Something New in the Wind

The church has a lot invested in the return of its people.  It is a time for much reflection on the part of those who stand in places of leadership.  The institutional church has a lot to lose if it ends up losing a goodly portion of it once-upon-a-time congregation.  Million dollar buildings stand on the property and the bank still wants its monthly payment.  There is also the matter of salaries, staffing, and building maintenance.  All of this plus other expenses necessary to keep the church afloat start adding up in a hurry.  Projections and plans made years ago may be creating disaster in some places.

The question for leadership has to do with its reason for the return of its people.  It is easy to talk one thing while sweating about another.  Is the church inviting and encouraging its people to return to feed the institutional needs of the church, or are there other reasons which are more in keeping with the spirit which birthed the church?  If the primary reason has to do with the survival of the institutional church and the preservation of what used to be, the church is in a greater dilemma than the one caused by a virus. 

Four reasons for inviting the return of the people stand out above the others.  Inviting people to experience worship once again with a community of the faithful is one.  Fellowship is another.  Creating a place for the community to offer its prayers and Word centered preaching is one more.  Are these the reasons for all the church's effort to re-invent itself, or is it really concerned about some lesser thing?  In the beginning it was all about,"...the Apostle's teaching and fellowship,...the breaking of bread and the prayers."  (Acts 2:42)   Being sure the same motives are driving the church forward is an imperative if the something new in the Wind is to be embraced.