In the iconic movie, The Man Who Knew Too Much, Doris Day asks about the future in the context of several pivotal relational moments. To each question, the refrain asserts:
Que sera, sera
Whatever will be, will be
The future’s not ours to see
Que sera, sera.
On September 15, I traveled to a gas station in Arizona for the fifteen year memorial of Balbir Singh Sodhi.
I was working with a group on racial reconciliation, and I felt frustrated.
Be brave, my friends. The world needs a more just and generous Christianity.
Something wonderful is happening in the Evangelical church in this country.
Next to membership growth, stewardship growth is probably the most sought after goal for faith communities.
“Don’t worry about that baby; I love babies … I hear that baby crying; I like it.” Trump said. “What a baby, what a beautiful baby. Don’t worry … Don’t worry about it.”
A campus developer, a community engagement director, or even a congregational advancement specialist–these are just a few position descriptions that churches use when they want someone to assist in both building the congregation and effectively managing costs and revenue streams.
It is time for the church to question form while remaining true to function.
Church leaders, I understand the impulse to throw your hands up in despair, change occupations, or hold out until retirement, at which point you’ll wish the next generation good luck and be done with it.