Change is a Comin'

Earlier this week, I wrote what some might feel is a scathing entry on my church. If anyone was offended, I apologize. It was never my intention to offend.

That doesn't mean I feel any differently or regret the comments; just didn't mean to offend.

Churches aren't perfect because they're - say it with me - run by people, the most imperfect thing God placed on this earth. Yes, we were created in His image, but He also had to go so far as to sacrifice His one and only Son in order for us to spend eternity with Him...and that's only if we're not stubborn, stupid, or crazy enough to not accept His beautiful gift of salvation. Just because we're created in His image doesn't mean all the gray matter transferred over as well. Far from it.

But just because churches aren't perfect doesn't mean we should just be accepting of the warts. What's the old definition people use for "insanity" - doing the same thing over & over again and expecting a different result? Many modern-day churches - not just mine, but many - could fall into that same definition of how our ministries are run.

Last night, I had a meeting of our Sunday School Planning Task Force - the group of teachers that were brought together to help shepherd and create a comprehensive plan for the Sunday School's development over the next five years. It was unbelievably refreshing to hear these teachers express to me the traditional type of Sunday School ideals and values that were embraced for years & years versus the more contemporary methods. Why do I like some of the traditional versus contemporary methods? I'm open to change quite often (it's hard to imagine, but seriously, I'll hear any idea out and be willing to give it a chance if it's legit and if it has support for those who'll have to be carrying it out). But some of the more contemporary ideas are based and rooted in a true lack of accountability and depth of study. They're more interested in generating numbers than they are in spiritual depth.

I'm not saying none of the new ideas have any use; quite to the contrary, some of the new ideas that are being circulated out there do have some merit. But it was so - SO - refreshing to hear that the ideas of generations past are still valued. The values I grew up with and learned during my brief time at Sunday School as a child are still there today. That's why I love being a part of Sunday School. That's why I've stayed as Superintendent through the past few years even when others have done everything but shown me the door. That's why I've been honored to spend the last decade-plus heading up what I view as THE core ministry of a church. That time won't last forever, however. But for now, this plan is my mission at my church, and at this point, it'll probably be done in a matter of days.

And for those who may already know, yes, a change is still a comin'. But first we'll finish the plan. Then we'll see some relatively dramatic changes...