Here We Stand

Mark Tidsworth, Team Leader

“I cannot and will not recant anything, for to go against conscience is neither right nor safe. Here I stand, I can do no other, so help me God. Amen.”

Martin Luther, 1521

Though there is scholarly debate about the historicity of Luther’s declaration at the Diet of Worms (not a commentary on his eating habits but an old word for “gathering;” and Worms was a city in Germany at the time), nevertheless it has inspired many of us in uncertain times. We could recall Biblical declarations of faith from the Old and New Testament which captured the spiritual imagination in Kairos moments as well. Sometimes we need a strong word from leadership, declaring our intentions, calling forth our faith and courage. 

Today I’m reading the news that North Point Ministries, a mega-church in the Atlanta area led by Andy Stanley, is suspending in-person worship the rest of this calendar year. Do we recognize the magnitude of that move? These are unprecedented times in our world and in every church.

Given this, we need a strong word from pastoral and lay leadership about where we stand. What keeps us centered when life is swirling? Well, not long ago we might have pointed to our long-standing routines of in-person worship and small group Bible study in classrooms on the church campus or in a disciple’s home. Now our answers are different. Now we have to dig a little deeper. This is part of the grand assumption correction this Coronavirus is bringing to all Christian disciples; the opportunity to determine what’s real, authentic, and enduring; come what may. 

Here’s my short list of that which does not change when it comes to being church together.

Come what may, these identity markers do not change. Knowing this, we can let go of so many other aspects of our lives, including the inconsequential aspects of church life. When we are sure of ourselves, the need to clutch, grasp, and cling to peripheral activities or outdated practices decreases. Knowing our identity, our companion group, and our mission empowers us to stand firm, even when our running route becomes treacherous. Leading our churches to identify and affirm that which does not change empowers us to keep running when the route grows long and tiring. Reconnecting with the essence of our faith is like the energy bump after a stop at the aid station along the route. We connect to our centering and energizing faith.

So what’s your short list for that which does not change look like? Perhaps that’s the next activity your leadership undertakes; growing clear on your identity markers. Maybe this list will do you, or maybe you will adjust it some. Either way, may God bless your every move toward effective leadership in your church in these crazy times.