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From Rev. Brock Patterson
“Decision-Making and Direction-Taking”
Recently, I was involved in a discussion with someone about the way “They do church.” This person is an active member of another church/chapel in another location. They were rather intent on explaining to me the way they do things. (I kinda’ felt that they were putting down my own Chapel.) As I listened, I was astounded to learn that their place of worship was still alive, let alone, healthy and growing.
For those of you who know me well, you probably know I was chomping at the bit to not interrupt and tell them how to fix things before they break. (Let alone, jump into the opportunity to tell them how awesome things are going at The Chapel!) What was their reason for this discussion? Were they trying to gauge my reaction? Doubtful. After all, I’m the resident church expert and can smell the gasoline before the fire is lit and well before smoke is seen emerging from the holes. As this person explained “their church,” I grew more and more weary before finally seeing an exit in the conversation. I took it as an opportunity to thank them for sharing their church with me and I quickly hustled away.
So much in church/chapel life has changed in the last few years. COVID-19 is the most obvious cause of some changes, but it’s not the only reason that things have changed. Changes in theological and social perspectives, life goals and workforce opportunities, and generational priorities have also impacted life around our faith communities. Other significant factors include changing demographics, technological innovation, and environmental impact.
These are not secrets. I’m not the only one who can see the changes, nor am I the only one who knows an alternative way to respond to them. God is showing all of us a new way to approach church and chapel life. It’s not the same as it was thirty years ago, nor am I the same. During the last two thousand years, church and chapel life has seen many, many significant changes. God is working in lots of different ways to speak to lots of different people. Even if I don’t like (or agree with) the way that someone else does it, God will still bless it.
I’m thankful that God is sharing new ideas with me, even if I think they don’t sound new, exciting, or even correct. There’s more than one way to succeed in church and chapel life. If God is at the head of our decision-making and direction-taking, we’ll all arrive at the same place. That’s a great thing… and something that never changes.
“Job answered God: ‘I’m convinced: You can do anything and everything. Nothing and no one can upset your plans.’ ” (Job 42:1-2, The Message)
See you at The Chapel!
God Bless, Brock.
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