Matthew 7:24-25

They say Rome wasn’t built in a day, and I imagine it took quite a long time to build it. I am sure they had tons of city planners making sure every code was followed. The next month, our family will be in the middle of reconstruction in our new home. I am excited, but knowing how builds go, I expect many challenges ahead. There is nothing like a rebuild to re-affirm our marriages.

“Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock.” Matthew 7:24,25

I must admit, there has been a lot of changes in and out of our church in the time I have been here. I know change is hard, and I am sorry if I have pushed and inconvenienced people. Some of the changes have been cosmetic, many changes were systemic, and we are all trying to navigate what church looks like “post-Covid.”

I have been a pastor for over 28 years, and I have been to many churches. I am a life-long Adventist, and I have no greater desire than to see Jesus come in the sky above. I have a belief that great change is coming to our country, city, community, and church. A great challenge is set before us, how do we change, but hold unto the values that make us Adventist? I don’t believe there is a clear answer to this question actually, I believe every church community needs to answer it in their own way. Who are we as a church? Who are we reaching out to? Why does this church need to exist? Do we really need to change? These are all questions I want to ask you. I believe we as a church body must always be asking these questions. Churches all over America are declining. The American mind has changed even in these past 20 years. What can our church do? I believe the Adventist message is more important than ever. I believe our best days are ahead of us. No, I am not saying that the Adventist church as a whole will all blossom. No, I believe each church, each group of elders, each Board and pastor will need to ask the hard questions to minister in the world today. I am excited about the task ahead. We got work to do. Time to roll up our sleeves, and be the church God needs in 2021 and beyond. Have courage my friends, our God has already gone ahead of us, and He will do His work.