[This reflection by Martin Shorey was published in the weekly news bulletin of Horley Baptist Church, 26/Jan/2025]
“Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on … ”
Philippians 3 v13-14
Next Sunday marks a significant step for our church family as we move to two morning services, at 9:30 and 11:15. This shift is aimed at addressing our overcrowding and creating space for more people to hear about Jesus. While I’m excited about the potential of this change, I’ll admit I feel a measure of trepidation. The dynamics of our services will shift—they won’t have the same bustling atmosphere we’ve grown accustomed to. Additionally, we may see a temporary drop in attendance as people navigate this change and choose whether to commit to a specific time.
As the English novelist Arnold Bennett observed:
“Any change, even a change for the better, is always accompanied by discomforts.”
It’s true – I’m comfortable with how things are. Familiarity brings a sense of security, where I know what to expect and what is expected of me. But comfort and change cannot coexist. To embrace change means stepping out of our comfort zone, and that’s what we’re called to do.
So, why do it? Why disrupt the status quo and make things harder for ourselves? The answer is simple: the church exists not for its members alone but for those beyond its walls who have yet to meet and follow Jesus. Our mission is to remove barriers, not create them, and that often requires us to embrace change, even when it’s uncomfortable.
This isn’t about numbers or convenience – it’s about obedience to God’s call to reach others. Yes, it will be hard. Yes, there will be challenges. But as C.S. Lewis so beautifully reminds us:
“There are far better things ahead than any we leave behind.”
This step forward is about faith – trusting that God will use our efforts to grow His kingdom and draw people to Himself. It’s about opening new doors for the gospel and making room for lives to be transformed.
Let’s step into this new chapter with courage and anticipation, believing that God has good plans in store.
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Last Sunday’s reflection: Where Two Or Three Are Gathered by Michael Goble
Contributed by Martin Shorey; © Martin Shorey