Dear Church Family,

I think the word “change” might be the single scariest word in the entire English vocabulary. Well, maybe that and “taxes.” When we think about the word change the implication is to think about the pain of giving up what we know for what we do not know. 

With change comes fear. Fear that we will be left behind, fear that the change isn’t for me, fear that maybe I won’t be able to make it. 

Here is the thing; as Christians, we are called to change. 

Matthew 16:24 says, “Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.”

The problematic phrase in this command from Jesus is the phrase “follow me.” In order to follow, we must acknowledge that this call to discipleship is a moving target. Jesus leads us from where we’ve been, to where we are, and hopefully the future of where we are going. 

And with movement is change. 

It doesn’t make change any easier, just makes it a reality we have to face together. And I know that there are some people in our church family who are sick and tired of change. That the changes the leadership team has implemented feel overwhelming, or sacrilegious. 

I just want you to know that I’m sorry. I’m sorry that change is tough, and I also want you to know that I am here to talk in light of that change. That amid whatever change you might be facing I am here to dialogue with you. Obviously, I can’t guarantee it will change the change, but I do value what you have to say. 

Today, I ask one thing of you: Pray. Pray for all of us as we wrestle with this scary thing called change, and attempt to follow Jesus. 

Together in the Mission, 
Tony