I was reading an article the other day called "captives to comfort". It dealt primarily with the reluctance of churches to change in order to meet the needs of the community around them. The article began with a story of a church who sold a piece of land it owned outright, not because they needed the money, but because they were afraid of change. The president of the Trustees explained the decision this way: "When we thought about all we might lose, it just didn't seem worth the risk." Today, a large Baptist church sits on the property, packed to the rafters every Saturday and Sunday, with a wide variety of ministries happening every day of the week. The pastor laments, "...and the people in my church are relieved, because if that was us 'we wouldn't be the same church anymore!'"
I began reading the article thinking "Well, we certainly aren't scared of change at NewSong." Or are we? Have we gotten complacent about inviting new people to church? Have we fallen into the same old attendance patterns and attitudes about worship? Are you giving just enough to assuage your conscience but not test your faith? Hmmm...
I heard someone say recently, "Who are all those people I don't know any of them anymore!" Well, that's kind of the point. If we are small enough that we know every person in the church, then we are too small. In case you haven't noticed, God does things big, not small.
We are preparing to enter into an exciting time in the life of NewSong. We have been meeting with bankers and architects and builders about moving forward with plans to build on the Perkins Road Property. The only way we can get there is for us all to lean into the changes it will bring rather than straining against them.
It's exciting and daunting and dangerous. But I must warn you: It's not for the faint at heart nor the "captives to comfort." But I promise you, it's well worth the risk.
Good Fishin' and See You in Church,
Trey Harris
NewSong on Old Perkins Road
