Friday, March 27, 2015

9 Things I Know About the "State of the Church"


When I was asked to preach at the Synod of the Pacific meeting coming up, I felt as if I should fashion some sort of “State of the Church” sermon. But then I realized I have no idea what the “State of the Church” is right now! But these things I DO know based on: my past 10 years as an ordained minister, personal experience attending two East Coast seminaries, and from leading the Church of the Roses historic church in Santa Rosa, currently.
Photo credit: http://meridianpointchurch.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/State-of-the-church-1024x576.jpg
1.  The church is growing. By the end of May we will have 30 new members in the past year and ½. Promoting authentic faith and preaching inclusivity and love with enthusiasm for the future while promoting new and meaningful missional connections to the regional community (and to orphanages in Haiti) seem to inspire attention to the church and growth. The congregation is more diverse than it has ever been in its 62 year history.
2.   Even when you build a Youth Ministry they might not come. We discovered after hiring a Director of Youth Activities that the high school youth that attend our free breakfast every morning are 75% Catholic. That means they are probably not interested in joining us for worship or other church programs. But, they need community service hours and Catholic charities might help us fund our breakfast program in the future.
3.   The churches I know well on the West and East coasts are very happy about the Same Sex Marriage amendment  and have new hope for the future of the PCUSA. I am glad to have the freedom to conduct a holy marriage service and seal a covenant of love and commitment among all sorts of couples who wish to do so. This is the healthy way to live as couples, in a loving covenant.
4.   There is a place for keeping traditional hymns and liturgy while merging them with newer creative ways of doing worship.  We are trying more hands on participatory worship experiences. They are fun to try even if there isn’t a big influx in attendance for these services, yet….
5.   People love to learn about the physical effects of prayer and the advantages of having faith. When I share information about the evidence-based faith and health studies the congregation seems more motivated to deepen their faith.
6.   When people quit coming to church that doesn’t always mean they don’t like church. It is because as they age they have more and more trouble getting up in time. Consider creating a later service. Include a communal meal each Sunday there isn’t another food related event. Food is a draw for every congregation and group. Engaging the community (even if food is involved) is the harder sell if they aren’t church goers to begin with.
7.   Jesus is still the best thing we have as a beacon of hope to light up our PCUSA’s future.  The unique nature of our Lord and savior, when understood, helps us value faith. Help them see that faith is a verb. The more we show God’s love in action, the more action our church receives from the curious and blessed. The pastor must be an ambassador of the church everywhere. Talking to cashiers, store clerks, café chefs, and haircutters creates a connection to the church that may reap newcomers visiting for worship in the future.
8.   Making friends with the hungry who come for our free food bags each day connected us to our first baby and three adults for baptism in 7 years. We reach out to not only be good imitators of Christ, but until they are asked, most of those folks in need don’t assume they will be welcomed to a church service.
9.   Don’t be afraid....try something new, reach out to the misfits, speak your heart, and love unconditionally. Be a fearless love and peace-promoter wherever you go. Memorize Isaiah 41: 10 "So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." (NIV)

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