(Each Saturday, a faith leader in Franklin County offers a personal perspective in this space. To become part of this series, email religion@recorder.com or call 413-772-0261, ext. 265.)
As a recent transplant from the Pacific Northwest, I am doing my best to understand the differences as well as similarities between people of the Northwest and those of the Northeast. So far, my most alarming observation is the number of declining churches and communities that I have encountered in my short time here. Though certainly churches experience similar challenges in the Northwest, those here have such a rich history and heritage that it gives me pause when they close their doors, and communities around them go on with life as usual — many times as if those churches never existed at all. And when communities here lose hope as businesses close and opportunities evaporate, New England loses part of its past and much of its future.
Mission Covenant Church is doing its best to buck the trend of inevitable decline, having gone through a purposeful process of revitalization through the Evangelical Covenant Church (ECC) denomination. They have done much self-examination and have made many forward strides. And the church is growing, praise Jesus! But is what they have done so far enough? No, I do not believe that it is. What are the obstacles to revitalizing a community of faith — oh and, by the way, to revitalizing any established organization or community? What is required to succeed?
A common quote states that the “seven last words of the church” are as follows: “We Have Always Done It That Way.” (Ralph Neighbour)
To what practices do churches (or communities) cling because it is too difficult to visualize doing things differently? It may be a style of worship, of organization, of the use of building and grounds, or many other potential disputes.
Another obstacle to church growth is insisting on keeping things the same because that’s what feels familiar. Ask church members if they want their church to grow and most will undoubtedly say “yes.” But when churches grow, people must be willing to not relate so intimately, to not have the same level of control, to have their worship “home” seem a bit strange and unsettled.
Firstly, the people must be willing to take risks. Might some efforts fail? Undoubtedly. But without taking risks, change cannot happen.
Secondly, the people must be willing to put others’ needs and desires ahead of their own. This is biblical, but nevertheless tremendously difficult to do. As long as one’s priorities stay stuck in personal gain — whether emotional, spiritual or practical — growth and vitality will wilt and die.
Finally and most importantly, the church (or the community) must have a vision. “Where there is no vision, the people perish.” (Proverbs 29:18)
Organizations write mission statements and vision statements, hoping to communicate who they are and what they stand for. But do those mottos and statements truly drive every decision and choice, or are they merely meant to impress? Only when a crystal clear vision is cast and when everything that follows can precisely be connected to achieving that vision will it have a chance to come to fruition. In the church, through prayer, study and discussion, the leaders and people seek to receive that vision from God. Though of course I believe that our communities would benefit from that same process — Jesus is the best strategist I know — I do know that they too must become more focused, more vision-oriented, and more able to take risks if they wish to prosper.
The Old Testament tells the story of the people of Israel as they go through times of triumph as well as times of trial. We who struggle now with a need for a fresh vision and fervent hope might find inspiring these words 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.”
I am excited to see what God has in mind for my church and my new community. May God bless us all.
About Mission Covenant Church
Mission Covenant Church, founded in 1889 as part of the Evangelical Covenant Church denomination, is located at 53 Pleasant St. in Orange. Worship services are at 10 a.m. each Sunday and small groups meet on Wednesday evenings at 6 p.m. at 163 Pleasant St. (the parsonage). The church has a men’s breakfast the second Saturday of each month at the church, as well as a vibrant children’s ministry on Sunday mornings. The web address is: www.missioncovorange.org. You may contact Pastor Mary Hendrickson at 978-544-7651 or by email at mary.hendrickson55@gmail.com, both for information on the church and also for spiritual support. Please join us as we seek to follow Jesus and serve our community. Come as you are and meet new friends!