Change is…all around us. Change starts with agreeing together, “No longer!”
So from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view. Though we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer (2 Corinthians 5.16)
When the Apostle Paul described spiritual transformation, he spoke about change. Change for change-sake is a feeble aspiration. To change when given a compelling reason and capacity to alter one’s actions for something better, that’s called growth and maturity.
Paul’s experience with Jesus empowered him to meaningfully change his thinking, not just about Jesus but about others too, as he wrote, “So from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view.” A changed lifestyle affects our mind, body, and spirit for the better.
The result of the national presidential election last week was historic for many reasons. At its core, our experience as a nation was about change, regardless of which candidate we preferred. Few were advocating for the status quo. No one was championing the notion that everything was O.K., or that we should somehow go backward to a better day. Instead, our nation determined to change course and together work toward a hopeful future.
Newark Presbytery is a microcosm of our nation. The status quo is not good for the nation, or for the presbytery, either. We could have remained content with what was familiar. We could have managed what we had. But in areas that needed a change, we said, “No longer!” We are working hard, working smart, praying a lot, and creatively trying new ways to chart a hopeful future. Fear can paralyze us into despair or inaction. Change can unfortunately result in disconnects, polarization, and anxiety. Expectations in a changing system are often out of sync with what is possible.
Like our nation facing uncertainty, we seek to invigorate, innovate, and creatively empower every congregation, every pastor, to adapt to the real challenges we face together.
Being open to change is an opportunity for all of us whether we have a 30-member or a 300-member congregation. I am reminded of a 12-member church I visited in Cuba that tried (with mixed results) over the years to show love to their neighbors. Then a new idea occurred to them to plant a vegetable garden that has now has expanded to regularly feed 120 neighbors. We have incredible examples of this same “openness to change” spirit right here in this presbytery too, in churches of every size and location. Let’s continue to expand the capacity of every congregation to release their incredible gifts to the community and world.
I continue to listen and learn with our congregations and committees. The new way has not always been clear but even when it is difficult, openness and collaboration will lead towards positive change. I am certain that we have compelling reasons to dream, to imagine the possibilities, to reinvest ourselves as new creations in Jesus Christ.
Post your comments or responses online by responding to this posting.
What dreams do you have?
Where is God leading you?
How could our worship, work, and mission be changed for the better in the next six months?
Let’s imagine together. With change there is hope. I look forward to hearing your story.
To God be the glory. I am grateful for your ministry in our presbytery.
Kevin
Dr. Kevin Yoho,
General Presbyter
