DEAR CHURCH: 
NOVICES OF THE NEW, NOT EXPERTS OF THE OLD

I’m guessing that all of us can agree that life on the other side of this pandemic will be very different. Life in education, business, entertainment, and leisure will change. Also, we likely agree that church-life will change, and this is especially true in the public’s perception of the church. People are seeking community, and as part of their search efforts, they will consider church again. This provides us with an incredible opportunity to reconnect with our existing church folks, as well as connect to all those who are dechurched, unchurched, and everyone in-between.

As we prepare for life After the Virus, (“AV”), it would be helpful to discuss how we might begin rebuilding. Today, we begin with the foundation of our Lord Jesus Christ, carefully stepping forward to become Novices of the New rather than Experts of the Old. We can directly relate this topic to the story of the Old and New Wineskins: Life “AV” will be the New Wine. We must commit to the same Gospel Message but also be ready to proclaim it so that it can be received in new, authentic, and wonderful ways in a changed world. Our church “AV” will be either an old or new Wineskin, but that part is up to us. We must be especially careful that we don’t pour these new, wonderful blessings (New Wine) into the old ways of doing (and remembering) things.

Before we address the New, let’s understand why we can no longer be Experts of the Old. The answer is simple: The old ways are gone. I’m sorry to say this so bluntly, but we need to hear it: The old ways are gone! Life has changed. We may not have asked for it and we may not want it, but that doesn’t matter. Life among, around, and within church will be different, permanently. The quicker that we can admit that one FACT, the quicker that we will be able to move forward into the new opportunities that God will provide.

Now, before you cast me into the chasm of wailing and gnashing of teeth, please don’t assume that I’m talking about traditional vs. contemporary worship. That is NOT part of this. (Frankly, I’ve become a firm believer that “traditional” worship will receive a large infusion of support by newly-made disciples, but that’s a discussion for a later date). Rather, when I refer to “the Old Ways”(or Old Wineskins), I’m referring to the ways we receive, connect, support and disciple each other and new believers. I’m also referring to ministry, administration, staffing, budgeting, and several other pieces as well. All of these are new opportunities to rebuild, regroup, and follow the path that God needs and leads.

This pandemic, as bad as it is, is offering “Church” an opportunity to make some major changes without disruption to congregational life. We might even think about this as an opportunity to restart or relaunch. As an experienced church-starter, I can say with certainty that a perspective of “starting over” can provide some incredible opportunities for revival. In other words, this is a great chance to think and pray about the efficiency, effectiveness, resources and structure of the church in life “AV”. Take some time to consider all of it - “OUT” with the Old that won’t work and “IN” with the New that will work. This is an opportunity to progress as “Novices of the New.” Let’s not waste it!

This week in “Dear Church”, we will be looking at two specific areas - Evangelism and Money. Are you uncomfortable yet? We can’t go back to old ways or trust our old wisdom. God is doing a new thing, and that includes our Money and our Mouths (Evangelism). More places to look…

“No one pours new wine into old leather wineskins; otherwise, the wine would burst the wineskins and the wine would be lost and the wineskins destroyed. But new wine is for new wineskins.” (Mark 2:22, CEB)