The Way of Change

I had two interesting experiences last week that I’d like to share about. One was at the Good Friday paddle out by the Capitola Wharf and the other was at the Sunrise Easter service at the Cross in Mount Hermon.

Both were outside, and both were teaming with people. Both experiences felt really normal and good. Both honored the Lord and gave people a chance to express their love to God and hear biblical truth.

I think we all know that we will never be back to “normal” again…rather we will enjoy a “new normal”.  We just aren’t sure what that looks like yet.  

As you look back through the history of the church, spanning from Jesus’ resurrection to today, there has been a ton of change.  

Some lifetimes see very little change, some see a tremendous amount.  

What changes in the church have you seen in your lifetime?  

What do you miss?  

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.

Hebrews 13:8

What do you wish would change faster?

One thing that doesn’t change is Jesus Christ…He’s the same yesterday and today and forever.

We may change the methods of sharing His good news, the setting and a bunch of other variables…we often have to change to be more effective as a church.  In Jesus’ few years of public ministry, He was creative in his miracles, teaching, settings and interactions.

In my two experiences listed above, which were both very enjoyable, BUT I had to get out of my comfort zone. 

For the first one in Capitola, I had to put on a wetsuit, jump into the freezing ocean (yes I do this a lot, but we weren’t surfing at all, nor paddling much…mostly shivering) and afterwards scurry back to the car to change just as it was getting dark.  

In my second experience, on Easter morning, I had to get up at 5:15am, hike in the dark, endure the cold and rush back down to get to our church service.  

I had to be uncomfortable—but both were totally worth it—discomfort was part of the experience.  *disclaimer—I think Daniel Burchell thrives on this sort of discomfort :)

You probably know where my thoughts are leading us.  As we experience and consider change…

• Are you prepared to experience discomfort as part of the path to joy and fruitfulness in our church?
  

• How can our church, our programs/meetings/efforts serve as a bridge between the Lord and our community?

Ultimately that’s what Jesus did when He left the comfort of Heaven, became one of us and made the way to reconcile us with God.  

Let’s listen carefully as the Lord leads each of us to bridge others to God by pointing to Jesus.