11-16-25

ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS
November 16, 2025
Yesterday, I attended a gathering of churches that participated in the Woodlands Pride Event last month. It was a wonderful and very helpful conversation, as each congregation is in a different place in its journey. In some situations, the congregations were dramatically influenced by their denominational polity (how the denomination is organized) or by the local congregation’s history. Borrowing a line from John Donne’s poem, “No church is an island…” Each congregation, including Cypress Creek Christian Church, is shaped by numerous influences, including those to which we are oblivious. In CCCC’s past, I point to numerous decisions that shaped the congregation, including the choice to host a support group for those living with HIV/AIDS and their families. I also point to the founding minister of our church, Rev. Dr. Glenn Wilkerson, who was passionate about the full inclusion of those who were divorced. This was in the mid 80s, and there were many churches who excluded those who were divorced, while other churches allowed them to attend and give money, but drew a line when it came to communion, leadership, or teaching a class. Glenn and the church showed grace to people who were feeling a lot of pain, often rejected by family and friends. The last thing they needed was to hear that God also rejected them. At CCCC, God’s unconditional love was preached, a love that embraced everyone, even those who had experienced divorce. Some people left the church, feeling as if the church was showing too much grace. I don’t believe that’s possible. What I mean is that no matter how incredibly gracious the church may be, it will always fall short of God’s grace. However, this doesn’t give us permission to stop striving, reaching, and pushing the boundaries. Why? Because there are too many people who have been made to feel as if they can only watch while others receive the gifts of grace.

You have shown me grace upon grace, O Lord God. Thank you for this immeasurable gift, a gift I have received again and again; a gift you have empowered me to share with all those I meet and even those I have yet to meet. Amen.