Change

Change is hard at times, easy at times, and certainly essential at times.  It has been two years since March 2020 and the full impact of COVID 19 kicking in. By the grace of God we were online only for about seven weeks and by His grace have been back ever since. My biological family and my Church family know that I am a traditionalist. To like the way things used be to done does not necessarily mean you are missing the boat.  While we were in the midst of videoing services, we found ourselves longing to to be back face to face.

There was a period in the church growth movement years ago where everyone had a formula, or a model, or their own advice about what it takes to grow a church.  I believe they meant well and were trying to help, but some churches were split right down the middle because of forced change.

Jesus has the formula, and He even gave it to us. Matthew 16:15-18 (NKJV)
¹⁵  He said to them, "But who do you say that I am?"
¹⁶  Simon Peter answered and said, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God."
¹⁷  Jesus answered and said to him, "Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah, for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but My Father who is in heaven.
¹⁸  And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it.

I believe the rock is the confession of Peter regarding Christ! When we encounter Christ we are forced to make a decision, and surrender means change. 

We resist making necessary changes at times simply because of the price we will have to pay.  Not with dollars, but with criticism and doubt. So we are reluctant to do or try something new. Change makes people uncomfortable. It makes us feel attacked or threatened, or even disrespected when there is a possibility of someone having a better way to do something.

Well change is here! Sunday we voted 100% to welcome Cody and Sarah McPherson to our Church.  Cody becomes our new Associate Pastor and Director of our Children's Ministry. While he will be Bi Vocational and continue to teach at our Elementary School here in Camden,  he will bring new ideas, energy, enthusiasm, and a set of wonderful Jesus edifying gifts to FSBC.

I love the way God speaks, even in seasons of change. The winds of revival are blowing. 

 

Bro. Greg