An Old African Proverb says,
“If you want to go fast, walk alone. If you want to go far, walk with others.”
Which means you must move slowly.
In 2012 we embarked on the Vision 20/20 journey. Committees for zones or regions of our church property were formed. Due to necessity, the roof committee and the sanctuary committee moved forward. The roof was leaking. The carpet was wrinkling.
In 2015 a plan was presented to the congregation. During the forums, concept drawings and floor plans were presented. It was a vast and complex, even expensive plan. If that was what the congregation wanted, then it was up to the leadership of the congregation to figure out how and how long it would take to complete the plan. Through surveys the congregation has spoken and the large multi-purpose room (gymnasium) is out.
“Back to the drawing board,” as they say. Some might feel the process was a failure, but that would be too quick of a conclusion. The goal is not to come up with an answer and get it done, but the goal is to walk together, throughout the process: to dream together, to plan together, to build together. Walking together is the definition of “synod.”
“If you want to go fast, walk alone. If you want to go far, walk with others.”
Which means you must move slowly.
I have been known to even say, “We are moving slowly. We better slow down.”
We were created by God to be in relationships, to love, to laugh, and live together. This means walking together.
You see, God wants us to be in right relationships with our neighbors. We were created to love our neighbors as we love ourselves, and we were created to see our neighbors and their well-being in the same way we see our own (Matthew 19:19).
To be in fellowship with our neighbor is how we bear witness to our world that the kingdom of God has come. Jesus prays to His Father that we would be united in love and purpose, “that the world may believe that You have sent Me” (John 17:2 1).
This fellowship is to be so radical in its nature and so outstanding in its witness that it shines out in the darkness of our world as a light. To be in a right relationship means that we care for people out of self-less love.
Is our love for our neighbors evident in our church?
Is our love for our own members evident in our church?
The Apostle Paul tells us, “Owe no one anything, except to love each other” (Romans 13:8).
So, if you want to go far, walk with others. Guess we better slow down.