This past fall First Church continued a transformation of sorts as we looked to the book Simple Church for direction to do church differently.  It was an uncomfortable move for many people to hear that we were going to do church differently than we have done in the past.  For some, there were some questions about where they would fit in this new way of doing church.  Some people were concerned that the group they belonged to would go away and leave a void for them.

First Church does look a little different.  The programming has slowed to a crawl, and yet we seem to be as busy as ever.  "What is simple about that?" you say.  One of the things that has been a colossal change is the fact the staff is not creating, implementing, running, and evaluating a myriad of programs for the church to attend.  We have moved to a small group format which brings activities of the small groups to light for the church's service.  Many small groups are already beginning to gear up for spring with service projects from their small group needs.  Some small groups are planning extra things just for fun to better become acquainted with one another.  We are putting more emphasis on a few special services like Maundy Thursday and Good Friday instead of backing away from those services because to do so would mean we were at the church 5 nights in a row.

So the question that the book raises and that I also raise today to you, First Church, is this: ”Now what?” We are always to be asking ourselves this question. What does God have in store for me now? What is just around the bend that I will be challenged with to grow a deeper relationship with Christ? What is God calling me to do today that will be reaching into the community to heal the brokenhearted, bind up the broken and comfort the afflicted? Our church is a "can do" church.  We have never backed down from a challenge.  God is challenging us today to decide just how we will move into the future with Him.  So First Church, now what?

Kirk