Transformation requires loss (ugh)

I love the word, transformation.  I preach on it all the time.  I’ve found the power of love and the experience of walking with Jesus to be so transformational that I’ve dedicated my life to trumpeting that good news! For me, transformation is positive, holy, and attractive. I hope that’s how you see it too.

But, there is another side. Transformation inherently requires change. And change means loss. Caterpillars may not welcome becoming butterflies. Why would they?

Cocoons, physiological morphing, the struggle to break out of the chrysalis, UGH! Who wants all that? Rather that we stay on the leaf munching away in the sunshine.
It’s the same with us.

Collectively, as the Church, we followers of Jesus in North America are going through a profound transformation. Many of us have stopped attending church every Sunday. At St. Paul’s, only a third of us are in the building on average on any given Sunday.  Many of us have stopped attending all together. The drop is precipitous across the nation – for all denominations. This is not a welcome change. It’s a loss that sometimes takes my breath away and makes me cry.

You can see why: I deeply believe in the work that we do together as church. But transformation is here. I have to let myself grieve. And so do you. The loss is real. And we don’t know what the future holds. 

Darian and I have a vision for our transformation. We have hope that our worshipping community will thrive for generations to come. But not without change. Not without transformation. Stop and reflect on how that makes you feel. 

As we walk through the days ahead and discern next steps, we will make space to mourn, to honor our past, and to comfort each other. 

Change is tough. But we are tougher. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, our caterpillar community will fly.

-- Pastor Rebecca