One Word: SENT

That word defines the church.
At the core of our identity is our having been SENT into the world to give the world a glimpse, a taste, a hint of the love of God and the mercy of Jesus Christ.

That word also defines the new paradigm we at FirstChurch have committed to stepping into.

It is our present future.

Last week, our session voted to reduce our funding for mission from 17% of the general budget, down to 10%. That decision was based on the hard realities of a budget deficit we face over the next few years. At first glimpse, it definitely appears that this decision flies in the face of what I wrote above. How can we spend less on missions and yet profess to be defined by our having been sent into the world? How can we act like we care about the poor and then turn our backs on those who are feeding them, sheltering them, serving them?

Good question. Hard question.

Interestingly, for me, this decision is full of hope. In fact, I believe it will propel us into the new reality we are seeking to embrace. I believe this decision will help move us towards our emerging vision of being a "sent" church.

Here's how: During the month of May, we will be having a month long focus on our "sent-ness". We'll spend a full month living in the values of our sending God. For 4 weeks, we'll come face to face with a world in need; with real people who have real longings for community, for purpose, for hope, for mercy, for love. Ultimately, we'll be forced to decide: are we here for ourselves? Or are we here for them?

I think the answer will be clear. And I am confident our response will be strong. We will live as a people SENT.

Are you ready?