Changing Times

The first wetsuit I ever bought was black. The second one was black with the manufacturer's name written in gray on the chest. Both were long-lived and serviceable in a variety of surf conditions. In fact, I'd still have that first one if a mouse hadn't eaten through it one winter.

This is what the new one looks like and, believe me, this is one of the "quieter" examples in the art of neoprene:

It reminds me of what a lot of congregations try to do: bring a lot of flash to something that's actually pretty basic. All a wetsuit needs to do is keep me warm in the surf and not come apart on rough days. It should be capable of being balled up in the back of the pickup for the ride home, abide with all forms of abrasive sand, and even host a shellfish or two. A fashion plate I don't need to be.

All congregations need to do is provide ministries that support all who enter through the doors. Parishes are to invite, welcome, sustain, and challenge as they have been doing since the first timorous collection gathered in those terrible and exciting early days of Christianity. While one may dress up ministry with new slogans, trendy topics, and obsequious overtures to episcopal authority, real ministry, whatever its guise or presentation, is carried not by its packaging but by its reality. It serves in a manner that is sturdy, long-lived, and remarkably utilitarian.

As a wetsuit is judged by its function rather than its colors, so is a parish judged by the happiness and community that is generated by its ministry. I think we've done well in regards to happiness. Now its time to begin to rebuild the aspects of fellowship and innovation that will enable our community to become stronger.