Detours: Loss

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One of the most frustrating things in life is running into an unexpected detour. A number of weeks ago I was headed to a meeting, and had planned just enough time, when before the last turn I noticed those dreaded orange signs pointing me in another direction. If you are like me, you may drive past the signs to see if there is another way around, or “local access” to the route. For me, that day, there was no such luck; a bridge was under construction and I needed to add 20 minutes to my drive thanks to this detour!  

On Sunday we are starting a new series entitled “Detours,” and looking at how to handle seasons of loss in our lives. We all like to win in life, but loss at times is an inevitable reality. Loss of health or a job, loss of a friend or marriage can devastate us, but it is often in these moments that God recalculates our hearts and shows us new ways to follow Him. 

Join us Sunday at Crossroads Church in Cranberry as we learn how to lean on God’s presence and support each other in seasons of loss.

Life Change Units

I’m a person who likes change.  Positive change.  Matter of fact, I have dedicated my life to change.  Change in the church though consulting and coaching; change in individuals lives though ministry; and change in my own life through prayer, application of scripture, and meditation. 

However, I have learned through the years that change costs something.  At times this feels like stress or maybe excitement but nonetheless there is an emotional and at times physical cost to change. 

A number of weeks ago I was contemplating a significant change with my wife and she said to me: “I just don’t know if I have that in me at this moment.”  I too shared that feeling and over the past week came across a famous study that measured the impact of major change in our lives. 

In this study various events are given a measure or LCU (Life Change Unit).  Here are a few examples: Death of a spouse 100, Divorce 73, Being fired 47, trouble with boss 23.  In addition, many events that we consider positive also demand adjustments and require LCU’s as well:  Marriage 50, Retirement 45, Outstanding personal achievement 28, Change in residence 20.  For more information search: Life Change Units.

Here are a couple of thoughts when it comes to change:

·      Make emotional space for change.  This will take up more creative space and will be a distraction in your life!  Find things that will replenish your soul and them often!

·      Be honest with yourself when you are making changes.  Be aware of what is going on in your heart and soul. 

·      Don’t navigate change alone.  Share your heart with a friend that you trust.  Seek the perspective of someone outside the situation.

·      Be careful when you bundle change: At times one change will lead to another, and another, and another.  These seasons can take a toll on your heart.  You only have so many LCUs!  Use them wisely and manage the pace of change.

·      Pray.  God is the only constant in a world of change.  This might be exactly where God wants you!  Lean into a relationship with Him and listen.  He will be your rock.

Life is always moving.  Enjoy the ride and may the Lord be with you.

5 Measures of a Healthy Church

This week I was meeting with a number of talented young leaders in the United Methodist Church.  In our time together some began to ask about how you measure a healthy church. 

This is an interesting discussion because leading a church is an interesting and difficult challenge filled with all kinds of variables both natural and spiritual; it can also be a very difficult thing to measure.  For young aspiring pastors who want to make a difference in this world, I have pulled the following measures for a healthy church.

1.    Worship

The primary goal of the local church is to help people connect with God.  One good measure of this is observing a warming heart to worship in the body of the local church.  This includes corporate worship but is far greater than the moments of song in a weekend service.  If people are not connecting and growing in their relationship with God it is a sure sign of a problem.

We are created to worship our creator and will worship the created if not taught to worship our creator.  As a result, we as leaders in the local church we need to carefully observe teach and lead our people to real and authentic connections and worship with God.

2.    Community

Another sign of health in a local church is growing heart for others in the local community.  A vibrant church community looks to serve and support each other.  The church is created to support and love each other in seasons of struggle and celebration.  Faith has always been intended to be lived out with others.  From Israel in the Old Testament, to the disciples, to the church this as always was a value and community growth sign of a healthy church.

3.    Mission

A healthy church is focused on the needs of those around them.  The church exists to not only meet the needs of the local body but to also be a blessing to the greater community.  A healthy church is focused on reaching out to others with the good news of the gospel and through good works, which model the love of Jesus Christ.  One great question to ask about your church is this:  “If our church shut down next week outside of weekly services and educational programing (i.e. small groups, bible studies, Sunday school) what would our community miss?  What void would we leave?

4.    Numeral Growth

The church is intended to grow.  We are part of a growing movement, not a club.  If the local church is focused on mission to the greater community and teaching the truth in love it will grow.  In many ways this is a by-product of a healthy church but if you are not growing something is not right. 

5.    Generosity

People invest in things they believe in.  This is not limited too but includes financial investment.  A healthy church cultivates a culture of generosity.  Both to meet the needs of the community and in everyday life.  This too is a by-product of a healthy church.  I have found that when a church is healthy, generous leaders step forward and ask where they can give and the needs of the local church.  Generosity needs to be taught in the local church because our hearts are often tied to the things we own but I have found that if a church is healthy and growing people will want to invest.

Video: A Change Will Do You Good

This is a weekend message I preached at North Way Christian Community in Pittsburgh, PA. I hope that the thoughts I share here will challenge your life in the same way they have challenged me. 

A Change will Do You Good from Michael P Arnold on Vimeo.