If you’ve read my articles over the past several months, then you’ll be aware that I often like to look at two sides of a coin, and that is, once again, where I find myself. Are things about to change or will they carry on as they ever have? I’m not talking about vaccines, presidents, or even pastors – I’m talking about faith, ministry, and the ways that we, as a community, seek out the care of one another and the connection that we have with Jesus Christ.

We’ve said it more than a few times around here over the past several years: “We’re in a season of transition,” and guess what? We still are! So, through one lens, things are going to continue to change, and that change will bring a few hiccups, some growing pains, and a whole lot of “getting to know each other.” Through another lens, however, Westminster will keep on being the Westminster that we’ve always been. We will continue to be a caring community of faith that works for the love of our families, our neighbors, and the least of our brothers and sisters.

We will continue to be a church that welcomes hard questions, embraces dialogue, and understands that a body is made up of many important parts – as different as they all may be. And, most important, we will continue to be a people of faith who walk boldly toward Jesus, seeking him as both Lord and Savior – following, learning, and growing because of our communal walk of faith. No amount of transition could change any of that.

So, we have an adventure in front of us, that’s for certain. Our church, our country, and our world are all on the edge of a new season, and you can’t have an adventure without a dose of uncertainty. But maybe we know more than we think we do. I wonder what would change if we worked together to embrace the things that have always been true about us. What would it be like if we changed our “What if…” into “How can we...”? No longer, “What if we have to continue with livestream worship?” Instead we’d ask, “How can we reach our community in new ways?” We wouldn’t say, “What if it takes a while for everyone to settle into a new pattern?” We’d say, “How can we make this transition meaningful for everyone involved?” How can we act as the body of Christ in a world that could use a serious dose of redemption and resurrection? It’s the question that was asked in a cornfield all those years ago, and it’s the same question that we need to keep asking today.

Yes, I suppose that lots has changed in the past few years, and I get the impression that there’s a bit more to come. I believe that Westminster is on the verge of something good. Something very good. Ultimately, that has very little to do with who we are; it has everything to do with who God is. That’s the beautiful thing about the church; it’s always been a way for God to work through creation to bring his Kingdom on Earth. That’s never changed.

What changes do you see in this season – or what do you feel must remain? How would you fill in the blank, “How can we….?” I’d love to hear your answers.

Be well, friends.

Ed Sutter