Although our house is now 13 years old, there are still new houses being built on the edges of our subdivision. I thoroughly enjoy planning my walking route so that I go past these homes under construction. I love watching the process of a hole in the ground emerging to become a home.
One of these homes has particularly caught my attention. It is taking much longer to build, and the building method is like nothing I’ve ever seen. I know enough about framing to know that they are not building this house in the proper sequence or via standard methods. I have become convinced that the home is being built by the owner, with “a little help from his friends.”
In my mind, he must be watching YouTube videos to figure out how to construct the home.
But I must say that I have extreme respect for the homeowner/builder. I mean, who takes on such a task with so little apparent background and knowledge? What courage! I wonder, however, if he ever feels a bit overwhelmed. Does he ever, in an honest moment of reflection say, “What was I thinking?” I know I would if I were in his shoes.
I have so much respect for those of you leading the church in some capacity. I am truly a firm believer in seeking wise counsel and guidance. But where is the YouTube video that has the perfect instruction on how to lead a church through a global pandemic, racial tensions and political division?
When I wonder what I have gotten myself into and feel overwhelmed by taking on the challenges of leadership in Jesus’ Church, I lean in again to Paul’s description of Jesus as the head of the Church in Colossians 1. As I do, I find renewed courage to continue building the church, even when I seem confused and overwhelmed:
“The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy. For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, and through him to reconcile to himself all things,
whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross”
(Colossians 1:15-21).
May you continue to move forward in serving Christ and the Church, being driven by his love and grace in the uncertain days ahead.
Rev. Nate Rovenstine is district superintendent for the Kansas District.
