This Christian Life

Chair of Deacons

I met with the chair of deacons this morning for breakfast. It was a good meeting and a good time for he and I to learn more about each other. That seems to be a common thread among people at our church: NO ONE KNOWS EACH OTHER. Well, that’s the feeling I get anyway. I’ve been there for 3+ years and I can count on two hands the number of people I’ve talked to in depth. I dunno, maybe that’s normal for church. I mean, if you’re not involved in some committee or small group, how can you possibly get to know people in the 10 minute “fellowship” time after the service?

Anyway, back to my breakfast meeting. He and I have a lot in common when it comes to perspectives about our church. He said things like ‘people were fed up with our pastors because they were single-minded and couldn’t embrace the concept of ‘both/and’… there are people who are in control that want to go back to the “old Grace” but they don’t realize that things have to change if Grace is going to survive as an organization.” He also said, “change doesn’t happen overnight in any church, much less Grace.”

Sigh.

I told him about the book Carpe Manana by Leonard Sweet. He dug it. He thinks he’ll buy it today. The whole concept of natives and immigrants has really made an impact on me.

All in all, I think we’ll get along just fine. He has hinted a couple of times now that he wants me to be vice-chair of deacons. This is appealing to me because I know I can be of more influence there, but on the other hand I’m worried that I don’t know enough about deacons and the way things work. We’ll see. With God’s grace I can do it.

This verse came in my inbox this morning. I’ll cherish it.

“I know the plans I have for you,” says the LORD. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. In those days when you pray, I will listen. If you look for me in earnest, you will find me when you seek me. I will be found by you,” says the LORD.

Jeremiah 29:11-14