Faith Rising: The State of the Church (Rev. Kim DuBreuil)
Romans 10:13-15
13 For “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.”
14 But how are they to call on one in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in one of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone to proclaim him? 15 And how are they to proclaim him unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!”
Message
As I read the last verse, I remembered my son at Walt Disney World. One of his first rides was Pirates of the Caribbean, which had been modified after the movie. During the ride, we saw a pirate resembling Johnny Depp sitting with his feet dangling off a bridge. Justin suddenly exclaimed, “Mommy, look, he’s got dirty feet,” causing everyone on the boat to laugh. Despite all the action around us, my son noticed the pirate’s dirty feet.
“How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!”
After two weeks of enjoying my “staycation,” I entered our sanctuary on Thursday morning for the opening of our Florida Annual Conference Clergy Gathering. Yes, our church hosted all the clergy in our conference. I sat in the pews while someone else stood in the pulpit, sharing our theme for this year, Faith Rising, as it relates to Romans 10.
One clergywoman asked us to look at our “beautiful feet.” Take a moment to look at your shoes—some are comfortable, some make you look taller. Some are dressy, while others are running shoes or flip-flops.
Now, take a moment to notice the shoes of the people next to you. Everyone is wearing different shoes, right? I loved that we recognized that it takes all of us, each with our own shoes, to reach different people.
In ancient times, footwear options were more limited than they are today. Messengers typically wore sandals and traveled long distances across rough terrain to deliver news. Their feet often became battered, dusty, and dirty from the journey. Despite these hardships, they delivered life-changing messages that others considered beautiful.
Today, I want us to consider what it means for everyone to be a messenger of the Good News! This mandate is simple! The Church exists to help people call on the Lord and be saved. Our mission never changes, but our vision of it does. God fulfills this mandate by sending people out.
Recently, I read The Queen’s Cook by Tessa Afshar, a work of historical fiction set in ancient Persia. Roxannah, the daughter of an impoverished Persian lord, finds employment in Queen Esther’s kitchen. Perhaps you know Esther’s story from the Biblical account. Haman, not realizing Esther’s heritage, had the king decree that all the Jews were to be killed.
Queen Esther calls for trust and loyalty as she navigates a dangerous political environment with wisdom and grace. The fate of this queen’s reign hangs in the balance “for such a time as this.”
For her plan to save people to work, she must, as a messenger, lead effectively and exercise vital qualities of leadership and vision. In this Biblical account, Esther calls on people to do three things: pray, participate, and prepare. Now hold that thought…
Every year at the Annual Conference, all clergy are appointed for a one-year term to a “charge.” Notice I didn’t say a church but a charge, meaning a community.
In a few weeks, two new pastors, Marcus Zillman and Ivan Corbin, will arrive. Ivan isn’t new but will assume a new role. While two are sent to us, Andy Whitaker-Smith departs. God is sending these messengers, with beautiful feet, to bring the Good News to new communities.
All our United Methodist clergy (including me) have traveled very different paths, and we all wear many different shoes. Each of us answered a divine call to bring God’s Word to different people.
As United Methodists, we believe in the “priesthood of all believers.” This doctrine holds that each Christian has equal, direct access to God through Jesus Christ. There is no hierarchy; every believer is called to pray, participate, and prepare to share the good news. God has placed a distinct vision within each of us.
One thing I’ve learned from being appointed to serve in seven charges (churches) is that someone new to the church can see things others might miss.
Upon arriving at each new appointment, I would ask lots of questions, trying to get to know people. I’d be curious why certain things were done a certain way, and in every single case, I would be told the exact same thing: “This is how we’ve always done it.”
Every time I hear that remark, I’d want to break into Montell Jordan’s lyrics, “This is how we do it.”
Yes, even at this church. I came into the sanctuary after Pentecost and asked, Why are the paraments still red? Every church follows the liturgical calendar and changes it to green, representing “ordinary time.” The response, “This is how we do it.” Evidently, you like the red – it matches the kneelers and carpet.
Every time a new pastor goes into a church, things should be straightforward. After all, we have our UMC Hymnals and the Book of Discipline, which operate like a franchise agreement. It’s like going into any McDonald’s and asking for a Quarter Pounder, and receiving two all-beef patties, special sauce, lettuce, cheese, pickles, and onions on a sesame seed bun. The Quarter Pounder hasn’t changed, even though the menu has.
Let’s face it, not everyone is going to know how things are done. Especially if they are new to our church. And as a result, changes will happen, most often unintentionally. Yes, change is a natural source of anxiety for everyone. During transitions, we need to recognize that things will change.
Every year, clergy change, and so do our church leaders. We must trust the fresh perspectives of our new leaders. They can see blind spots we may have missed and recognize future potential we might not yet see.
Now, many of you know that I grew up in this church. When I was 17, I joined the church. That was 43 years ago – you can do the math. I know the history of this church; it was passed down to me by my stepfather, whose parents attended this church.
I’ve learned a few things about this church over the years, even recently from the Wesley sisters. Did you know that one Sunday, the sanctuary doors were left open, and a duck flew in from Lake Morton and landed on the pulpit in the middle of the sermon? That’s good stuff. We need to appreciate our history, but we must also remember the mandate in Romans 10.
The church exists to help people call on the Lord and be saved. This mission never changes, but how we make that happen does.
Salvation depends not on our heritage or how we’ve always done things, but on trusting and committing to the Lord Jesus Christ. It involves calling on the Lord, which means acknowledging our spiritual needs and crying out for God’s grace.
In verse 14, Paul explains exactly how everyone should call on the Lord.
- You cannot be saved without calling on the Lord, Jesus Christ.
- You cannot call on Him without first believing in Him.
- You cannot believe in Him without hearing about Him.
- And you cannot hear about Him without someone preaching His message.
What I’ve learned from this verse is this:
Preaching is the key to faith.
We are saved by grace through faith.
[This comes from Ephesians 2:8-9, For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.]
People are saved when messengers are sent and heard. We are all God’s agents, sent to do this work and to launch ministries that carry it out. Paul quotes the prophet Isaiah (52:7) to validate the role of a messenger: “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!”
Just as Esther called on her people to pray, participate, and prepare. I am asking you to do the same.
- Pray for your clergy, their families, and for clarity of vision during this time of transition.
- Participate in getting to know them personally. And let us get to know you.
- Prepare to move in a new direction when a new vision is cast.
I, like you, will miss Pastor Charley and Pastor Andy. How beautiful are the feet of these two men who came to preach the Good News to all of us. I am grateful for the privilege of having worked with each of them.
While Charley and Andy leave this church, their passion for the Gospel remains. United Methodist clergy are chosen by God, for such a time as this, to lead and steward the next chapter of their congregations and communities.
As for all of you, the messengers may change, but the message and mission remain unshakable. The church exists to help people call on the Lord and be saved.
I want to share my commitment to being a supportive “bridge of stability” for our new leadership team. Together, we can embrace a fresh vision for our church, viewing it as a wonderful gift from God rather than a challenge. I sincerely hope you’ll join me in cherishing our rich history while enthusiastically moving forward with our shared vision for the future.
When our new pastor arrives, Marcus will see new opportunities and horizons. This isn’t a critique of our past but a vital leadership quality. Let’s give him space to observe, listen, and learn as he develops a vision for us to lead and love like Jesus.
In a month, when your new clergy team begins our work, we are not going to roll out a new massive five-year strategic plan on day one. So, relax! For now, your role is to pray, participate, and plan alongside us.
At our Annual Conference, Rev. Matt Miofsky shared that people don’t know our churches exist, and they don’t know that Jesus Christ exists. We need to let people know what’s at stake. Matt shared, “We need to care more about the people who are not here than the people who are here.” We need a new vision.
Look up! Faith IS Rising! God is actively sending people from across our denomination to fill those gaps. As a result, our church will need to cultivate new soil. Your pastoral roster and our duties will change, yet the altar remains open, and the harvest is ready.
God has already appointed a vision for our next chapter and has equipped the messengers. Let’s join our hearts in prayer for our future.
The Pastoral Prayer
Heavenly Father, unchanging Shepherd of this church, Your faithfulness endures forever.
We thank You for the years spent with Pastors Charley and Andy and for the impact of their message. Lord, refresh Pastors Andy, Marcus, and Ivan in their new roles as they share the Good News.
As we anticipate our incoming Pastors next month, prepare their hearts and pour out Your vision upon them. Grant our clergy, staff, and leadership clarity, joy, and strength for the coming year.
Prepare our congregation, Lord, by preparing our hearts. Help us pray for extended grace, the opportunity to build new relationships, and a fresh plan for sharing the message of Jesus Christ with others.
Protect us from the anxiety change brings and keep us united. Remind us that this church belongs to You. Keep our eyes fixed on Your mission: The Church exists to help people call on the Lord and be saved.
We entrust this transition to You. In the mighty name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.
Benediction
Go out knowing you’re a sent people called to share the Good News so others may believe. May the Lord grant patience in this season of transition, excitement for the vision ahead, and peace beyond understanding. Go in Jesus’s power and grace. Amen.