In 2007, in Lake Junaluska, North Carolina, our denominational leaders tried to address our own identity by redefining our purpose, which is, "The mission of The United Methodist Church is to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world." Now perhaps we’ve heard that phrase so often that the magnitude of that one little sentence doesn’t hit home anymore, but I’d urge you to read it again and really think about its meaning. If you seriously consider it, those words should strike fear in your soul. Making disciples from regular church goers who think they are already disciples, or trying to make disciples out of people who do not know Jesus, puts us at risk for all types of things, from insults to rejection, from ostracizing to death, at least in some parts of the world. The true message of Jesus is radical and it is not the watered down message that we have come to accept it to be. Making disciples requires that we stick our necks out and do things that are different than what we are used to so we can reach people. Even Paul seems to be a chameleon when he states, "unto the Jews I became as a Jew...to them that are with-out law, as one without law...to the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak...I am made all things to all people, that I might by all means save some. And this I do for the gospel’s sake." (1 Corinthians 9:20-24). It doesn’t change the message, just the delivery.
What does this mean for us, in our new world of the shifting paradigm? It means that we must shift from making members to making disciples. When a paradigm shifts, everything we’re used to, everything we’ve done in the past, and all our assumptions are reset to zero. Everything we do must be learned anew, while what we learn must be translated to new behaviors. We are at a point now where we have only one choice—change or die. The courageous will change. Those who will change their old habits and assumptions about their church building and traditions, and who will do what it takes to reach people and make disciples of Jesus Christ will live. Those who do not will experience a slow death. If you look around, you will see many churches who are in their last death throes of congregational existence. At Gravel Hill, we reject that with all of our being and from the depth of our soul. We refuse to die, and therefore we will change and live for the Lord.
Self change is a gift. It allows us to redefine who we are today and our purpose for being here at Gravel Hill right now. Most new members are not simply looking for a church to belong to, but are seeking purpose. Most do not want a simple inward belief system, but a faith that will go out into the world and make a real difference. I would hope we are all the same there. But some here don’t want change. Some are afraid of stepping out on a limb, growing and building in an economy that provides no guarantees, upsetting the status quo. But in the middle of a paradigm shift where everything is reset to zero, there is no status quo. So we are faced with choices—find new ways to do ministry or keep things the same; make disciples or make members; grow or maintain; change or die. They are all one in the same. As Gravel Hill chooses to change some will no doubt be lost along the way. Some members may decide to attend other churches. Losses are sometimes inevitable. Those that leave will join other churches, but will find themselves in the same boat. All churches are in the midst of the paradigm shift, not just ours. If they choose not to confront the shift, they will die. But the joy here is this—we have a choice. Self change is not only a gift, it is exciting! The Lord’s work is difficult, but there is no more satisfying experience in the world. When I close my eyes and think about this project, here is what I see: new doors thrown open wide with many people who I’ve never seen before coming through the entrance, being welcomed by members, arm around a shoulder, being invited to share a seat at a table while someone fetches them a cup of coffee or tea. I see people laughing and getting to know one another. I see Bibles out on the tables with discussions taking place about theology, about how to live as Christians, and about changing the world. I see Bible studies during week nights. I see a place to hang out. I see a welcoming congregation who embraces anyone who walks in the door to the point that they are drawn into Bible and educational studies that make their faith strong and deep, like a mighty river that courses through the countryside, gathering more waters as it moves along, growing to the point that it breaks out over its banks and floods the land. I see new ministries. I see new disciples. I see God’s plan for us. I see our future.
Our purpose and our mission is to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. The world is different than it used to be. The soapbox on the corner with a preacher on top doesn’t work anymore. A welcoming community of purpose with a comfortable place for discussion does. So we welcome, we talk, we testify, and we do whatever it takes to reach our world today. I will support this building project and capital campaign with everything I have because I believe in making disciples. And I love the excitement of a good journey. I hope you do too. Journey with us and make disciples of Jesus Christ. Have the courage to transform the world.
