As I prepare to transition out as your pastor, I do so with deep love for you and what God has done through us this past four years. I believe in THE MISSION OF THIS CHURCH. I love the generosity of its members. You have chosen to share space with each other. To make room for difference, and prioritize the kingdom of God over culture, ethnicity, theology, or privilege.
When faced with transitions, churches have some patterns that I want you to encourage you to avoid:
1. Tread water: In the midst of uncertainty, it is easy to just stay put and go through the motions. But God’s kingdom is always on the move. If a church stays put, it will find that God has left it behind.
2. Revert to the nostalgic past: When you have leadership that has brought a lot of change, such as Pastor Karen and I have, it is scary to stay in that change when your guides are not there leading the way. Many churches revert to what they know how to do themselves, but I encourage you to trust the Holy Spirit to lead you forward.
3. Frenetic energy and lots of doing/ but little purpose: Knowing that they can’t tread water, some churches stay active but without intentionality. This is why I am spending these weeks on the Mission priorities. If you channel your energy into these 7 tasks of the church, you will stay purposefully on mission.
Orchard Covenant, whatever the future holds, God is not done with you yet!
Dear God, be Thou our Vision!
— Pastor Nick
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