Charting the Course

By Julie Gray

There is a Rolodex that lives in my head. (Yes, I realize that ages me. My kids don’t even know what a Rolodex is!)

My Rolodex lives in a quiet corner of my mind. It is usually unobtrusive and invisible. Until someone starts making plans — then it roars to life and starts spinning wildly. For every idea and plan, there are cards or files that open in my mind, and under each of those is another set of files or cards with labels like “supplies needed,” “scheduling,” “requirements for travel,” “budget,” “meal plans” … and every other detail that might need to be addressed. The benefit of the Rolodex in my mind is that by the end of the conversation, I often understand the steps needed to implement the ideas and plans.

But no matter how fast that Rolodex might be spinning, there are usually two questions that must be answered: “Where are we going?” and “Why do we want to get there?”

After 40 years of wandering around the desert, the Israelites finally had answers to those same questions. God gave Joshua the answers with specific instructions:

Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land, I swore to their ancestors to give them. … So Joshua ordered the officers of the people: “Go through the camp and tell the people, ‘Get your provisions ready. Three days from now you will cross the Jordan here to go in and take possession of the land the Lord your God is giving you for your own.’” (Joshua 1:6, 10–11)

They knew where they were going — across the Jordan.

They knew why they were going — to take possession of the land God was giving them.

It’s no secret that the church in North America is suffering. Attendance is down. Tithing is down. Baptisms and conversions are down. Across the country, churches are closing their doors in record numbers, regardless of denominational affiliation or independent church status. And every pastor I know shakes their head when they hear those reports and whispers a secret prayer: “Please not my church. Please God, not our church!”

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“True discipleship isn’t simply about church attendance. It’s about Jesus’ activity in and through His followers outside of the church walls.”

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Positioning for Movement

Could it be that if we want to see a different result in the vitality of the church maybe we need to chart a new course? Could it be that we’ve been comfortable for too long, coasting on what used to work, trusting that God will do something miraculous if we are just faithful to keep doing the same thing? Could it be that God has a new destination in mind for us? Could it be that we need to get ready, cross the Jordan, and take possession of the land God put our name on?

That is, in fact, exactly what we believe! And in The River Conference, we are beginning to see the popcorn activity of God’s Spirit-fueled movement. We align with that movement by positioning ourselves and being ready for what God wants to do in each of us, our churches, our towns and our cities. We do that through:

1. Prayer – a congregation-wide, agreed-upon plea for God’s activity, revelation and breakthrough among us. Being vulnerable enough to let the Spirit lead where it will and then being obedient to follow. When God’s breakthrough happens, you can be sure it will be in a way you will not expect, with people you did not expect, and with results you did not anticipate. Are we willing to let go of our preconceived ideas of the “right” way to do church and let the Spirit lead us to kingdom renewal? Are we willing to stop telling God what He should do and instead ask God what He wants to do? (Book recommendation: “Flood Gates” by Sue Nilson Kibby)

2. Discipleship – or more specifically: disciples, who make disciples, who make disciples, and on and on. Discipleship is the deep transformation of Jesus’ impact on our lives … not just so we go to church on Sundays and tithe so the pastor can get paid, but transformation that changes how we see ourselves and others in the world. Transformation that recognizes the image of God in every person and offers them dignity and respect in return. Transformation that impacts our relationships, our work time, our play time, and what we want out of life. Transformation that understands that we were created not just to spend eternity with Jesus, but to spend our lives for Jesus. Every minute. Every day. Everywhere. When the church leaves the building, the transformation engages others because they see how profoundly different we are. True discipleship isn’t simply about church attendance. It’s about Jesus’ activity in and through His followers outside of the church walls. (Book recommendation: “Centering Discipleship” by E.K. Strawser.)

An Unprecedented Time

We are at an unprecedented time in history. Our world looks crazier every time we see the news. And it might seem overwhelming. We might wonder what we can do amid such craziness, violence, and hate. Not to mention, Satan would like nothing better than to see God’s church roll over and play dead.

But God’s church is not dead! And luckily for you and me, it’s not up to us to save the world —because God already planned for that! His name is Jesus!

It is up to us to position ourselves for transformation, to hungrily and eagerly seek Him, to be obedient, and then help others to do the same. There is no better time to be a follower of Jesus and an agent of God’s transformation!

God is up to something. So get ready, and be prepared to step out in faith, because God is still active and in control. God wants to use you and your church in ways you can’t even imagine! Are you ready?

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