I Dream A Church

 Hold fast to dreams / For if dreams die
Life is a broken-winged bird / That cannot fly.
Hold fast to dreams / For when dreams go
Life is a barren field / Frozen with snow.    
—“Dreams” by Langston Hughes  

I dream a church. I dream a church . . . that is constantly learning, attentive to the movement of the Holy Spirit, and open to change. A church that engages meaningfully with the world around it and strives earnestly to meet the needs of the wider community in tangible ways. I dream a church that is inquisitive and thoughtful and courageous and bold. A church that is full of wonder and awe. A church that has a sense of humor and isn’t afraid to laugh at itself.  
    
I dream a church full of noisy, squirmy kids ready to be challenged and curious, inquiring older adults ready to be challenged. And a church mindful of the spiritual needs of everyone in-between. I dream a church that is authentic, welcoming, generous, and full of questions. A church willing to step out on faith and try new things.  
    
I dream a church that is prepared to be loud and rebel-rousing and a church that is prepared to be quiet and contemplative. A church that deeply values diversity and eagerly stands up for someone entirely different from the “norm.” I dream a church enthusiastic to wrestle with difficult issues and to confront its own growing edges—issues surrounding technology, racism, the sources of rampant violence in our city, ways it can live more powerfully into its mission.  
    
I dream a church that values and nurtures leadership in its midst, calls out the best in people, recognizes and draws forth those gifts, and creates safe spaces for questions, doubts, struggles, and dreams. I dream a church that helps people come alive . . . ready to create a brighter, more hospitable, more gracious, more just world.  
    
What are your dreams for the church?

See you in church,
Christy