Rebecca’s Writings

Interim. Transition. Construction.

Increasingly here at Stone Church, we are living “in-between times.” We are between the old church and the newly renovated building. We are between one pastoral team and another. Finally, we are between Jesus’ announcement that “the reign of God is here!” and its full realization.

How we behave in all these in-between times matters to God. When we’ve lost familiar anchors, can we still manage to extend generosity, hospitality, and love? When there’s inconvenience and disruption, what soothes and comforts us and helps us to witness to the living Christ?

Yes, we are living in an interim time, a transition time, a time of construction. Faith meets the nitty-gritty of church life during these in-between times. Are we gracious or resentful at coffee hour? Are we fractious or cooperative at meetings? Where do we place our anxiety? At the foot of the cross in prayer — or at the foot of neighbors in mutual complaint?

The true test of a healthy congregation is found in these in-between times. Ultimately Stone Church reveals to whom it belongs by the quality of its spiritual witness. Rooted and grounded in the love of Christ, our discipleship shines clearly in and outside the sanctuary walls at all times.

Two practical things, however, will help our discipleship.

First, communicate clearly. Bring your questions, anxieties, loves and longings to the leaders — pastors and Session. Don’t let them hang like a cloud or cause backstage whirlwinds. “Gossip is the dark side of language,” we are told. Let us keep our language in the light! In this way, the fabric of our common life will not tear and fray, but can be woven into patterns that are strong and life giving.

Second, engage in corporate worship on Sundays. Your presence encourages others. In this way, God remains the focus of our life together.

Church life is a discipline. The way we live in this interim time speaks loudly of the way we live in all interim times. May the living Christ comfort and renew our common life in the days ahead.

Rebecca Kuiken