The Adolescent Church

Hello Emmanuel,

An 11 year-old doesn't know what is about to happen to them.  Kim and I both agree that the ages of about 7 to 11 are some of the most fun.  The child is old enough to interact with you and thinks Mom and Dad are the coolest people on the face of the planet.  They come to you for help, hug you with no reservations and share their emotions without trepidation.  

Then they hit adolescence.

After 11 years, their life changes without their permission.  Hormones take over.  Slowly, their time and energy are taken up by interest in the opposite gender.  Mom and Dad's IQ suddenly gets sliced in half.  Parents clearly have no idea what is going on and the pressures of school and an ever-changing social life make being a half-kid, half-adult not much fun at all.  Grades become more important; the future becomes more fuzzy; and Mom and Dad clearly have no understanding of the situation.

I wonder if Church life is as similar?  Emmanuel is going into its 12th year.  How do we know if God isn't ready to change us?  And how would we react if we suddenly found ourselves facing different interests in an ever-changing church body?  Would we get the snippy adolescent attitude?  I don't think so.  I think we would adapt just as well as we have over the past few years.

I'm seeing an increase in interest.  I've had a few voice interest in mission trips (new voices too).  I've seen new opportunities to expand our Care Team ministries. I've watched more step forward to teach.  Our bulletin is about to get a new look yet again.... and then our Newsletter will be revamped.  Visitors have come over the past few weeks looking for something new and different.  Even our computer-crash problem might be solved (I said 'might'.  Pastor Shawn is optimistic, but I've seen optimistic pastors before and know it doesn't always end well).  If that isn't God speaking, I don't know what is.

How do we know God isn't ready to change us?  The trick is to be flexible enough to allow God to guide us, even if it means a change in direction.  That is difficult.  11 year-olds generally love life.  They don't want to be hit with unexpected change.  But sometimes it happens nonetheless.  Indeed, it must happen if growth is to take place.

Let the Holy Spirit rage through us.  The next 11 years should be rather interesting.

God is Good,
Pastor Joe

p.s.  Pastor Shawn will be introducing his new newsletter next Monday.  He will be writing on the last Mondays of the month.  I would say that it will be taking the place of the MMP.  But, really, can ANYTHING take the place of the MMP?  Just be kind to him.  His 90-day review period isn't up yet, so he's still nervous.