It’s hard for me to believe it has been ten years since I was sent here to St. Andrew’s. I was sent by the Rt. Rev. Robert Hargrove, second bishop of our diocese. Upon my arrival I discovered a little band of faithful people, who had held this place together by sheer determination. They were tired; they were afraid; they were ready for a change.
The first question I can remember being asked was, “What are you going to do to help us to grow?” I responded by asking another question. Yes, I know that isn’t always a good thing to do, but this question was a serious one, to which I really needed to know the answer. “Do you really want to grow?” I will always remember this conversation, because this is probably the most important question for any Christian community to ask itself. This is a question which need to be revisited often, perhaps even daily.
Growing a congregation is not an easy task for anyone. It is especially difficult on the members who have “always been here,” as they are the ones that must learn to share power and decision-making with other who they may not know very well. They, too, must realize that the original dream or vision will of necessity change and transform, because of new ideas, new members, and new needs. We must remember that even the best laid plans may not be the right plan.
This is an exciting time, however, for those who truly put their trust in God. As we continue to see St. Andrew’s grow and transform into the Church God would have us be, let’s remember with thanksgiving those who ere here before us, as well as those who may come after us. Its only ours for the time being. We are the stewards, not the owners.