Thought of the day:

Last night I finally started writing a book.  It’s an odd thing, since I don’t see myself as a wise sage, or a wildly successful pastor.  Just a plain ordinary, slightly crazy pastor who believes that God puts churches in places to bring healing to the broken in that community.  And the only time a church should “close” is when all the broken in the community are healed and are perfect.  In other words, the need doesn’t  happen until Jesus returns.

Of course the statisticians will tell you that there are life cycles to church – usually a 40-50 cycle where around 20-25 the church starts slowly dying, or at least losing its significance.  I know a few that fit that model, and I know a few that have been around 10o or 200 years, or more. Go to Eurpose – there are some there that have been in use for 1000 plus years – and in India, 1800.  So while the stats guys have noticed a phenomena – it ain’t necessarily a law/   My book will be about keeping the church in the business of healing, in the business of salvaging people, and their relationships.  There is hope for such churches, and for those who attend them, and for the community that surrounds them.

The hope is found in soup – specifically “stone soup” and focuses heavily on the sacraments, and on Eph 2:8-10 – especially 10:

“^2:10 We are God’s work of art, created in Christ Jesus for the good works which God has already designated to make up our way of life. Ephesians 2:10 (NJB)

As a lutheran – we focus a lot on 8 and 9 – and for good reason.  But if there is a answer, if there is a way to stop churches from closing, it is in realizing that we are God’s art work,  His poetry, and there is much work to be done as we heal from the damage of sin, and the work, the poetry God has called our lives, because He called us, is key in that process of healing, together.

I’ve seen it happen, in churches in the desert – in a church in the suburbs.  This isn’t some how to get er done book, with methodologies to implement.  It’s a radical way to see the church return to faithfulness, one ingredient at a time.  The recipe is a parable, and realizing the truth in it.  A truth best described in Eph 2:8=10

So pray for me. as I write a parable about healing broken lives and broken churches, simply with sacred simple things, water, a Stone, and some bread.

Thanks!

oh and realize, that this book is about all of us… for there is hope for all – no matter how broken, how burdened, how alone.. as we heal together in Christ!