Change - That dirty dirty word

Our church is changing. I know, shocking isn't it. And it's changing fast. Faster than most of us are comfortable with. We would much rather things stay the same. Or go back to how they were. Or at least slow down. But change is coming whether we are ready or not.

Knowing how to navigate that change, knowing what to hold onto and what to let go of, knowing what next thing to grasp hold of, or what things from our near, or even ancient past we need to rekindle, renew and reclaim, is a challenge and a struggle for all of us. Those of us in leadership in the church face it twofold. We are called by God in our own right as Christians, to follow Jesus wherever he leads. And we are called by God, and asked by the church, to lead God's people at the same time. And in times where so much is changing - it has me asking, how exactly do we do that? How do we remain true to our own calling, and help others to hear and know where they are called? What do we need? Is it even possible? Part of asking that question for has had me reflecting on major times of change in the history of the church. We as a Christian church, have been around in some form or another for a long time. And I have no doubt that God is not done with us yet. That what Jesus started is not ending, simply changing. As it has before. As it likely will again. Now I'm asking, how did leaders do this in the past? What did all those prophets know? How did they tell others? And what might they be telling us now? All these questions and more, are what has lead me to decide to go on a Spiritual Pilgrimage for my study leave this year. So I'm headed to the sights of our reformers and church fore-bearers. To the homes of mystics and monks, and churches of great preachers - who spoke in churches and fields. It is my hope that I will learn a ton. And be nourished. And gain even new questions that need to be asked. As I travel, I will share my thoughts, insights, and mostly questions here, with anyone who might what to know what I'm seeing and thinking. It is my hope that my congregations back home in Canada will travel with me in a way - asking their own questions, and providing their own insights. As we all try to follow Christ together, we all have to face up to change - that dirty, dirty word.