Crystal Goetz, Director of Family Ministries
By Crystal Goetz
We’ve all heard it said that you can’t choose your family. I disagree. I think you can. I also think some of you may have already done so, but might not realize it.
The dictionary defines a “family” in several different ways—from crime syndicates to animal and plant genera. However, there are two definitions of “family” that are important for us here, as they can really explain the bond that can take place in a church community:
“A group of people united by certain convictions or a common affiliation.”
“A people or a group of peoples regarded as deriving from a common stock.”
Our church is our common affiliation. And when we’re together, it seems as though we are from a common stock. We sing together. Enjoy games with each other at youth group. We chat after worship. We experience Jesus together. We share in Bible study or small groups. All of these things help us to build a family and a community. But it’s having a sense of conviction or dedication to common goals that truly makes a community strong. Our conviction, is being one in Jesus. Called to share God’s message of love with the world!
Like all communities, we are formed by a collection of individuals. “One body, with many members,” Romans 12:4. And all of us blessed with different gifts and perspectives. As humans, we do experience conflict from time-to-time. Often, this is because we’re too focused on ourselves and our personal needs rather than what is needed by the community. When we feel our views are not heard, understood, or are perceived as different from the rest of the community, we can feel “outside” of the group.
What would happen if we were so dedicated to the conviction and common goals of the community that those differences were no longer a source of conflict, and instead were a source of restoration and progress? If we began to “wonder” instead of isolate, we might forge new pathways to our common goals. By wondering with each other, we leave room for God in the community.
Let’s wonder together for a minute….
I wonder what would happen if we all sat in a different seat on Sunday?
I wonder if we added a Sunday worship experience, who would be served?
I wonder if we could find a way to help people connect more to our community?
I wonder, if the young people of the church could choose their own pathway of faith, what would the future of the church look like?
I wonder what would happen if we changed how we shared our faith with each other and the community?
I wonder what we could wonder about together?
Those times when we wonder together can help us progress as a community and move the church forward in ways we haven’t even imagined yet. When we wonder, we are asking God to fill in the blanks. When we wonder and act, I believe that God acts too.
So, by asking all those questions that make us wonder, while leaving room for God to answer before taking action, we are able to grow together as the true, healthy, and progressing family of God. We hope you’ll join us over these next few weeks as we continue to pray for our church and our community. Let’s wonder together about all of the amazing possibilities that God has in store for us.
“If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” —African Proverb