Words of encouragement and support for those ministering "in the fields."

How will our churches grow in the 21st Century? It won’t be out of desperation; churches will not draw new members simply to fill an empty sanctuary or support a budget. It won’t be because people will flock to fill slots on boards and committees It won’t be by blending seamlessly into the weave of the social fabric.

In his letter to the Philippians Paul reminds the church, “Our citizenship is in heaven.” That perspective makes a world of difference for us as people of faith. It affects how we see things, and how we act. “Our citizenship is in heaven, and it is from there that we are expecting a Savior.” From there. Not from here. Ultimately, we put our trust in Something that thieves cannot steal, nor the stock market deplete, nor rust destroy, nor the grave contain. And we gather, every week, to sing, pray, wail, beat drums, dance, whisper, and clasp hands in testimony to that unique take on Reality.

“Come and see,” said the Samaritan to her compatriots after she had met Jesus at the well. “Come and see,” we must say to all who are in need of the Savior’s presence. “Come and see” that here, indeed, is the water of life that refreshes us all. Sink your roots into that aquifer and you will grow. As individuals. As church. Know who you are; connect with your Source. Identify your church’s particular mission and calling—at this time, in this place, with these people—and you will grow; not merely grow, but flourish; not simply in numbers, but in fullness of life.

Growth—beyond gimmicks and techniques—happens when churches open themselves to the dizzying possibilities that arise from the embrace of identity and mission. Who are we as a UCC congregation? How do we infuse our beliefs with muscle and bone? Here are just a few of the sights and sounds of growth. Mira Vista UCC sold its building and thereby freed themselves to engage in mission more fully, recently sending a work team to New Orleans. The sanctuary of the Congregational UCC of Campbell has been totally reconfigured to more fully enhance the life of the spirit both within and beyond their walls. First Congregational UCC, Oakland, has, over the past half century went from more than 1200 members to fewer than 50 and is now alight with new members, new ministries, and new bylaws to form a framework for ministry and a safety net to keep the church on course. Guerneville Community UCC is the most recent to report a new and invigorating sense of identity and mission as an outgrowth of the open and affirming study process. City of Refuge UCC continues to challenge itself to go beyond comfort and stasis in its persistent outreach to those in most need of God’s care. First Samoan, Suisun, and Fairfield-Suisun UCC have effectively become one congregation because their unity is a fuller testimony to how the Almighty, Le Atua, operates in the world. Parkside UCC, Sacramento, finds that new members bring music and prayer styles from their former traditions, which changes and enlivens Parkside’s worship. The listing could, and will, go on and on. Our churches are growing. In that distinctively wild UCC way that not only allows, but shoves and pushes us to discover and determine a worship style that moves us into deeper conversation with the Holy; to invent, discard, and reconfigure church structure and design so that we can breathe and live our calling; and to keep the Living Water flowing from spiritual nurture into physical mission and back again.

“Ready, Set, Grow!” events have been scheduled for several locations in the Conference, in response to last year’s Forums for the Future. We are looking forward to gathering more stories of growth to become a regular feature on the Conference website, for our mutual encouragement. Let us rejoice that we are witnesses to the pyrotechnic glory of God’s love and deliverance on the horizon of hope.

                                                                                                        ~ Mary Susan

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