A matter of perspective

If people naturally assume their congregation is besieged by problems when dis-ease, anxiety and change occurs then the only response they can visualize is to identify the problem and fix it. But, if the Church can frame unrest as "Theo-emotional" (how do you like that word? I just made it up), meaning, emotion stemming from God in order to stimulate change and growth in His Church (a transformational moment) then leaders will seek to do more than just make things right using old paradigms.

Maybe we should consider "Theo-cycles" more often? (another word I just made up! I'm on a roll today!). Theo -cycles in the sense that God intentionally transitions His Church in change. This is not a new thought in scripture for sure! He seems to always be shaking the status quo. He instructed Abram to walk; Jacob to wrestle; Why look at the crazy stuff He had Ezekiel and Jeremiah do! He instructed Solomon to write in Ecclesiastes 3, "There is a season for everything" ... ready or not, here it comes! In the New Testament Paul tells the Romans that God is using "all things" for His purpose ... to conform His bride into the likeness of His Groom. (8:28-29).

"All things" ... Theo-cycles? It works for me. I can see God dumping emotion into the Church system in the way, creating dis-ease for the sake of our maturation and effectiveness. Otherwise like stupid sheep we would be content to graze down the same field and miss being lead to the streams of living waters and feast at the table He has prepared for us (Psalm 23). We would run "into the fields that are ripe unto harvest" with tools that no longer work.

Yep, the Church needs "Theo-stirrings" (nice word... You can use it if you want) for health, growth and effectiveness. So what are we to do when Theo - "emotion, cycles and stirrings" occur in the Church? One, embrace it as normal. Two, Assume God is in it for the maturation and effectiveness of His people. Three, come together in prayer petitioning God for discernment, direction and unity as a body. Four, gather as much information as possible, process it, fashion a plan and ask God to bless the plan for His glory. Five, talk with God and others about the feelings we are experiencing in/through the change process. Six, celebrate the relationship and passion God has for the Church and world as demonstrated through the dynamic relationship He has with both. Seven, anticipate more anxiety and dis-ease stemming from God (you know... that Theo - emotional, cycle, stirring thingy we talked about).

Thanks for stopping by!
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Adrian