A couple of Sundays ago, I shared the story of Cornelius from the book of Acts and said that it was a very important event in the early church that brought about change to break the cultural barrier in order for the gospel to move from Jews to Gentiles. Most people don’t like change because change is uncomfortable, and it can be hard. Churches are known for resisting changes. Even when people know in their head that the change would be good and pleasing to God, they still resist.
And yet we all know also that responding to change well is critical to our success in everything we do, especially doing God’s work. Jesus rebuked the religious leaders of his day because they couldn’t read the signs of the times and refused to change. And change doesn’t come easy either. With change comes much uncertainty and unsettledness, if it is a major change.
But during the unsettling times, it will help people to keep moving forward if they can focus on what can or might be done, rather than fixating on events over which they have no control because with change new opportunities are created. Of course, with new opportunities you are going to face new challenges. But when you allow your uncomfortableness and turbulence to push you forward, you will be able enter into uncharted territories and gain new experiences in life.
When we were dealing with a major change as a church three years ago, we were faced with much doubt, unknowns, uncomfortableness and unsettledness. But God told us to stay calm and focus on Him alone and later gave us His assurance through His Word as we were going through a transition as a congregation from Isaiah 43:18-19, “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.” Basically what He said was, “I know what’s going on, and your situation is under My control, and I am going to fix it. You simply watch what I do, and trust and follow My lead.” And God brought many great speakers through our conferences and spoke to us the words that we needed to hear on a timely basis as well. God’s faithfulness was great and amazing.
Also, during this transition time, God challenged every one of us to step up and be involved in the process. He taught us how we should work together as a team rather than depending on a few gifted and capable leaders who are making all decisions and giving directions. He also wanted us to understand that God’s work is not depending all on your gifting, abilities, or intelligence. Rather God wanted everyone to be involved in His work and to give whatever they could give, and work together as a team through acceptance, patience, love and forgiveness. God was making a cultural change in our congregation. And I truly believe you’ve responded well.
I personally want to thank all of you for trusting and believing in our leadership during this transition time, even though none of us were best qualified for doing His work. Our pastoral and support staff worked hard and faithfully, and we functioned well as a team. Our lay leadership was just amazing. They served willingly and sacrificially. But most of all, our God’s been so faithful and gracious to us, and He never let us down.
It’s been an amazing ride. Now the time has come to pass the baton, and God has perfectly orchestrated it. With the new Sr. Pastor expected to come on board, God’s work at NCFC will continue on in even greater measures. I can’t wait to see what God has in store for us as we move forward. Once again, thank you all and God bless!
From Pastor Neil’s Heart
February 14, 2016