Looking Forward

Churches across America are beginning to realize that restarting the various activities we are accustomed to is going to be much more difficult than it was to stop them.  For many churches, this may take months, or even years!  There is no doubt that certain things will change forever in the church, just as many companies will change forever how they organize their workforces.  But church strategists have also noticed that this period of transition will be easier for church plants.  Plants are smaller, nimbler, and more experimental by nature, and thus it will be easier for them to adapt than many large, established churches.  When this is combined with the fact that the people at church plants are more forgiving of mistakes and willing to help build systems and programs, it is reasonable to think that church plants are in an advantageous position right now.
 
I have felt this, particularly as I have thought about what it will mean for us to gather together in person again in small groups, Bible studies, and Sunday worship.  I am grateful for your forgiving and flexible spirits!  I am also thankful for your willingness to help!
 
As I look forward to the season ahead, I have great hope that God has placed us here at this time for a reason.  I do not know what specific building Incarnation will be in 5 years from now, or what specific people Incarnation will be reaching with the Gospel, or what specific programs Incarnation will offer.  Coronavirus has reset the landscape for all of us.  Yet I am excited about all the possibilities that are before us, and our commitment remains the same: we want to live as the body of Christ in worship for the love of God and live as the body of Christ in mission for the salvation of the world.  Simply, living as the body of Christ for the sake of others.
 
I am also excited at the development that has occurred at Incarnation during this season.  A great deal of administrative work has been done behind the scenes—incorporation in the eyes of the state, increased clarity in how we will use our money, the foundations of a solid benevolence policy, the addition of a new governance team member and a Director of Outreach, the beginnings of a human resource policy.  But there is also much that has been done spiritually, and for this, I give even greater thanks.  Both Bible studies are flourishing.  A group continues to gather every Thursday night to pray together.  Our Sunday worship has grown in numbers over the last few months.  New families are inquiring about the church.  Very early conversations have occurred about partnering with a Sudanese congregation in town.  Behind all of this, though, I have seen an increased desire to live as disciples of Christ in the world.  I am thankful, and look forward to the season ahead.
 
As we move forward, please know that I want your ideas and feedback.  There is a great deal for us to do, and the ideas of the people will help us act in wisdom.  If you have thoughts, dreams, or prayers, please do not hesitate to let me know.  You can also talk to members of the Governance Team (Elizabeth Ellwanger, Ken Fitchett, Ruthie Galvin, Elizabeth Hammon, Ed Hardy), Outreach Committee (Erich Rose, Greg Deener, Ellen Hardy, Katherine Heidenthal, Anne Price), Prayer Team (led by the Beekmans and Hammonds), or staff.  We want to know what you are thinking.
 
In Christ,
Steven+

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