additionally, we are working to develop short-term programs and events to foster energy and connection to the communities. We are also beginning analysis of individual locations in order to develop “health-checks” and support plans to foster renewed growth.
Some may say, “what’s the point?” We’re certainly out of touch if we think we have the only set of keys to heaven. But if you’ve found your way here, you’re obviously thankful for the family of Faith to which God lead you, and I hope you’d echo the words of Brother Henry Michel that “nothing boasting but we have the greatest thing in the world.”
That “THING” isn’t the country club style fellowship we’re so often accustom to, but rather, the “faith once delivered to the saints.”
The question we each need to ask ourselves is, “how can I be more fully committed to sharing that greatest of all things, my FAITH, with my neighbor who needs it?
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