If I’m being really honest, I’ve struggled in the past about whether ETCBC is the church for me. Whether I should consider switching churches. I found myself somewhat detached, somewhat disengaged from what the church’s motivations were, and the people around it.
When I was asked to be a part of this Project, I wasn’t sure if i could because of these reasons. How could I do a good job, when I didn’t even know if i would stay.
I realized during this time, that the problem wasn’t the church, or its people. It was me. My own mindset. My own selfishness and dreams for myself, getting in the way of what is truly important. My relationship with God. This relationship, as Pastor Tim spoke this week, exists everywhere, at work, at play, and yes, at church. Not just at ETCBC, but at any church. You see, changing churches would not solve any of my struggles – no matter how polished the service, no matter how beautiful the building. Only a change in my own attitude could do this. Only a change in my heart for God could change this.
As I have worked on this Project for the past few months, I’ve seen God work in me, and within other people within the Church, and change and mold us all. We’re building something together, and we’re building it with God at the centre of it.
You see, this Project isn’t just about the end result – as great as it will be to see all of the new walls, a great new children’s space, a kitchen that is sparkling new – it’s about the process as well. It’s about listening to God, having faith that through Him, anything is possible, and that he will provide what we need, when we need it. I see this Project as an awakening for our people. Those who have been on the fence with their faith, like me, will have the chance to rise up and re-commit to God, to be present, even if their mind struggles with other problems and worldly things.
Building something big takes all of us. Let’s take the walk together and see what God has in store for us.
LW