I would like to invite you to consider a challenging question. It is a question that we might be tempted to answer quickly, and in answering quickly, we might also become upset by its implications.
In preparation for this weekend I was working through a book that I read a few years ago while working on my doctorate at Pittsburgh Seminary. The book addresses the need for the church to continually be willing to innovate and adapt as the culture around it also innovates and changes. Luther Seminary professor Dwight J. Zscheile considered this idea in his book: The Agile Church: Spirit-Led Innovation in an Uncertain Age.
Written in 2014, Zscheile had no idea that the Christian church would one day address the challenges of a global pandemic. The Christian church would be forced to worship and live a 6-foot intervals. Many of us would struggle to adapt and we would wonder how can we live faithfully in this new world. These would not be questions that we could answer quickly. Zscheile’s work could help the church as we meet the growing challenges of the culture. . . But remember, I started off by saying that I wanted to ask you a challenging question.
In his book he tells the following story from Chris Trimble:
“At one point in history Polaroid was known as a highly innovating company. Its signature snapshots that didn't require darkroom development prefigured today's digital revolution of instant images. But Polaroid, like Kodak, has been marginalized in the world of digital photography. How did this happen? Trimble observes the Polaroid was too focused on its cameras. It loved its cameras more than its customers. He asks the church: do we love church life more than we love our neighbors?"
So here is the question: Do we love church life more than we love our neighbors?
There are many people in our local community who are curious about what God can offer to them in their daily sufferings. Even if they cannot fully articulate the need, you and I have witnessed this come to life before our very eyes. Yet these very same people can be intimidated by how to approach the church. They worry that we may judge them. They worry that everyone inside is far too hypocritical and judgmental to be welcoming and inviting. They wonder if the church is closed off to its neighborhood or if we are out of touch with the current cultural climate.
But if we desire to life faithfully and help these people find God then we have to be willing to engage them. We have to be willing to ask ourselves the hard questions about our own willingness to dwell among people who do not think or believe exactly as we do. We have to wonder what lesson is God teaching us that we can then pass onto the our neighbors—without judging their choices or lifestyles. It is truly a hard place to dwell and consider.
I do not know anyone who wants the church to become like Polaroid—obsolete or out of touch. But if the church refuses to continually reflect on itself and its mission, then we do run the risk. I hope that you will take some time today and consider Zscheile’s words. And as you consider them, notice who God puts in front of your path. They might just be there for a reason.
Blessings
Rev. Derek
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