New most often means "change". People don't always like change. I suppose I'm a bit odd because in most cases I love change. Admittedly, I don't like all change. I certainly wouldn't like changing my morning routine. That cup of coffee in bed would not be easy to give up!
When changes happen at a church there will inevitably be some who are not exactly overjoyed about it. We get so comfortable in our Sunday routine that it upsets us when something feels amiss. Like when we arrive at worship and someone is sitting in "our" pew.
Next Sunday we will receive our new pastor. Some are probably not happy that the former one is gone. Some may be glad for change, but fearful of what may happen as a result. You know - as long as they don't change the way we do communion, or the time of worship, or the schedule for potluck dinners - as long as the church doesn't change the part "I" love, then I'm fine.
Oh, its so easy for us to forget that the church's most important function isn't to minister to us, to make us happy, to sing the hymns that we like best. The church's most important mission is the great commission. It is communicating the love and grace of Jesus Christ to those who have not experienced Him.
Instead of being worried about whether our favorite part of our church life will change when the new guy arrives, we should spend thoughtful time in prayer asking for change to happen that will enable us to reach our potential in Christ and make a difference in His kingdom.
With this coming change, I can feel God moving. He is opening doors of opportunity for us to become more like Him by stepping out in faith and changing how we think, how we view others, how we respond to His call.
These are changes to be excited about! I'm ready Lord. I can hear you calling. Lead and I will follow.
Be love and be blessed,
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