A few months ago, I had the incredible opportunity to join a diverse and passionate group of individuals within our church community. Each of us brings a unique set of experiences and spiritual backgrounds to the table, and I was humbled to be chosen based on my eagerness to learn and my basic knowledge of the Bible. It reminded me of a time when my daughter was selected for an academic club, not because she was the top student, but because her presence would bring balance to the team. Just like her, I entered this journey with a willingness to contribute in my own meaningful way.

Many of you in our congregation, whom I’ve had the privilege of connecting with through the Changemaker Initiative, have expressed that this endeavor feels somewhat mysterious. You’re not alone in feeling this way. Interestingly, the goal of this initiative was to avoid having a specific goal or predefined outcomes. It was about embracing the unknown and allowing ourselves to be guided by the spirit of innovation. But let me get into that later on.

Understanding what keeps their “spiritual boat” afloat became our mission…

Our journey began with the eye-opening book “Everywhere You Look” by Tim Sorens, which paints a worrying picture of the challenges traditional churches face in the future. As we reflected on the grim outlook presented in the book, we embarked on a series of activities aimed at deepening our understanding and connection with the people around us. We learned to truly listen, ask meaningful questions, and gain insight into what drives individuals in their daily lives, at home, at work, and on their spiritual journeys. Understanding what keeps their “spiritual boat” afloat became our mission.

During our sessions, we immersed ourselves in biblical stories, imagining ourselves witnessing the events firsthand. This unique approach not only deepened our empathy but also allowed us to convey the stories and experiences of our interviewees as if we had them ourselves. We discovered the power of stories and the impact they have on shaping our perspective and connecting us to one another.

Through this transformative process, we compiled lists of our strengths and weaknesses as individuals, as a church, and as a community. We made had the realization that our most significant role is to serve our community, our families, and God, without prioritizing personal comfort, success, or prestige. In this way, we find common ground with the early disciples, who were guided by the spirit of Jesus’s love, without strict rules or guidelines, but driven by the desire to make a difference in the lives of those they cared about.

As we stand at the threshold of a new beginning, the Changemaker group is dedicated to bringing a listening ear and a vision for connecting our community to our congregation, its groups, and each member individually. We are fueled by God’s dream for us all, and we are ready to embrace it.

This powerful experience has broadened our understanding of the challenges our church faces, but it has also revealed the immense strength that lies in individual stories and collective unity. As we move forward, our focus is on fostering connections and embodying the love and teachings of Jesus in every interaction we have and in every effort we make as a broader community. We are committed to listening, learning, and taking action that brings us closer to one another and to God’s vision of an inclusive and loving community.

Best,
Darren