Julie asked a question during our community scripture conversation this last Sunday: what is different now? I had said that my ministry focus, my personality, my approach, everything about how I do ministry is still the same but now we are seeing so much success in what we are doing as a community. So, what is different now?
First, now it is the entire community effort, not just me. The community is not fractured. It is not lukewarm. It is filled with passion to serve, and it is enthusiastic to let God lead us.
Second, now the community we have is no longer self-serving. It is not seeking self-preservation. Its identity is not fixated unto itself but unto what it does for others. The community that we are now finds its identity in serving the real needs of others.
Third, now the community is not set in stone. It does not have its own building and space. It is doing what God has always asked of God’s people: GO! It is finding itself where people are and not asking people to come to where it is.
Fourth, now we are no longer bound by the trappings of an institution; the kind of entity that is more interested in the laws it makes for self-preservation than the life it is commissioned to offer and proclaim. We have chosen life that God offers through the Holy Spirit and not the laws that Christ gave his life deconstructing.
Fifth, we have become much more open to the diversity of God’s creation. Just look at the photos and videos from week to week, you will see all kinds of people expressing their love for God in all different ways; dancing, praying with hands raised, hands down, silence, conversations, different languages, different music expressions, etc. Name an expression and we are open to it if it praises our living God.
Sixth, we now have beautiful partnerships we are developing with area businesses but also with area churches. We are finding strength in the commission given to us and not the words with which we articulate life the way we wish for it to be. Our actions matter more than our words.
Seventh, now we do not seek anyone out of our community, we seek to find ways to be truly accepting of those we encounter.
So, what is different now? We have accepted and said yes to God transforming our lives. We are trusting that God is leading us with his Holy Spirit that breathes new life in us, comforts us, advocates for us, guides us, gives us courage and determination, and so much more. Am I doing anything different in my ministry than what I did before? No! I am just enjoying watching every one of us accepting the call to serve just as many decades ago I accepted the call to serve my lord and my savior. I speak from my heart, the most beautiful thing for me to experience is to watch every one of us blossom in our faith – me included. My faith is strengthened by what you are doing by the leading of the Holy Spirit. What is different? We are all different now for we are accepting the difference God creates and we are willing to evolve. My prayer is that we will continue to be transformed through the work of the Holy Spirit.