Last week at the General Assembly of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) there was a genuine spirit of enthusiasm and joy as we encountered the ancient words of Isaiah calling us to raise our wings and “Soar!” There were many realistic voices of concern raised also. Worship attendance and church membership across our denomination are down. Way down. So is giving. There are many cultural changes taking place and they can feel overwhelming.
We know about these issues because we’ve experienced them here, too. But the prophet Isaiah, who wrote in the midst of a national crisis, asks,
“Have you not known? Have you not heard?
… those who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength,
they shall mount up with wings like eagles,
they shall run and not be weary,
they shall walk and not faint.”
Isaiah is suggesting that even in the worst of times God is present and at work in our lives. General Assembly preachers Amy Butler and Adam Hamilton picked up on this theme. Amy, the new Senior Minister at the Riverside Church in New York City, proclaimed, “Perhaps it is THIS moment in history…that is the highest calling in our lives.” I think she is right. This is a pivotal time in the history of the church and we are called not to pull back in fear and a spirit of survival but to spread our wings and fly out into the world with the good news of God’s love.
That is not as easy as it sounds though. There is almost always a desire to play it safe, to sit back and try to survive. Adam said, “It’s hard to soar when you love the nest more than you love flying.” There was loud applause when he said this. We were responding to his challenge, knowing that it is time to cut loose and follow God.
Are we in danger of falling? Of course. If we try to fly will we be blown off course or lose our way? Possibly.
However, the soaring is happening at 61st and Ward Parkway. Our pledges and giving are up. The summer worship on the lawn brought new life and energy. The children and student ministries are undergoing renovation. There will no doubt be bumps along the way but I’m certain that we are preparing to soar to new heights!
Grace and Peace to you,
