Whether we welcome it or not, few things remain the same.
My 1897 map of St Albans is certainly recognisable within the central area but it is fascinating to see how the city has developed.
As contemporary examples I easily forget that email is a very recent invention but do notice nature’s transformation in Spring.
Churches are often seen to be promoting a dated idea of ‘religion’ which is out of tune with society today. Perhaps it’s those old buildings, many dating back well before my 1897 map.
However, I am about lead a weekend for trainee Vicars on how to handle change in church.
Change in church? Yes, I can think of some jokes too!
So it may come as a surprise to realise that the Christian faith is all about change.
It is not that the core of the faith is moving, but that this faith’s key features are focused on change.
When people become Christians they are said to be ‘converted’. Becoming a follower of Jesus Christ from a background of no faith is the greatest change that any person can go through.
But, once a Christian, the process ought to go on.
Christians are called to be ‘disciples’, people who follow a leader (which implies movement) or learn from a teacher (development).
So I am training my weekend group to be change agents, enabling both conversion and growth.
Which isn’t what many people expect of Ministers at all!
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