Dear friends:
In the spring of 2019, Anthony Klotz of Texas A&M predicted a mass voluntary exodus from the workforce he called “The Great Resignation.” His clairvoyance was remarkable. In just the second quarter of this year, 11.5 million people quit their jobs. In a recent survey, Microsoft found that 41% of their workforce is considering quitting, a number that jumps to 54 percent when Gen Z alone is considered. The issues driving this trend are multiple, but the common thread is re-assessment, pausing to consider what really matters, holding up pieces of our lives, and asking what to keep and what to release.
Many are currently doing the same with faith and especially their involvement with church. In light of a pandemic that has changed our habits, many are carefully reconsidering what is essential and what is accoutrement when it comes to the practice of faith.
Healthy congregations are doing the same thing. Holding up various programs, traditions, and patterns that have long organized their lives, considering their relevance for today, pausing to consider what it will look like to be the Christian church in a post-pandemic society.
A number of years ago, our own congregation engaged in a vigorous re-assessment. We asked ourselves what was essential and what was accoutrement, what defined us and had to stay, and what could be re-imagined or discarded. We then organized our life accordingly.
We captured our decisions in a vision statement which we publish on the front of the bulletin every week. I encourage you to read it as it guides the vast majority of our decisions. Even more importantly, I invite you to attend this Sunday when we embrace nearly every dimension of that statement, gladly welcoming all as we ‘boldly proclaim the gospel, bravely work toward a whole and just world, and passionately nurture discipleship.”
We’ll invite your generous commitment and participation. If you’d like to pledge your support, please come or click on this link. If you’d like to serve with a team in our signature event, Covenant Impacts Charlotte, click here. I’m confident you’ll be glad you did both!
You can read this passage in preparation for an exciting and good day. Join us. We need you, and I’m confident you’ll be glad you did.
Warmly,
