Being a Change Agent in a Down Economy

A pastor's job often involves a series of long meetings dealing with difficult topics and struggling with tensions that can't be resolved. At the conclusion of such a meeting the other day, I was met with wonderful words of encouragement and focus. I am always amazed by the divine appointments that show up in my life at the most unexpected and unassuming moments.

After this particular meeting, one of the participants gestured to have a word with me. He told me that I was perceived as a change agent and that change always raises anxiety for people. He then went on to say that being a change agent in a down economy is extremely difficult. Obviously, he had my attention.

In a down economy, he said, if you do nothing, things are going to get worse. Ironically, though, making changes are almost always perceived as making things worse. Or at least that’s the essence of what I heard him say. I think that may partially explain the fear I feel around me—both at church and in the world. 

However, times of change and difficulty have a way of bringing clarity for me—because I turn to what I absolutely know is true, which counters my fears:

• God is still on His throne and is actively at work.
• Nothing can stop or hinder the activity of the Church (notice capital “C”).
• God is good and is able to redeem and bless anything and everything that I surrender to Him.   

These days of fear and confusion are not frightening or confusing for God. God is not out of control nor is the activity of the Nations beyond God’s care and oversight. I do not fully understand the meta-narrative of history, but I know that God does. I have the promise of God that even the “gates of Hell” can’t prevail against His emerging Kingdom here on earth. 

The difficult times won't last forever, and I want to be able to look back on them and know that I took steps of faith. I want to see how I offered everything I had to lead my life, my family and Oakdale Emory with the strength of my convictions and trust in God. Again today, I am choosing to believe Jesus.