Here is a snapshot of my inner world as I stand between a transformative sabbatical and my re-engagement with the ministry of God’s people in Faith Church.

I’m not coming back the same person.

 

* I’m restless.

* I’m less interested in some things that used to require lots of attention.

My vision of how God is at work is greatly expanded.

 

* The kingdom of God is advancing in surprising ways outside the church.

* The missional paradigm is right on target.

The future of the church lies somewhere in the mix between traditional and emerging churches.

 

* The emerging church is both reactionary and progressive.

* From these widely varying experiments, a new understanding of church is forming.

The church has lost almost all social capital (the ability to influence the culture).

 

* I think the Western world is in a period of profound social transition, one result of which is that the church and its message have been marginalized.

* Much of the cultural upheaval will turn out to benefit the church, even though in the short-term the dislocation may require difficult adjustments, some repentance, and lots of relearning.

* I have an increased sense of urgency concerning the major shifts needed for the church to fulfill its mission.

I have seen the future, and it is very good. (Hint: the future is revealed in the resurrected Jesus.)

 

* We can trust God as we launch out in the adventure of following Jesus.

* The bad news for the church: “Behold, I am about to do a new thing.” (Isaiah 43:19)

* The good news for the church: “Behold, I am about to do a new thing.” (Isaiah 43:19)