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2010: We're In A New Place Now
Yet, more and more, I'm learning about what makes people resilient in tough times. Just think of the sheer energy it takes to re-invent our lives, churches, businesses and cities in the face of trying circumstances creates new possibilities.
Imagine the world you want to live in. Recently, I paced through a vacant lot where a thriving church stood. The bulding needed a lot of repair and their faded doors and signage indicated low attendance and communicated to passers-by that no one cared. Then, I walked inside. My first impressions were confirmed.
My footsteps echoed in the emptiness. I closed my eyes and tried to picture the world I would like to live in every day. It was difficult to do. In sadness, I prayed for the pastor and congregation whom I did not know. But in my anxiety I felt close to them. I asked myself a question. Has anyone in this church imagined a new world they would want to live in? Perhaps they have. I do not know. But I do know that imagining the world you want to live in is a prayer.
Everywhere I turn, I can't help but notice the change in the way people express their aspiration. One day last week in Starbucks, younger people in my circle talked about what they envisioned for their lives. Interestingly, not once did any of them mention buying or owning something. Instead, they talked about making videos, music, writing and fixing things__and re-inventing the way things work.
It's hard to know what 2010 has in store. Have you noticed that fewer economists are venturing forecasts this new year?
The first two Sundays in 2010 will be Vision Sundays at the congregation I serve. I plan to cast and clairy vision for the church. My mantra for 2010 and for them will be "We're in a new place now"! This will act as a mantra like "I have a dream" or "Yes we can" in other vision speeches. Although, my mantra will not be as historically significant and emit national change. Nevertheless, the church where I serve is definitely in a new place. We don't have a new building but we have a new attitude and image. We are a healthy and growing congregation but I am convinced we must stretch past any accomplishments we made in 2009. Joshua 1: 1-8 will serve as a piviotal scripture to springboard my thoughts.
I do not recommend that anyone regress in order to manage the present which is what we sometimes do. Saying we are a "poor church" or a "small church" is not an option. Because we're in a new place now!
My predictions for 2010 are few. The people or the individual who can imagine something wonderful will be more innovative. Those who encourage others on their journeys of transformation will disciple more people and they themselves will grow with grace and be happier. We're in a new place now!
Barry is Founder and President of Ministry Indicators of Jackson, Missouri, a consulting group for churches ready for renaissance. He is a pastor/ Leadership Consultant/Coach for the MIssouri Conference of United Methodists. For comments or questions, email bwinders53@cablerocket.com
Imagine the world you want to live in. Recently, I paced through a vacant lot where a thriving church stood. The bulding needed a lot of repair and their faded doors and signage indicated low attendance and communicated to passers-by that no one cared. Then, I walked inside. My first impressions were confirmed.
My footsteps echoed in the emptiness. I closed my eyes and tried to picture the world I would like to live in every day. It was difficult to do. In sadness, I prayed for the pastor and congregation whom I did not know. But in my anxiety I felt close to them. I asked myself a question. Has anyone in this church imagined a new world they would want to live in? Perhaps they have. I do not know. But I do know that imagining the world you want to live in is a prayer.
Everywhere I turn, I can't help but notice the change in the way people express their aspiration. One day last week in Starbucks, younger people in my circle talked about what they envisioned for their lives. Interestingly, not once did any of them mention buying or owning something. Instead, they talked about making videos, music, writing and fixing things__and re-inventing the way things work.
It's hard to know what 2010 has in store. Have you noticed that fewer economists are venturing forecasts this new year?
The first two Sundays in 2010 will be Vision Sundays at the congregation I serve. I plan to cast and clairy vision for the church. My mantra for 2010 and for them will be "We're in a new place now"! This will act as a mantra like "I have a dream" or "Yes we can" in other vision speeches. Although, my mantra will not be as historically significant and emit national change. Nevertheless, the church where I serve is definitely in a new place. We don't have a new building but we have a new attitude and image. We are a healthy and growing congregation but I am convinced we must stretch past any accomplishments we made in 2009. Joshua 1: 1-8 will serve as a piviotal scripture to springboard my thoughts.
I do not recommend that anyone regress in order to manage the present which is what we sometimes do. Saying we are a "poor church" or a "small church" is not an option. Because we're in a new place now!
My predictions for 2010 are few. The people or the individual who can imagine something wonderful will be more innovative. Those who encourage others on their journeys of transformation will disciple more people and they themselves will grow with grace and be happier. We're in a new place now!
Barry is Founder and President of Ministry Indicators of Jackson, Missouri, a consulting group for churches ready for renaissance. He is a pastor/ Leadership Consultant/Coach for the MIssouri Conference of United Methodists. For comments or questions, email bwinders53@cablerocket.com
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