I grew up in Orland Park, Illinois at Calvary Reformed Church.  There was a time that I was related to everyone in the church in one way or another.  And if I wasn't related to them they were still my "Aunt" or "Uncle".  It was a different time, a great time!  Traditions were instilled in us and they were meaningful to me!  I still cherish many of those traditions.  Well, things have changed and I have had a hard time dealing with those changes.  Like many, I was at the church when they laid the cornerstone.  I was baptized, made confession of faith, was married, and had both my children baptized there.   My great, great grandparents started the Church!  It was my church!  Literally, it was MY CHURCH! 

Recently I went back and realized that I did not know most of the people there anymore.   The church I remember was no longer there.  Yes, the building was there but the traditions that made it "my church" were gone.  It had changed, but I was stuck somewhere in the 1980's church that I loved and enjoyed so much.  I had moved away, but the church kept going, growing and changing.  In an attempt to reach more people, they even changed the name of the church to "Calvary Church".  It looks non-denominational in many ways now.  The old "authoritative" pulpit is gone and large overhead screens provide visual effects for the service and a modern new facility looks more like a library than a church.    It is a "non-descript" building that provides a non-threatening, comfortable environment that entices more people to enter its doors.  I can no longer go "home" to my church as I knew it.  It has changed.

So, I needed to step back and look at the reason for the changes.  Let me see, they are reaching more souls for God's kingdom (they are growing).  Their programs are designed to provide more opportunity to reach those souls needing help, in today's world with today's problems.  Various evangelism, mentoring, prayer, bible study, advocacy, self-help and other programs, designed to help people cope with the stresses of today's world, are conducted by church members.  These programs are giving people an opportunity to connect with "God's people".  Church members are giving hope to the hopeless while gaining an opportunity to witness about God's love too (they are saving).

The church hadn't changed really.  What changed were the people.  They became involved in the ministry of Jesus' love and compassion for others.   Jesus didn't spend a lot of time with those who were believers....  Jesus spent the time with those considered to be "non-believers".   We need to think about these things in our church.  Our church has become stagnant, complacent.  Our church needs to be re-energized!  You are the hope of future Christianity! What are the types of programs needed within our church that will help you help others?  What are the things that you are able to do, and are willing to commit to, that will make a difference today in just one person's life?  How can you emulate the life and teachings of Jesus in your relationship with those around you?   God challenged us to reach out to those needing his grace.   When are we going to do that? 
 

So, let me ask, "Are you willing to begin this journey?" If so, please email me.  You've got my address.