04-26-25

ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS 
April 26, 2025
Today is the Greater Houston Assembly of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). Cypress Creek Christian Church has a good number of folks going, and I am looking forward to gathering with fellow members of our tradition. I am a church geek, and I name that. I enjoy most church gatherings, especially when I’m able to have the quiet conversations in the hallway where I ask someone, “So, tell me what’s exciting at your church?” In many situations, people are focusing on the negatives, the things that feel like a crisis. Many of the workshops at such events are responding to problems. It’s funny how often people are caught off guard by the question, but then after a minute or two, they have something to share. Over the years I have heard some wonderful ideas, but even more so, it is nice to see people take pride in a ministry that is touching or even transforming lives. Quite often, people are hesitant because they don’t think the ministry is big enough or has enough bells and whistles. Yet I think God uses churches within their unique settings to make a difference. We shouldn’t assume that every successful ministry can be transplanted. This took me a bit too long to learn in ministry. I would go to a conference, hear a brilliant speaker, buy the book, and return home with the implementation plan, only to discover that it did not make sense for the church I was serving or my larger ministry context. We can definitely learn from each other, but after hearing people talk about what excites them in their church, I often follow up with the question, “And how did that ministry come about?” The discernment process is often where the learning really takes place. How did they listen for the Spirit, while paying attention to the underlying needs of people in the neighborhood around the church? It wasn’t about making assumptions or simply imposing a ministry on the community. It was allowing for God to match the giftedness of the faith community with the real needs of others. Where could we be doing a better job of listening for the Spirit, alongside the cries of those who we pass by every single day?

Give me ears to hear and a spirit that seeks to discern. Too often, Lord God, I want to impose what I believe to be what is needed, only to waste precious time and energy, or even cause harm in your name. I pray for your help. Amen.