May 4, 2023

Dear Central Church,
 
It’s human nature to resist change. We like routines, familiarity, and regular rhythms. Sometimes we can see change coming on the horizon, and we are able to prepare for it. Other times, however, our life changes suddenly with a phone call, a visit to the doctor, or a meeting with our boss we had not anticipated. Either way, we generally don’t like change.
 
The irony is that life is filled with inevitable changes. Our bodies change, we age, and we watch the people around us do the same. Communities change. Neighborhoods change. The only thing that really stays the same is change.
 
Organizations can respond to change in one of two ways: ignore it or embrace it. Those that ignore it fall victim to the law of atrophy. Without intervention, everything eventually wears down. Those that embrace it, however, are able to discover new expressions of organizations effectiveness as they adapt their strategy while remaining true to their mission.
 
The Central Church story is full of leaders who recognized the inevitability of change and chose to embrace it. The “Our Turn Now” vision initiative is our moment to trust God as we embrace a season of change. While remaining true to our mission and core values, we envision a redesigned facility that enables us to deliver a timeless message in new and fresh ways.
 
Having walked with congregations through seasons like this before, I’ve discovered something: it’s not that we don’t like change, but that we don’t like the unknown.
 
I want us to all be informed about what this next season of ministry will be like. This is why we're hosting the Vision Luncheon this Sunday. I hope you will join us in the Fellowship Hall immediately following the 11:00 AM service. It’s free to attend, but let us know you plan to be there by clicking here. Our leaders will share what we KNOW about this next season of ministry and together we will trust God as we venture into the UNKNOWN. As we do, we will trust in this promise from Hebrews 13:8, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever.”
 
One thing I KNOW for sure: when change is all around us, Jesus remains the same. See you Sunday!
 
Until He’s Finished,


Pastor Mark