Imagine Together…

Imagine Together is the theme for our stewardship this year as we plan for 2025. We are doing some “imagination” work about who Trinity is, was, and might be in the future as we seek to be faithful disciples of Jesus.

           I spent some time reflecting on what I imagined, for the church, and for Trinity. Some of the things were straightforward: I imagine that we will continue to grow in our mission work, that we will continue to be a place where everyone is welcomed and accepted. But I felt like I was struggling with what I would call “real imaginative” thinking. Then, I stumbled across a “click the screen for the next slide” article and the title: 14 Toxic Cultures That Should Be Done Away With, intrigued me.  So, I clicked. (I apologize that I can’t cite the writer or source – I couldn’t find a name.)

           Here’s their list: Legalism over Grace, Celebrity Pastors (turns into idolatry), Prosperity Gospel, Exclusivity and Cliques, Condemnation of Doubt, Spiritual Abuse (manipulation by leaders), Gossip and Slander, Judgment over Compassion, Fear-Based Teaching, Materialism, Lack of Accountability (for leaders), Over-Emphasis on Numbers, Focus on Appearance over Authenticity, Ignoring Mental Health.

           Remember, those are Toxic Cultures that need to disappear. That list rumbled around in my spirit for a couple of days, it really made me think deeply about what I imagine for the church, and for Trinity. Overall, I think we are doing pretty well. Could we do better? Of course we could. Another toxic culture that we might add - #15 -  is assuming that we are finished growing!

           As I lived with this list it became more powerful to me. So, a couple examples of my thought process. I thought about some of our philosophies at Trinity. For instance, we love our building and our history, but we don’t idolize the building. We adapt and change. We take care of the building, but we use the building. We don’t teach fear, materialism, or prosperity. We certainly never condemn anyone’s doubt, and we don’t worry about numbers in worship.

           We are doing the very best we can to grow in our discipleship and in our welcome. We want to be a church that reaches out to our community, without expectation of return.  We try to be a community that is authentic, a place where you can bring your deepest grief and your greatest joy. We want to be a place of healing, love, grace, and spiritual growth. We want to be a place where you can learn that you are loved by God, and by the community of disciples gathered.

           A place that truly lives the idea that no matter who you are or where you are on your journey, you are welcome here! This is the church I imagine.  What do you imagine?

Peace,

Dave