The path through life sometimes gets narrow, overgrown, and disappears altogether. I had this moment during the week and now find myself still wandering. Perhaps you took a risk with the full knowledge that things may not turn out the way you perceived they might. For me, this was manifest in trying to reach out and minister with a neighboring congregation that is in decline. What if we (me and them) could journey together on the road seeking God's preferred future for their small, confused group.
Well to make a long story short (as they say) - the result of the initial conversation about the prospect of ministering together was absolutely NO! We don't need any 'help' or 'leadership'. We can't afford it, we are fine with 20+ in worship and deteriorating building and aging congregation. Tough words to hear, disturbing, enlightening, telling. I perceived wrong and this time got the message. It was indeed one of those 'shake the dust off' and move on moments. What amazed me is the fact that now I'm being persecuted for even investing time and energy into this process by the very institution that took a 'hands off' approach to this little, confused and ill-guided band of followers. Go figure?
On the road there is risk in assertive, faithful leading; there is failure and humbling moments. We've all been there - I was there this week. I have had to search some more for the path into the future. It is now and continues to be God, me and our merry band of followers at Abundant Grace and the whole Church of Jesus Christ together - going on - to the cross of Good Friday...then to wait - only to be greeted by the bright, refreshing, glory of Easter morning. Life and ministry is a resurrection expereince. Thanks be to God.
