This is my first post since last October. I took an extended break to concentrate on finishing well in the final months of my interim Senior Pastor position and also prepare for my impending retirement after 37 years of professional ministry at the end of 2017.
On January 5, 2018, we moved into our new home in Annapolis, MD. The usual 11-hour journey from our previous home in Chicago instead took us three days, with many hours of white-knuckle driving through howling blizzards across the Midwest.
As we begin this new chapter in our lives, for the first time in almost four decades we did not move to a new city with a “built in” church community ready to welcome us.
Here in Annapolis, we are somewhat spiritually adrift. We have no connections with local Christians or church communities. From my new vantage point seeking a church home, it’s easy to see how often I (and perhaps you) take a nourishing Christian community for granted.
1) A Good Church Keeps Life Centered
Christians can ‘agree to disagree’ about many things, but a few strategic aspects of the biblical worldview are essential for a life centered on God. A good church community keeps reminding me that the world I currently experience is but a tiny slice of all reality—a reality that will not end with my death.
Because God created me, God has plans for me in this life but also beyond this life. I am my own worst enemy in getting off-center and losing my way, which is why I need a community of fellow travelers on this journey. I cannot be a Lone Ranger disciple of Jesus; I need others to encourage me and hold me accountable.
2) Humility is the Most Under-Appreciated Virtue in America Today
Others might say that tolerance, kindness or even basic civility are the primary values lacking today, but to me these (and others) flow from or are by-products of humility. Where humility ultimately gives life, arrogance inevitably destroys. This truth, however, is often invisible in the ongoing drama of our national leadership which constantly celebrates arrogance and shuns “losers.”
Good churches are one place where humility and selfless service can be witnessed, practiced and, most of all, encouraged. I need flesh and blood role models who have the Spirit of Jesus Christ living within them, the Jesus who “came not to be served, but to serve.” I need regular reminders that “the meek (contrary to all political expectation) will inherit the earth.”
3) Where Else Will We Find a New Humanity?
Moving into a new community means we are especially interested in building relationships with the hope of making new friends. There is a multitude of ways one might do so—from joining traditional civic groups like Rotary to like-minded hobbyists. Since Annapolis is “the sailing capital of America,” I’m hoping to find sailing friends who can help me get started.
In this letter to the church in Ephesus, Paul writes a critical description of the new humanity Jesus has created between Jews and gentiles by his death on the cross:
For he himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, by setting aside in his flesh the law with its commands and regulations. His purpose was to create in himself one new humanity out of the two, thus making peace, and in one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross, by which he put to death their hostility. (Ephesians 2:14-16)
Jesus wants the world to look at his church and see a new humanity—the concrete, tangible life of the reign of God that transcends human hostility. That this new reign of God brought Jews and Gentiles together (or other deep tribal distinctions today) was nothing less than supernatural—which is exactly the point.
Even so, every Christian congregation is far from perfect (I’m an expert on this!) It is easy to become discouraged when the church we attend fails to live up to our expectations. And seeking out the “right” church can feel confusing, overwhelming and is certainly energy-depleting. (I’m experiencing all these feelings myself.)
Even so, my current situation as a Christian without a church clarifies just how important it is that I have one.
If you are a Christian, or Christian couple, currently without a Christian community, don’t give up the search. No church is perfect, but many will offer you the three things I’ve mentioned above and much more.
God did not intend you, or me, to live a solitary spiritual life.
Amen! So good to hear from you again and know you are settled into your retirement home. We pray you will find your new church and church family soon. Our church families have certainly sustained us throughout our 56 years of marriage!
Hi Patti, always great to hear from you. You and Jack are good examples of how long term church relationships sustain us all. Rich
Congratulations on your retirement! It is well deserved. God’s word and our church family have certainly sustained Bud and I during our life’s trials. Today’s blog came at the right time, as we seem to be losing our way in attending church on a regular basis. The busyness of life and some health issues seem to be giving us excuses for not going to church. May God bless you and Marilyn for your dedication to his service and your generous friendship, kindness, and awesome sermons.
Rich:
Was great hearing from you again. I remember what Jeff Klein spoke about at
our Men’s Ministry Breakfast back in October. We are to seek out neighbors and people we meet to start small gatherings and develop relationships with
them. I have no doubt that you will accomplish this where you live now.
God has a new plan for you in your retirement and he will reveal this in his own time. Wayne A.
Thank you for this excellent reminder, Rich. It’s very timely advice for my heart to hear right now.