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Surprised by Who Shows Up 

This week's reflection is an article from the 'Alban Institute'.

The intro to the article speaks of returning to worship post-COVID.

In this situation, we often want to simply return to the old tried and true. At the same time, we are three years past the beginning of the world epidemic.

History changes regularly and the church changes regularly.
What was a significant mission this year, will likely be totally different next year.

I often speak of our life beyond the walls which contain our comfortable pews.

We regularly ask:

What is the mission of the church?
What is the mission of St. John the Baptist, Duncan?

There are endless questions.
This article below will assist us in beginning to explore our future.

Next week, Deacon Trish and I will attend the Annual Clergy Conference. I am sure we will be challenged to look toward the future of our church. Just as the most recent Council of General Synod has challenged the Anglican Church in Canada to wrestle with the future.

I encourage you to read this article from the Alban Institute.

You may ask, what is the Alban Institute? 

Founded in 1974 by the Rev. Loren Mead, The Alban Institute pioneered new ways of enabling congregational leaders to be agents of grace and transformation that could shape and heal the world.

'Go beyond The Sanctuary' 

The post-resurrection narratives in the gospels clearly point us to ministry beyond the sanctuary. 

Perhaps Eastertide is a good time to call the church to recommit itself to its mission in the world.

A congregation that seeks to revitalize and reengage its members should not make the mistake of turning inward. If we want to compel people to re-engage and get involved, we need to invite the Church to respond innovatively and courageously to the community’s needs.  

After the Resurrection, Jesus commissions the disciples to go somewhere or do something. In Matthew, he tells the disciples to “go therefore and make disciples.” In the longer ending of Mark, he tells the disciples to “go into all the world.” In John, Jesus tells Peter, “Feed my sheep.”

Jesus had no plans for the disciples to hide from the world.
He sent the disciples out into the cities.  

What do you know about the needs of your city?

Is there an affordable housing shortage?

Do lower-income families have access to high-quality summer camps and childcare?

Do senior adults have meaningful activities to occupy their time during the day?

What issues pose the greatest challenges for immigrants in your area? 

When church leaders become experts on the issues in their local community, they can provide visionary leadership for how the Church continues its mission beyond the sanctuary.

We might be surprised who shows up.  

Blessings, see you on Sunday,
Archdeacon Brian+