PRESSING ON

"...forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 3:13–14)

It seems some of us have been stuck in a quagmire of discouragement. I admit I have not been immune myself. Yes, things are not where we want them to be. We want to be in our own facility, we want to be growing, reaching, teaching, discipling, loving and worshiping to our fullest potential. I want all of these things too but by God's providence we are experiencing difficulty in many of these areas. The first half of 2012 has been full of goodbyes, disappointments and problems for our little church. In many ways this has been the story of our church since it started on Mother's Day 1999. The Sunday when my predecessor announced he was leaving, the future of our church was in serious question. The recommendation from our Presbytery advisers was to disband the church.  I came as the third organizing pastor and only because the church body was determined to forget what was behind them and to press on for the sake of the gospel.  

I am not suggesting we are at such a crucial juncture. Despite the goodbyes there have been many hellos too. And despite the difficulties, many wonderful things have happened and we need to remember how God has moved among us. But I think it is worth revisiting why and how this church has continued to meet and worship for as long as it has in spite of the dangers, toils and snares it has faced. The reason is because we believe that the community needs a reformed witness. I do not say this arrogantly. I firmly believe God is doing great things through our sister churches in our area. Our community needs them too. But at the same time we do believe that the theology we subscribe to is drastically needed. The world needs to hear that our God is sovereign over all his creatures and their actions. It needs to hear that the Lord of all the Earth has come in Jesus Christ and has begun a work in us and in the world that he will be faithful to complete and perfect.  We are here because God wants us here. We have a part to play in the Theater of God. So let us not grow weary in doing our part.  Though we forget our lines and miss our cues God is sovereign, even over our blunders. If we know our trials are meant for our good then it helps us to avoid growing weary and enables us to press on. 

But I recognize pressing on also requires change and it requires cooperation. We need to take a step back, reflect and pay attention to what the Holy Spirit is teaching us. We also need to listen to one another. If you have thoughts, concerns or ideas about the church, please do not hesitate to share what God lays on your heart. Together we can work towards being the church God calls us to be: a spiritually healthy church that makes spiritually healthy disciples of Jesus.