Loading...We have all heard the phrase, “It’s business as usual,” meaning everything is still the same. Wikipedia defines the phrase as “the normal execution of standard functional operations within an organization.” In other words, keep doing what you are doing. In some cases “business as usual” is fine, particularly if the organization is growing and prospering. Although most successful business experts will tell you, “if you are running your business today the same as you were five years ago, you are falling behind.” Successful thriving companies are always looking for new and more innovated ways to operate.
The Church should pay attention to how successful companies operate. At least from the stand point of looking for new, effective, relevant way to live out the Gospel of Jesus Christ in the 21st century. The churches who are doing ministry the same way they were 10 or 20 years ago, are missing out on new opportunities and may be on the road to becoming irrelevant in their community.
Jesus was all about the people. He wanted to be with them; to touch them; to heal them; to save them. And He knew it wasn’t going to happen by doing “business as usual.” He knew things would have to change. He knew people would have to change. If the world was going to find true happiness and experience the fullness of God’s mercy and love, it was not going to happen by doing “business as usual.” Jesus turned the world upside down, and through His sacrifice, opened for us a new way to approach the world.
If we as individual churches and as a Cluster want to make a difference in the world, it can no longer be “business as usual.” We need to take a closer look at our mission God has given us and a closer look at our personal relationship we have with Jesus Christ. If we are to make a difference, things will have to change. It’s time we take a cue from Jesus and turn over a few tables which may be hindering God’s mission through us ( Matthew 21:12 ).
It can no longer be “business as usual” at Stras, or St. Mary’s, or Christ Church. It can no longer be “business as usual” at the Tazewell County Cluster of Episcopal Churches. We have been falling behind for too long and changes must be made.
In the next few months, we will be exploring how we can do “business not as usual.” The lives of our churches and our Cluster will depend upon what direction we take. The road ahead of us cannot look like the past if we are to thrive and make a difference.
I invite everyone to be in prayer, listening for God’s voice and anticipating the gentle nudge of the Holy Spirit. Keep your heart and mind open to new possibilities and an exciting future which will change lives and communities. It will not be “business as usual.”
Grace be with you,
Fr. Tom
