What’s Changed?

Have you ever awoken from a good sleep and just knew that the season had changed? Evidently birds and other animals have this sense– a realization that goes beyond what is directly observed. (If you are an english nut, and have a better phrase than “have you awoken”, please comment–I looked it up).

If we look on the outside, lots has changed. The political landscape has shifted dramatically two times in the past 18 months. Our economy is in transition–as are many jobs. Perceptions about the portability of housing has changed with many houses now worth less than when they were purchases, resulting in a reduction in family mobility. Non profits and churches are feeling the pinch of the economy– one might say many charities are really sucking wind (phrase borrowed from high school football practice). And there is lots more– globalization continues to march on, the research on American church decline is proving itself to be true and…

I think it is time to turn the page. If you are one of those people who care about communities and believe that the church is called to play a redemptive role in transformation, a new season has arrived. What worked ten years ago is now nearly antique. What is working right now, may have a pretty short shelf-life (multi-site, large scale new churches, attractional). And if we are honest, what we say is working right now, isn’t working for 65% of America.

So as I wake up in 2010, I think we have entered a new season. That is both scary and exhilarating– I have to let go of some old things and pick up some new. Its not a New Year’s resolution, its just that inner sense that lets me know that I need to get on my boots, because change is afoot.