10-23-25

ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS
October 23, 2025
Where will Cypress Creek Christian Church be in twenty years? I am not a soothsayer of all things, not even church things. And my faith, unlike others, does not necessarily believe that if you say something in faith, then God will make it come true. At the same time, I’m certain a church will go nowhere if it doesn’t paint a picture of its possible future, a picture it paints through an ongoing discernment with the Holy Spirit. One of the places I’ve sought the Spirit’s voice is through the people who visit the church. Their comments about the church are important, but what truly resonates with me is the deep yearning for belonging that permeates their words. This yearning speaks to the essence of knowing and experiencing God’s embrace. We live in a world, whether it is marketing, politics, or religion, where there are those who intentionally create anxiety for no other purpose than to keep people on edge. It gets people to buy products, vote a specific way, and to keep on coming to a church (or other religious establishment). People find at Cypress Creek Christian Church a place where the spirit of belonging seeks to reflect a God who wants all creation to know how its place of belonging, no strings attached. We never want people to leave with even a smidge of uncertainty that can grow into anxiety and eventually play itself out in unhealthiness. We want people to find the peace, that according to the Apostle Paul, surpasses all understanding (Philippians 4:7). As we look to 2026, I want us to be very intentional and reflective on where we might not be fully representing such peace. How can we better communicate and reinforce with each person the message of their belovedness in the eyes of God—finding true belonging—no anomalies, no arguments, and no exceptions.

Through Jesus, you have given witness to my place of belonging. It did not need to be earned or won, only accepted and enjoyed. Thank you, Merciful God, for continuing to affirm your love for me. I pray for the ability to help others discover their own sense of belonging. Amen.