The church member who lives with me--Roger, the guy I'm married to!--walked in this morning and handed over his key to the church (former) saying something like: 'this key won't unlock anything now'. I know this may not be his finest word of wisdom, but his message bears a simple truth!
That key sits on the table reminding me Jesus is busy unlocking the door called Stepping Stone. Although two years on the journey feels a little long to some of us, it's really early and we're only beginning to see the way opened wide (hear that word wiiiide with a southern drawl)! Like songwriter/musician Richard Marx said to new fans, we say to all people: "Welcome to our party. It's just starting to get going." Let me revise that: "Welcome to Jesus' party. It's just starting to get going at Stepping Stone." And let's pay a compliment to all local churches that no matter how many years they've stayed open, they still say in word and action and attitude: 'Welcome! There's a party going on here...come on in'!
Richard Marx made another statement that connects with churches: "...once you have some success in one style, the [music]business wants to lock you in that vein forever." I suppose that's a human tendency because the church 'business' or church people like to lock the church in 'one vein' forever. We're in good shape as long as we're talking 'one vein' as in the nourishing, invigorating, life-giving blood of Christ. But we're unhealthy when 'one vein' means we're locked into a particular way of sitting, standing, speaking, and being the church. In other words, the sign on the building may say 'church' in its name, but the door appears locked!
Style is one of the doors Jesus is unlocking at Stepping Stone. I want to say the door swings open all at once; but with Stepping Stone, the opening up has been more gradual with steps shown here and there along the way. And the latest step fell into place this past Sunday through one of our children.
I believe Jesus came to a manger, a cross, and a empty tomb not only to unlock sin's power over humanity, but also to open up and set free those who assemble to worship God and practice the faith. Like his Spirit, we the church are meant to be open wide and free. In all times and places, we the body of Christ experience and live within a fresh wind of an ever present grace.
Let Stepping Stone decide now that what Jesus opens today is not cast in stone for tomorrow. Let's take each step forward with the commitment to staying wide open and continually set free by the Christ who is the only key!
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