June 25, 2007
Dr. Bruce Birch, Dean of Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington DC, led the Bible studies at Annual Conference in Redlands last week. In Friday morning’s session, he stated the church lives in the “creative tension of Memory and Vision”.
Dr. Birch cited many Old Testament prophets, quoting such verses as “Forget not the rock from which you are hewn” and, “Where there is no vision, the people perish”. This, he stated, illustrates the tension the people of God have always faced.
First, there is the tendency for the church to live in the past, celebrating her memories, but having no vision of the future. Such a church is like a fossil, Birch said. “A fossil is an amazingly consistent witness to the past, but totally incapable of dynamic ministry in the present or future.” Many churches today have become fossilized.
I recall a scene in the movie, “A Man Called Peter”, where young Dr. Peter Marshall preached his first sermon at the New York Avenue Presbyterian Church in DC. The church was virtually dead, but the handful of remaining members proudly showed their new pastor the roped off “Abraham Lincoln Pew” where the great President once sat while attending worship. Dr. Marshall helped that church move from “fossil” to a new vision of what it means to minister in the setting where God placed them; totally engaged in their community in the present tense.
Secondly, there is the tendency for the church to live in the future. Such a church is like a chameleon, becoming all things to all people, but having no roots in the rich traditions of the Bible and church experience. Like the lizard that changes its color to reflect its environment, the church may become irrelevant in its witness to the eternal truths entrusted to her.
Neither model alone is sufficient. The church with a healthy balance between “memory” and “vision” will be able to not only survive, but remain effective in her mission and ministry, regardless of the changing tides of time.
Dr. Birch’s message is one we need to hear at Christ United Methodist Church. As we prepare to enter a new Conference year, (my ninth year as your pastor…thanks for your long-suffering and the opportunity to serve with you) let’s find the healthy balance between lizards and fossils as we dream a new dream, and get a new glimpse of the vision where God is leading us while we claim a wonderful, rich history.
From the Quote Garden
“What you need to know about the past is that no matter what has happened, it has all worked together to bring you to this very moment. And this is the moment you can choose to make everything new. Right now.”
~ Author Unknown
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