Between What Was and What Will Be
In case you haven’t noticed, Resurrection MCC is in a liminal space. We are between senior pastors. We are in one building but are in the process of selling and moving to a building that has yet to be determined. There are probably other examples, but those are the two right now that are most real.
Liminal space is defined as “a transitional space, a threshold between one state or place and another. It’s a place of transition, neither here nor there, often evoking a sense of unease, nostalgia, or surrealism. The term originates from the Latin word “limen,” meaning threshold.”
Key characteristics of liminal spaces are:
A sense of unease: They can feel unsettling.
A feeling of being betwixt and between: They exist in a state of suspension, neither fully belonging to the past nor the future.
Potential for transformation: Despite the unease, liminal spaces can be fertile ground for growth and change, as they force us to confront our uncertainties and vulnerabilities.
Obviously, members and friends of Resurrection are feeling unsettled. We don’t know what the future holds. We are often nostalgic about ‘the good ole days,’ which may or may not be as good as our memories would like them to be.
What often happens during these times is that people get testy with one another. Sometimes scenarios are made up to try to explain things that are happening. Often those scenarios are wrong, but they get spread around and create additional confusion and mistrust. And this doesn’t just impact those who attend. It can spread out into the community and create a reputation that, though wrong, may take years to change.
Here’s my advice as we go through this liminal time.
Pray: Go to God and pray for one another, for Resurrection, for the teams and committees of people who are doing their very best in an uncertain and uneasy time.
Be positive (not negative): Keep in the forefront of your mind all of the incredibly good things that are going on at Resurrection. Despite financial hardships, the staff is doing wonderful ministry. Worship is wonderful. Resurrection reaches out through livestreaming to more people each week than are physically present in the sanctuary or at classes. Casa de Todos reaches hundreds of people each week through Rev. Ulises Perez’s Bible class. The pastor’s office is presently being filled up with backpacks and school supplies. Resurrection has a heart for the community and an outreach beyond what we could have possibly imagined a few years ago.
Remember: Remember the feelings you had when you first came through the doors of Resurrection. We know the stories of people who arrived broken and searching and found love and belonging. Maybe you were one of those. As you remember, recommit to love and welcome for people who are still searching for a home.
And finally, a few words from Jesus:
“I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” (John 13:34-35)
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Pastor Candace
PastorCandace@ResurrectionMCC.org
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