Getting Used to Different

by General Presbyter Melana Scruggs

Several churches in the presbytery have been watching The Chosen, a television series produced by Dallas Jenkins, which tells the story of Jesus. In one of the episodes, the disciples are telling Jesus that what he is doing is not what is usually done. Jesus tells them, “Get used to different.” What a great line to summarize what Jesus came to be and to show! Yet, the church, those who are called to share the message of Christ, are often the first ones to balk at different. We need a reminder that we are not, in Paul’s words, “to conform to this world, but to be transformed by the renewing of our minds, so that you may discern what is the will of God…” (Romans 12:2). 

This week I have read several articles about burn-out in pastors and about the decline of attendance and participation in the church. Some of these are doomsday articles that suggest we are losing the battle for the church. What they seem to forget is that the victory has already been won and we are called to discern how best to share that in a changing world. What might happen in our churches and our lives if we started to do some different things in worship and service, if we took some risks for the gospel message? What if we got used to different, instead of what we have always done? I realize change is difficult, but it is also the way to move forward in life and in faith.

I would love to hear what each church in the presbytery is doing that moves them forward in faith and service to God. Let me know what is bringing your congregation life and vitality. We tend to focus so much on the things that go wrong, that we rarely mention, let alone celebrate, what is exciting, new, and life giving. Our worship at the February presbytery meeting is going to include some moments of celebration of change.

Thank you all for the commitment you make each day to share the good news of grace and love in Christ. You are a blessing.

Melana