This article is written by Sheila Anderson a memeber of our Leadership Board.
Crises can have the unique advantage of pushing us to examine why we do what we do. When our world is disrupted, it’s an invitation from God to pause, and consider with Him the basics: What is important? What’s not? How will I choose to spend my time, energy, and resources going forward? Like most of you, I’ve been wrestling with those questions in these upended times. So have my family and work team. We’ve asked individually and collectively, “What is crucial to keep front and center now?” I want to reassure you that the staff and Leadership Board have been continually and prayerfully considering those questions on behalf of the Church. God’s work and our mission with Him as a body of believers – to connect people to life in Jesus -has not stopped. While the means may look a little different right now, the goal remains the same. And we continue to trust God to guide and provide.
The world has shifted, and needs in our communities have been revealed more starkly than ever. In response, we urgently need to be the visible reflection of Christ, both as individuals and as the Church. But first, I invite you to pause, and consider with us, what Jesus said to His disciples at a time when their own understanding of the world was being shaken: “I am the Vine, you are the branches. If you remain in Me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from Me you can do nothing.” John 15:5 Job one for each of us is to stay connected to life in Jesus. Out of that Life flows everything we do at the Church: worship, serving our neighbors, praying, or meeting together in lifegroups or 1:1 relationships. And that Life flowing out of us is the missional heartbeat of God, to draw all people to Himself.
The Board invites you to join us in all these practices at the Church, in addition to being sustained by God’s Word and prayer, as you stay connected to Jesus. We welcome your prayers as we seek to lead as God desires, and your input, questions and thoughts. You can connect with us at [email protected]. God’s richest blessings as you follow Him!
