Changes

In our lifetimes, I am sure we have all been through situations where we have a tough decision to make. It may not be an easy decision. It may not even be a comfortable decision. But make it you must.

I am thankful that in my life, I have only had to make a handful of such decisions. I don't enjoy change, and oftentimes have trouble pulling the trigger on a difficult decision, so sadly, I try to find ways to mitigate such decisions from having to be made in the first place. But sometimes it's inevitable that the decision has to be made.

My wife and I have been pondering such a decision for at least a couple of years now. And it was a very difficult decision to make, as it affects our children, not to mention our own personal spiritual life. We have decided that after 13 years, that we will be leaving our church. Now, for those who don't go to church, you may sit there and say, "who cares? It's just church." Maybe. But I guess you've never experienced the sense of community and belonging that comes with being part of a church. The sense of support and encouragement that a body of believers provides one another. The spiritual cohesion that develops, since let's face it, real born again Christians are in the great minority nowadays. It is indeed like moving to a new city, starting a new job. There's a certain sadness that comes with it, in terms of familiarity but also in terms of relationship.

I won't get into the reasons why we are making the change, but we not only made the decision (and make it collectively - this was not "my" decision, nor "her" decision), but have acted on it and swiftly too. We believe we have found our new church home and it is closer to our house and we've already made some contacts.

But still, there is a certain melancholy that comes with making such a significant change. There are many, many people at our church with whom we are quite fond, with whom we have shared joys and tears, friends who we regard like our own family and people who have helped carry us in difficult times. Sure, we will make new friends, but the fact is, some of the people who we only see on Sundays, we will probably never see again. That is hard for my wife and I to wrap ourselves around. But you know, we recognize that like everything else, there are strengths and areas of improvement. We still want to show that we value our old church's strengths but continue to support programs financially and by our attendance. But I suspect that over time, as we move into programs at our new church, this too will eventually fade out.

13 years. My wife and I were married at this church. Both of our kids were dedicated there. I served there briefly as an elder and my wife as the children's ministry co-ordinator for a while. I think back of our time with fondness and have very few regrets. I recognize that no church is perfect, but just like anything else like a house or car or what food to eat or what music to listen to, there is a sense of personal preference involved, I will admit. But moreso with churches, there's also the added sense of where God wants us to be at this particular time. It is in this vein that my wife and I sensed God's calling us out pretty clearly. And while it is uncomfortable for us, we will continue to trust in His goodness and in His ability to know our spiritual needs and what we have to offer to any church.
I know that it is God who is leading us somewhere else, since we have already experienced some really interesting coincidences at the new church thus far. My wife and I have prayed about it and we both are in agreement that God is moving us elsewhere. My wife and I don't always agree with everything, so for us to have unanimous agreement in how we sense God's direction, that to me says something. I didn't know anyone there until last week when I met some people. With sweaty palms and a nervous smile, I started to shake hands and introduce myself to total strangers, but in essence they weren't strangers but fellow brothers and sisters in Christ who I have just met. It's not like I am going to a business convention where people make connections in order to enhance their careers.

Another affirming sign for us was the fact that our son felt at home in the new church's children's program. My wife sat in on the first week, while I sat in on worship and compared notes afterwards. I told her that the worship and sermon and testimonies were very encouraging and she said the same about the children's program. It's a good start thus far.

I have heard that the number one question for preacher-teacher John McArthur in his 40-years in ministry and preaching, is "I don't have a good church to go to - where do I go?" His answer is "the best available that you can find". We are pleased to have been able to find one fairly quickly and without much searching.