Next steps in reconciliation

Feb 5th   |   Brian Rust

    We hope you had a chance to hear Dr. Alvin Sanders of Samaritan Way on the weekend of Oct 31/Nov 1. Whether you attended the Door Creek seminar Saturday morning, or heard him preach, or both, we hope you were informed and moved about an issue that is on our radar this year: becoming a church for all people. We had a chance to talk about Dr. Sanders presentation as a Stewardship Board, and wanted to let the church know what’s next as we focus on reconciliation.
     
    We were challenged to consider anew God’s love for all people. What it means for us to be as deliberate as God is when seeking the lost. We were encouraged to hear Dr. Sanders’ observe a ready spirit among the people he met at Door Creek. We also realize we have a long way to go.
     
    The question for all of us—starting with leadership—is, what’s next? The Board has been studying, asking God and discussing what it means to be a church for all people. What does the Bible say about reaching those who may not share our economic means, education, ethnic background, or other characteristics? What can and should we do to remove barriers? How can we begin to change longstanding, sinful attitudes that may keep us from being fully used by God?
     
    At this point we have more questions than answers. But we want you to know that we as a Board are committed to keep moving in this direction.
     
    We are devoting this year to pray, study and hear from others who are further along on this journey. We have already brought in two experts—Dr. Emerson and Dr. Sanders. We want to invite more. We plan to meet soon with Pastor Alex Gee of Fountain of Life, to hear how his church is pursuing reconciliation. We hope to visit a few churches to learn from them. We will continue to study what the Bible says on this topic. And we have formed a Board subcommittee to draft a paper to guide us.
     
    Please join us. Pray with us about this. Press and encourage us. Let us know if you want to be part of an email list or blog on this topic. Forward this note to others who were not able to hear Alvin Sanders. Send us your recommendations for speakers, seminars, churches and other resources that can inform and challenge us. If interested, you can .
     
    Alvin’s book,“Reconciliation 101,” is also available for $10 from the church office.
     
    Changing (our) lives to change the world,
     
    Brian Rust
    For the Stewardship Board

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