“If we do not change direction, we will end up where we are headed.”
Old Chinese Proverb
The proverb is reassuring, IF the direction is toward the desired destination.
The proverb is a dire warning, IF the direction is any other.
So, how do how does a congregation like ours know its desired destination? How does it know that it is on the road that leads to there?
First, recognize that a healthy skepticism helps when anyone talks about what God wants. (See I John 4:1.) It is easy to mistake our self-centered notions for the will of God. It is also easy to talk about God’s call and then try to sell some concept that has nothing to do with God. That mental “bait-and-switch” happens so easily in our minds, doesn’t it? So a good healthy skepticism is in order. However, knowing our destination allows us to begin with our results in mind.
For any congregation, which is serious about following Jesus, the Holy Spirit has already planted the details of its call in the hearts of the people. Discerning that call begins with affirming what is good in the life and witness of the church. It includes recognizing God’s gifts, both spiritual and physical. With that foundation, listening to the vision God has written in the hearts of His people becomes a joyous experience. Listening to both the fears and the dreams opens the entire church to pray for a deeper discernment.
Did you know that a visioning committee is at work at Glen Echo Christian Church to lead such a process? Its task is NOT to plan something more for the church to do. Rather, the task is to engage everyone in discovering God’s purpose. When it is finished, the committee will have a written report. The real value of their work will be in what is evoked from the hearts of the congregation. You will know when the committee has completed its task, because those who read or hear or talk about the vision for the future of Glen Echo Christian Church will respond, “Yes that is what we are about! Let’s do it.”
So, how do how does a congregation like ours know its desired destination? How does it know that it is on the road that leads to there?
First, recognize that a healthy skepticism helps when anyone talks about what God wants. (See I John 4:1.) It is easy to mistake our self-centered notions for the will of God. It is also easy to talk about God’s call and then try to sell some concept that has nothing to do with God. That mental “bait-and-switch” happens so easily in our minds, doesn’t it? So a good healthy skepticism is in order. However, knowing our destination allows us to begin with our results in mind.
For any congregation, which is serious about following Jesus, the Holy Spirit has already planted the details of its call in the hearts of the people. Discerning that call begins with affirming what is good in the life and witness of the church. It includes recognizing God’s gifts, both spiritual and physical. With that foundation, listening to the vision God has written in the hearts of His people becomes a joyous experience. Listening to both the fears and the dreams opens the entire church to pray for a deeper discernment.
Did you know that a visioning committee is at work at Glen Echo Christian Church to lead such a process? Its task is NOT to plan something more for the church to do. Rather, the task is to engage everyone in discovering God’s purpose. When it is finished, the committee will have a written report. The real value of their work will be in what is evoked from the hearts of the congregation. You will know when the committee has completed its task, because those who read or hear or talk about the vision for the future of Glen Echo Christian Church will respond, “Yes that is what we are about! Let’s do it.”
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