01-25-23

ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS
January 25, 2023
Today, I am reminded of the old axiom that says, "Institutions are created to serve the needs of people, but as time goes by, those people serve the needs of the institution." This seems to be a part of the lifecycle of every movement, not just religions. You have the dreamers and the builders who create something. Their excitement and passion around their reason for existing is contagious, and many join in the excitement. We see it not only in churches but also in businesses, nonprofits, and service clubs. Somewhere along the way, systems and structures are put in place that allow the organization to run smoothly and efficiently. This is important because, at some point, the dream has been dreamed and the builders have built, and a transition must happen. Sadly, as something new emerges, it often forgets its roots, forgetting the passion and excitement that first gave it life. Its core identity and purpose are too often put on a shelf and replaced with a passion to protect the institution. This does not need to occur, but avoiding it requires intentionality. Individual churches must continue to remind themselves WHY they exist and not allow that WHY to become nothing more than institutional preservation. For Cypress Creek Christian Church, I believe that even if the buildings and the paid staff all went away tomorrow, there would still be a group of people enormously passionate about Putting Love First In All Things simply because the mission is not from the institution, but from the Spirit.


You have called me, Amazing God, not to save another bureaucratic establishment for the sake of its own existence. You have called me to a life modeled by Jesus, a life that seeks to make real the gift of love that shall transform the world. May the church be one of the tools used to see this happen. Amen.