Change is never easy

Change is never easy. Change always involves a period of confusion and turmoil before the new beginning can emerge. As we have changed from a program driven church to a more relationally focussed church; as we have changed from defining church by the Sunday event to defining church as “3 or more people with a covenant commitment to grow in Christ and make Christ known”; this has not been easy. 

There has been confusion, turmoil, misunderstanding, anxiety, mistakes, reactions and loss of momentum. 12 months ago it felt like we had been trying to push a big stone wheel up a hill only to have it roll back down on us.

2012 has been different. I sense a greater confidence in who we are and in who we are becoming as a church. We have learnt to celebrate that Logan Uniting Church meets in coffee shops and homes and schools and parks and ... all over South East Qld; and at the same time recognise how important it is that we gather together regularly to worship God. We have been able to affirm the value of our institutional/organisational life as being important in protecting the more organic nature of a church built upon relationships and small groups. 

I am hearing more and more stories of people living out Christ’s mission incarnationally (as we all seek to be disciples of Christ wherever we live and work). I am observing the wonderful gift that occurs as people care for each other and celebrate that “this is church”. More and more IFFFs are beginning “organically” as people connect in groups of 3 for deeper discipleship. Life Groups (faith and fun), IFFF’s and ministries continue to explore how to reach out relationally to those who don’t know Christ and how to support each other in this incredible mission. 

We are praying for pre-Christian friends, not just for ourselves. We have experienced incredible generosity as over $76 000 has been given or pledged for mission, the ongoing work of God through LUC and in practical areas such as curtains, video equipment a lawnmower etc. Our website, facebook and video messages have widened the influence of Logan Uniting and have become very useful tools not just for communicating information but connecting needs with people who can meet them. 

We are learning to embrace a different “rhythm” of church as our Sunday evening and Carbrook congregations gather twice a month for corporate worship and on the other Sundays meet in faith life groups, bible studies or engage in relational mission. There is a quiet powerful move of the Spirit happening as we grow in “being the church of Jesus Christ”, not just “going to church.”

The diagram below paints a picture of the way God is shaping us as a church:

May we grow in loving God and others well. In a society of busy, stressed, uncertain people this is the greatest gift we can give – to be a church of people who have the space to love God and others well.

Yours in Christ

Graham Keech