The Bishop, Mike Lowry, in the UMC Central Texas Conference, put the issue very well back in September, in an article titled "The Challenge of Focus....."
It's not so much what you announce that you plan to do, as what vision actually determines what you set out to do. Bishop Lowry described a visit to Seattle (one of my favorite destinations!) and a Sunday morning choice.
He was invited by someone he didn't know to attend Mars Hill Church (see Acts 17), which is a multi-site (14), independent Bible church, at their downtown location. Full of young couples, friendly, welcoming, diverse economically and ethnically, with a gracious greeting and vibrant worship.
Part way through the service, a pastor told their history. In 1908, the church at that location dedicated a marvelous sanctuary, and became one of the largest churches on the West Coast. But gradually, the pastor said, that church got busy with other things and drifted away from offering Christ. Amid many good things, they lost focus on Christ and slowly the congregation dwindled and eventually relocated.
The great sanctuary was acquired by the City of Seattle, renamed the Daniels Recital Hall. Now, it was being re-purposed, "replanted" to its original purpose, by Mars Hill church, in order "to serve our city, love our neighbors, and be as active as possible so people see good works and give glory to our Father who is in heaven". "We hope to fill it with people who love Jesus and love Seattle".
The concept that the church "lost focus and drifted away from offering Christ as their mission" haunted the visiting bishop. It can happen in churches, has happened in churches, and we must never forget the outcome of that failure and the very predictable response of God, who never gives up!
The name of the original church? First United Methodist Church of Seattle. The bishop did a search and found the current church of that name: busy, vibrant, relocated, brought by God to rediscover its purpose! God has plans for BOTH churches.
Meaning? Don't lose focus! Don't drift from the primary point! Christians share Christ! God intends that, and if one tool loses its sharpness and focus, God will continue to try to revive it, but pick up another tool-of-the-moment to do HIS primary work.
If you like this perspective, take a look at A Bishop's blog. If you feel somewhat kin to this good Bishop, take a "read" through II Corinthians 5:14-15. Not a new idea, just a fundamental one!
Blessings.
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