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 "
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