Church transformations will improve welcoming status

Around the family table

When I came to the McAllen District, I wanted to listen to the members of our churches express what they liked about their congregations and what challenged them as a congregation. As of this writing, I have visited with people from all 35 congregations in the district.
In those get-acquainted sessions, some of you asked me what my goals for the district would be. I told you I wanted to hear from the membership before I formulated any mission statement. Now that I have listened to you (and to God), I am ready to share my emphases with you.
My thoughts are not original. They rely heavily on what has already been done here. Yet they do seek to speak to the needs (and strengths) of our district churches.
My mission statement is “In the McAllen District we will follow Jesus by welcoming others and by transforming our church and our community.”
You will notice that “following Jesus” precedes everything we do. If we are not following Jesus, we will not have the power or blessing needed to accomplish what we seek to do.
You will remember, too, that following Jesus is not easy. He can lead us into some challenging places— places like your town and church.
“Welcoming others” is one of the easiest—and hardest—tasks for the follower of Jesus. To be friendly is a part of welcoming. We South Texas folks are friendly.
However, Jesus practiced radical welcoming. He traveled outside his comfort zone beyond friendliness to invite and include others—others different from himself. He didn’t wait for people to come to him but went out to them to demonstrate his welcoming mission.
Many of you have learned how to welcome better by participating in the welcoming congregation program. I want those of you who have not yet become a welcoming congregation to do so.
“Transforming our church and community” is accomplished one step at a time. Yet, Jesus is already working in your church and community to bring about positive change. As congregations, we need to find where Jesus is at work and join him there.
Wherever Jesus prompts transformation, it includes two elements: intentional faith development and risk-taking mission and service. Often, the most difficult and frustrating task for pastors and key lay leaders is to get satisfied religious folks to grow in their faith. (Jesus had trouble with that issue, too.)
Growth can be uncomfortable but necessary for the Christian. The Apostle Paul challenged the followers of Jesus to be transformed. When God’s people begin to change, exciting mission and service result. Many of you have found the excitement of new mission service in your own communities. The outreach you have undertaken has reached into your hearts.
Don Nations is helping many of you find ways to be transformed by stimulating your faith development and sparking your mission and service. I am thankful to Don for his transforming work among us.
There are others, like the Rev. Mike Lowry, our new executive director of church development and transformation, who are willing to work with you to bring about positive change in your church. I want each church to have a ministry plan that includes intentional faith development and risk-taking mission and service.
May God empower us all to follow Jesus in welcoming and transforming.