The Future Is Not What It Used To Be
by Ron Mathieu

It's hard to believe, but it's already been six months since I wrote an article on coping with change as we were moving to a third Sunday service*. Through God's grace and the cooperation of our terrific congregation, that transition went smoothly. "Great! Now we can settle into a routine again..." was one recently overheard comment.

The reality is that First Prez is a church in constant transformation and the prayers, attitudes, and skill sets successfully employed in that major change to our Sunday morning routine will be just as necessary in the coming months and years.

Our 2001 annual report, which will be available on Sunday, March 17, is a remarkable story of a church that God has blessed, and a people who have answered His call to love one another and spread the Word. It's useful and appropriate to look back, to give thanks and to give praise.

But if you look back, then turn around 180 degrees and fast forward (at the same rate), our annual report can be a scary thing for some. Not because we can't see what the future holds...rather because it becomes clear that in being a healthy, transformational church, God will continue to challenge us to change, often in new ways. Here are some examples:

• Our limited campus and facilities will be even more strained to accommodate growing ministries throughout the week, especially on Sundays and Wednesdays...
• Longstanding schedules may have to be altered (just like they were when we added a third service)...
• Some ministries will have to meet off-campus...
• Creative solutions to our parking limitations will need to be implemented...
• New leaders will have to step forward and established leaders may have to branch into new areas...

Outgrowing our facilities, schedules, parking and human resources: what wonderful problems to have! It's important to be aware that we are consciously moving into the future, not just waiting to see what happens. Please pray for our Long Range Planning Team and all our ministry leaders who are answering God's call to follow Him. And be comforted to know we serve a God who not only challenges us, but also tells us, "Be not afraid. I go before you always."

*[See www.fpchawaii.org Oct '01 Nu Hou Lani: "Looking Up, Reaching Out, Scootching Over"]

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