Still Waters

I have recently had a few discussions about an interesting direction our church is taking. Though the history of our church as well as its predominate make-up has not been one with much variety, the times they are a-changing. Due in no small part to a conscious decision to stay in a declining neighborhood, our church is becoming more and more of an outreach outpost.

For better or worse, many churches are choosing to leave the neighborhoods in which they reside for more upscale and comfortable environs. This is not unlike the urban flight of home-owners who are faced with aging neighborhoods and choose to get out while the getting is good rather than stay and try to revitalize. And so, more and more developments pop up and turn urban flight in into suburban sprawl.

I am thankful for a family at Highland church of Christ in Abilene who is largely responsible for some of the outreach emphasis. They are not flashy nor particularly interested in impressing people, but Gary And Maria White are a great example of the notion that "still waters run deep." With a quiet resolve they simply go about the business of serving others instead of seeking accolades from others. In doing this they simply waded into untested waters. Rather than waiting for someone else to push them in, they are now pulling people in behind them.

As more of us seek to follow this example, there are obvious questions that arise. How do we do this? Do we just let ourselves be victims in this process? Is it safe? Do we expect our subjects to be served, belong, behave or be obedient? If we do not expect belonging, behavior or obedience why bother? Do we have to buy a Joy Bus? Personally, I do not know the answers to these questions even though some nag at me. But then, I don't think the Whites really know them for sure either. Instead, I think they wade right in and say, "Come on in. The water may freeze your butt off or take your breath away or take advantage of you or steal from you or... Either way, dive in."