What does that say to the church? How can we, the church, invite young adults to join our work in the city? How can we show those outside the church we are open to them? How can we give newcomers authority and send them out? How can we build trust in the church? How can we reach those outside of the church to share a word of hope that grounds their life?
These are the challenges Gil Rendle presents in this book. We are wandering in the wilderness because culture has changed. People no longer seek out a church. No longer do most Americans wake up on a Sunday morning and ask, “Where is a church I can attend?” We find ourselves in a culture that has become secular. People distrust institutions. The demographics have changed. There is a growing acceptance of world religions. These are marks of change.
To lead the journey in the wilderness, a congregation must communicate that it has something life-giving for the world. Rendle’s first step calls congregations to ask who they are. Second, they must ask what God has called them to do. Finally, they must ask, “Who is our neighbor?” These are the questions of identity, purpose and contextual focus. Rendle lifts the theme, “It is not your father’s wilderness.” Today we find ourselves in a different mission field.
Rendle challenges church leaders to frame the adaptive questions that ask, “What do we need to be doing in the next three to five yearsto be more faithful?” Leaders need to move to the balcony to gain perspective and set priorities. Leaders need to be more flexible and provide opportunities for leadership and mission to the community. They need to serve the people in their neighborhood.
Rendle challenges leaders to give up the “tyranny of the all.” Leadership needs to set the pace, and define what needs to be done. Sessions need to focus on outcomes, that is, what will be different when teams spend money. It is leadership’s job to keep before the congregation, in the words of Jeremiah, God’s plans for a future and a hope.
I believe Rendle is right about our world today. He has given us a challenge to find a map in the wilderness. Maybe we won’t find the Promised Land, but our journey must make a difference. I recommend you read this book as a session or staff. Rendle’s deep faith and vision guides the church that wants to serve in the wilderness, demonstrating and sharing the good news of Jesus Christ. What can we accomplish over a bowl of soup, like the young adults in Detroit?
Allen D. Timm is executive presbyter, Presbytery of Detroit.
