Over the summer, I happened upon a town that closed off its Main Street for a town party. Antique firetrucks were on display and non-profits had tables to share information on their work. There were also lots of food and drink booths, live bands, and a small play area for children. Spirits were high and smiles were everywhere.
As I walked the length of Main Street, I passed a United Methodist Church. People were picnicking on the lawn and resting from all the activity on the street. However, except for the sign in the middle of the lawn, there was no United Methodist presence at the town party. There was not a table selling desserts or water. There was no one to greet the picnickers. The church was shut tight against the happy throng outside its doors.
Several days later I met someone who attends the church. I had mentioned that I was surprised that the church community wasn’t visible at the town party. “You mean that drunken crowd? Why would we be there?” was the response, “Not only that, our security cameras caught someone going to the bathroom in our bushes! Can you believe that?”
Matthew 5:14 reminds us: “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.” Too many churches are casting a dim light in their communities. Instead of active engagement, bringing the church directly where people are gathering, there is a “they’ll come to us” mentality that is far from what Jesus and the early church intended. There is a sea of humanity right outside the doors of every single church in the Mountain Sky Conference. Do we keep our doors shut tight to keep others out? Or are we willing to go into the highways and byways of humanity, bringing the love of God in life-saving and life-changing ways?
When there is a town party, is your church in the middle of it, bringing the Life to the party? When someone has a need (sometimes as mundane as needing a place to go to the bathroom) do your neighbors find your doors unlocked and a loving community waiting for them with arms wide open?
As we begin a new program year in the church, it becomes so easy to turn inward and make sure our ministries are scheduled and staffed for us. But that’s not why we exist. We exist to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. We are here to share the Good News in compelling ways, equip people to share God’s love, and send them out into the world so that broken, lonely people will find a Word of healing and hope and a Beloved Community that continues to grow and change with each new member.
I am praying that this year, we in the Mountain Sky Conference will be on fire with the Holy Spirit, so that every church across this conference will be seen as a vital, life-giving presence in its town.
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