Matthew 28:19-20, "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
According to church consultants, the life cycle of a church has four seasons. These four seasons are: growth, plateau, decline, and rebirth. All four make up one cycle and run approximately 20-25 years. A church that enters the period of decline must engage in renewal or rebirth, or it may risk remaining in decline. Many churches will cycle through the four seasons a few times as they rediscover or renew their mission. Some other churches will "complete" their ministry with gratitude to God and close their doors.
It is very important that believers also grasp what we confess in the Apostles' Creed. When we say the line, "I believe in the holy catholic Church", referring to the universal body of Christ's Church around the world throughout all time, we are saying that Christ's church is always bigger than any local institutional congregation or mega-church. The body of believers baptized into Jesus is the true church, and no trends of the world can ever close down this Church for Christ sustains her.
That brings us to our church here at RBCPC. During the staff meeting this past week, everyone had a chance to share one word that best describes our church at this moment. "Upswing", "transparent", "energized" were some of the words mentioned. Human perspective tells us that we are on the cusp of a new season. That is encouraging! But God does not just bless a local congregation for the sake of having a nice church. God blesses us to be a blessing: to reach the ends of the world with the gospel of Jesus Christ and to make disciples (Matthew 28:19-20). As someone once stated, "The Church doesn't have a mission. The Mission of God has a Church.”
What a time to be at RBCPC. I can sense energy, an upswing, and a transparent community of Christ-followers seeking to flourish. It is with anticipation that we see what God may be up to and then partake in God's activity. Four months have already zoomed by for me, and I am truly grateful to our Savior for what He has in store for us in this new season. Grateful to serve Christ with you!
Your Servant in Christ, Pastor Jason