Remember when we used to do things together with other churches . . .
Every year about this time my son will begin to ask me about having a neighborhood block party. He draws up plans and a flyer to invite our neighbors to come out on a Saturday to eat and just be together. Though I have powerful, perspective-forming memories from my childhood of neighborhood picnics, it seems that my son’s idea for this gathering was formed long before he knew of my experiences. There is something greatly moving about an eleven-year-old who is willing to make flyers and knock on doors to invite the neighbors to come out and enjoy some time together. It motivates even the most exhausted adults.
“Remember when we used to do things together with other churches . . .” That is the most common phrase I hear when I am visiting congregations. It is, indeed, something I find myself talking about when I visit; but, like with my son, this instinctive desire to gather together with the rest of the body of Christ is present in people before I say even one word. This Regional Transition/Transformation has little to do with Transitioning or Transforming any Regional Committee or Regional Structure! It has everything to do with what and why we might do things together with each other! Whatever we are becoming as “Disciples Together” will start with a desire to do things together and an understood purpose for doing MINISTRY together as churches.
Excited to Journey with you.
Your partner in ministry,
Bill Spangler-Dunning
BSD