Challenge to the Church

Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern what is the will of God—what is good and acceptable and perfect.  –Romans 12:2

I have been following the work of a number of researchers and thinkers who are looking at contemporary church life. There is a growing consensus that we Christians must become more intentional about being “transformed by the renewing of (our) minds, so that (we) may discern what is the will of God.”

Growing churches have a variety of expressions. However, they are not growing because they have splashy worship, serve the best coffee or have the biggest neon sign. The thing that healthy and growing churches have in common is that they are trying to recover the church’s business—spiritual business that includes

• Bible Study and reflection on that study with others.
• Regular daily prayer, and
• Participation in mission, helping to transform the structures of our world into structures of equity and peace.

I agree with the researchers. We Christians face new challenges to ministry in the 21^st Century. We need to go back to our roots, remember whose we are and discern where God may be calling us next.

Make your New Year’s resolutions now!

I invite all adults and high school youth to read the Bible in 2013. Some may be challenged to read the entire Bible while others may choose to read the New Testament or the Gospels.

I encourage every adult and high school youth to adopt a practice of daily prayer and meditation and to be more regular in attending corporate worship.

I urge every adult and high school youth to engage in mission through CityHeart, Food Bank, Homeless Shelter, or other acts of mercy and pursuits of justice.

We will provide resources and help in the doing of these things.

But for now, give thought and prayer to the renewing of our minds as we follow Jesus into the New Year.

–The Rev. John Paddock