In last
month’s message I described some of the difficulties that Old Union Church
is facing, to help us acknowledge and deal with issues that we’d rather not
think about. I ended my message by
commenting that these difficulties are the symptoms of a problem that we
haven’t identified…yet. Instead of
looking for quick fixes to address the symptoms without addressing the disease,
or worrying that Old Union might have to close its doors, I encourage you to
join the session and me as we seek to understand what our challenge is, and to find
ways to address it.
The issue
we’re facing, whatever it is, is not about what is happening or not happening
it at Old Union; it is why these
things are happening or not happening.
In other words, what are the values or purposes behind the things that
we do as a church? God created our
church, he has brought each of us into it, and he is at work in our midst, for
a reason. Our job is to recognize what
that reason is: why God wants us to be a church. When we have a better sense of what our
purpose is as a congregation, and when we focus our hearts and resources toward
that purpose, we will be doing what God has created and called us to do. And there is no doubt that when we follow
where God is leading us, he will provide all the resources and opportunities we
need to do so.
Our church
has a statement of purpose: it’s posted above the steps to the church basement,
and it’s on our church letterhead. Our purpose, together, is to praise the
Lord, grow in faith, spread God’s word through the community, and reach out to
those in need. Our session has
identified the “core values” of Old Union Church, and you’ll find them on the
first page of the picture directory: spiritual
development and growth, providing a place for belonging, and caring for and
supporting those in need.
I invite you reflect
on these statements, and spend time in thought and prayer with the following
questions:
- Lord, is this what you want Old Union to be and to
do?
- How well does the life of Old Union today reflect
the values and the purpose we say that we have?
- If someone were to walk into our church for the
first time, what would they think our purpose is as a church, based on
what they see us doing and hear us talking about?
Statements on
pieces of paper are a waste of time if they have nothing to do who we are as a
church. They are meaningless if they do
not describe the calling God has given us.
Until we discover what God wants, and respond to it, the symptoms will
only get worse.
Please share
the results of your prayers and thoughts with a session member or with me. Next month I’ll offer some ideas about how we
can recognize the identity that God has given Old Union Church.
