What Do We Value?

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:

1. Lord, is this what you want Old Union to be and to do?
2. How well does the life of Old Union today reflect the values and the purpose we say that we have?
3. 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.