Where To?

Introduction

A. Even if you haven’t seen any part of the trilogy “Lord of the Rings,” you probably know something about the movies. Based upon the books by J.R.R. Tolkien, this movie series has captured the interest and wallet of America. The third and final installment came out about 10 days ago and already is pushing the $200 million mark in ticket sales. The intent of the story is to reveal the struggle between good and evil. The story revolves a host of characters who are trying to take a gold ring which represents all that is evil and destroy it by returning it to the place of origination. But it is not a simple matter of destroying the ring. In order to destroy it the characters share in a number of challenges which at times seem overwhelming and at times cost the lives of some. Without getting into the theological significance of the movie or of Tolkien’s book, there is something that can encourage us.

B. While being warned that the journey to destroy the ring would be arduous and demanding, all the participants voluntarily went on the journey. And with each challenge, while there might have been doubts and thoughts or going back, none of the characters gave up the journey. Their dedication to the mission in connection with one another inspired and encouraged to continue. There is an assumption that we make that I want to at least challenge if not dissolve. The assumption sometimes is personal and sometimes it is assumed in congregational life. The assumption can be stated in a number of ways, but the essence is found in the following statement. “Working for God is supposed to result in good things.”

C. Sometimes the belief is stated negatively “why do bad things happen to good people.” Sometimes the belief is stated in a complaint “why is this happening to me.” Sometimes the belief is stated in frustration “I can’t believe it. We work and work and we see very little results.” Sometimes the belief is stated in comparative terms “Other congregations seem to be growing, why aren’t we?” In what ever way it is stated, the belief is basically the same “Working for God is supposed to result in good things.” A certain amount of questioning is good and can prompt us to reevaluate things — both individually and congregationally. But the assumption also results in a diminishing of resolve and feelings of giving up. Tonight I want to speak to this erroneous belief. I want to speak to our heads first and then appeal to our hearts as we continue our journey. It will be a time of evaluation but in the end an attempt to call us to resolve to honor God with our lives both personally and congregationally. (Prayer of encouragement)

The Journey

A. Paul says he presses on to the heavenward prize. I suppose we would all say that this is the ultimate goal, but none of us necessarily appreciate the journey. Paul wrote about this goal in prison. He wrote about this goal when he had already suffered much. He wrote this not knowing that there was much more to suffer. But in verses 10 & 11 Paul writes that he wants to share with Christ in his sufferings. Perhaps Paul knew something that we have forgotten — there is reward in the journey and not just in the end result. Paul knew that the journey was preparing him for the reward and without the preparation the reward would not come to him. Paul knew that suffering, inconveniences, and discomfort were part of the journey. He didn’t believe that working for God relieved him from distress. Instead he believed that the suffering and discomforts were good things.

B. Isn’t that an interesting way of looking at things? I don’t think Paul found any enjoyment in the discomforts, but neither did he assume that he was in some way supposed to forego such things. In the middle of many times of suffering, Paul could then speak boldly and courageously about God. As he says in 2 Corinthians, it was in times of weakness that the power of God came through.

C. I think we know this to be true, but our heads know it better than our hearts or emotions. But again, this may be because we assume that Christians are supposed to handle discomforts differently than others. Christians bleed when cut and hurt when emotionally cut. We grieve, cry, wail, and feel things that those who are not Christian feel. We have the same emotions as those who are not Christians. The difference in understanding that emotional discomfort are a part of life and we learn to accept them as part of life instead of holding on to a false belief that working for God is supposed to free us from such times of difficulties.

D. When Paul received his call from God to be the apostle to the Gentiles, he was told that he would suffer many things in the process. Not exactly something that one wants to hear in a new job, but who can deny that God was honest with him. In the same way, when we were called to discipleship Jesus told us that we would have troubles in this world. In John 16:33, Jesus said to his disciples that they would have troubles in this world and to us the same words apply. But the words were not given without a promise. “But do not fear, I have overcome the world.” The world is filled with troubles, but the Lord of the world is Jesus. It is this promise which we need to keep in our minds. Paul did. He felt times of sadness, loss, confusion, and isolation. He shared fully in the human experience but he never lost sight of God’s promises.

Application

A. Congregational life is difficult at times. At other times it is filled with great victories. Such is the case when people are brought together. Congregational life can also result in times of sadness, loss, confusion and isolation. We may question our purpose, our methods, and our resolve. Those questions need to be asked and answered with some regularity. But we must not lose sight of what has gone on. In the last ten years, Park Avenue has had some phenomenal growth and yet it seems that we have little to show for it at least in numbers. I surveyed our records for the last ten years and found the following results:

1. Since 1994 — we have had 95 baptisms; we have had 26 babies born into this congregation in the last 10 years and we have had 21 deaths. Such numbers may not seem much, but reflect a congregation which is vibrant in reaching out to others and with young families.

2. Since 1994 — we have had 103 families place membership with us. These 103 families represent 233 people. In other words, in the last 10 years we have doubled in size. It is hard to know what other congregations have done, but few can claim to doubling in size in the last 10 years.

3. The fly in the ointment is that in the last ten years 75 families representing 185 people have left Park Avenue. The vast majority of those have left the congregation because they moved out of the city or state. So while we have doubled in size, we have also lost about that many.

4. What does this say? I think there are a number of conclusions we can draw.

   a. First, we have something which is attractive to those who are looking for a church home.

   b. Second, while there is an emotional toll when people come and go with such great frequency, we have not lost our love and openness to others. People still find a place to call home and people are loved into a family which nurtures, heals, and encourages.

   c. Third, you are still actively pursuing ways to draw others in.

   d. Fourth, we our numbers fluctuating we have a unique opportunity to see our selves as mentors and trainers for many who will go out from us. It is not only an opportunity but a responsibility to take the time to train and equip those who come to us for a short time.

   e. Fifth, we must remain positive in our outlook rather than focusing on the losses. Reality is that our society is transient. But every person who comes through here we can touch. For each person who comes through here there is something that can be given to them and something to be challenged in their walk with God.

B. So we must decide where do we go from here. We must return to work within our community; we must find ways to approach our neighbors; we must summon the courage to speak for Jesus. And then we must not lose sight of loving people as God has loved us. We may never be a large place, but as long as it is possible let us love as God loves us; let us seek as God sought us; let us encourage as God has encouraged us; let us share as God has shared with us; and let us pray that we can touch even more lives the next ten years. Prayer.

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