So What?

Over the years, I have heard from many of you that you appreciate my Sunday sermons.  Often, I have heard you all remark that you think about them during the week.  I won't deny that it feels good to hear that my pondering and thoughts about scripture are meaningful to you all; but it is also music to my ears to hear that you all could summarize the main point of what I was trying to convey. 

I am picky about sermons.  If you have talked to me about them, no doubt you will have heard me remark that my sermon style is partly based off of what I disliked about the sermons I heard growing up: 1) I dislike sermons that start with a generic joke.  If I start with a story, it will be based on my experience or that of someone I know. 2) I dislike three-point sermons.  I could never remember the three points the pastor was trying to make - so, I try to make one - and only one - point per sermon.  3) Every sermon needs what I call a "so what?"  I have heard too many sermons full of flowery or intellectual language that never got to the point.  If a pastor can't answer, "So what? Why should I care?" then the sermon is incomplete. 

Earlier today, I got a proposal back from an architectural firm that we have been talking to about fixing the church's domed hallway roof.  I have forwarded the proposal to Session who will be discussing it on Thursday.  When we are ready, we will be bringing this information to the congregation; but there is a question I want to ask you all to consider before seeing the proposal: So what? Why should we fix it?

Yes, the dome corners are crumbling and are a liability. 
Yes, this is our building, and we have been entrusted to take care of it and manage its upkeep. 
Yes, our current model of ministry is based around owning a building. 
Yes, this building holds a lot of history and meaning for many. 

But - so what?  What part of our ministry is supported by this expense?  Why is it worth spending this kind of money on infrastructure rather than a ministry initiative?  How is the future and longevity of this community supported or incumbered by this expense? 

I will be up front with you all: This repair is not going to be cheap.  The amount that we will likely need to spend will likely change the trajectory of this congregation for the foreseeable future.  Because of that, as a community, we need a rock-solid "So What?"  We will likely need to reach out to the wider community and ask for funds in order to do this project; and if we don't have a solid, one-point reason why other people should listen, pay attention, and care about this project, if we cannot effectively communicate why we need to do this to further our calling and ministry, if we cannot come up with a reason other than a sense of duty, we will not be successful. 

I know this feels scary and uncertain.  I know, and I feel that nervous anxiety too.  But this is an opportunity to clarify what Northminster's mission is today so that we can follow God's calling boldly and without fear.  

As I say often, we can't kill the church: we are only asked to walk in faith where we are called - and we are promised that God will be with us even through the darkest valleys.
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Blessings,
Pastor Chris