You are an Essential Part of the Resuscitation Team for the Global Church!

John chapter one begins with this proclamation: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life, and the life was the light of people. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it….”

As I ponder the future of the Church, John 1 gives me great hope. Many in the “Western Church” currently announce that “the Church” is drastically declining. Some are even saying it needs to die so it can be reborn. I don’t agree. I believe the message from the passage above inspires us to trust that the light of Christ will still shine even in the darkness of decline and will not be overcome by it. We, you and me, and all in “the Church” today can rally together to transform and reform the church to give it new life without letting it completely die first.

An analogy might be found in healthcare, where I previously worked. Caregivers don’t let the patient die first and then try to resuscitate. Nurses catch the patient on the way down, before life is completely gone, so that chances for a favorable outcome are good. Each of us can do this now on behalf of the global Church of Jesus Christ.  Each of us is critically important in the resuscitation process. You are vital to the life of the church, and your presence in this process makes a successful resuscitation happen.

Our Presbyterian Church in Morristown is doing better than most. We have a vibrant, growing congregation. This new church year is our opportunity to give hope and life to others personally and invigorate our church itself. When we thrive, others will catch our contagious hope and be inspired to thrive as well. The light we shine out into the community of Morristown brightens the lives of others who are feeling hopeless about their own futures.

Stopping the decline of the "Church" takes all of us working together as a team. Like the Code Blue team in the hospital, success depends on each of us -- using our gifts and talents to strengthen our own church so we can reach out and help others. Does this sound exhausting to you?

Jesus said, "Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls."

There are many whose lives we touch who may feel too exhausted, stressed or alienated to attend church. Each of us can proclaim the gospel by inviting these weary folks to receive the strength and rest that comes with attending worship in a faithful community. May you not let the darkness and confusion of unrelenting busyness overwhelm you this new church season. Be an active resuscitation team member and find new life in the light that shines as a result of your service - all for the glory of God and the global church.