There continues to be transition in congregations; events we are growing to experience as both never ending and good, in one way or another. Whether evidenced by pastors retiring or taking new calls, transition is a key time for all of us to be intentional with the Holy Spirit to discern who we are now vs. who we were pre-pandemic (or the last time we called a pastor).
Looking at transition as a constant, in both large or small parts in every community, we invite ourselves to be open to where God is calling us as an invitation to change. The Southwestern Texas Synod accompanies congregations in the transition process with resources and counsel, including consultations on how we can all become more inclusive and vibrant as we move into the future.
In a traditional sense we have some congregations that move from transition to call processes with an intention to tweak what they have been doing and continuing on. Increasingly, we are finding many of us are at what we are calling a Holy Fork in the Road: “business as usual” is no longer an option.
Through a grant from Lord of Life in Austin, which closed earlier this year, we are able to have two part time staff people: Pastor J. Mills and Pastor Johnene Cunningham who invite our congregations in transition to explore what it might mean to be a resurrection people, in earnest. Holy Fork in the Road Ministry is asking the question of legacy as a precursor to letting go of (flipping) barriers between God and God’s people.
Focused on engaging congregational agency, community networking, and corporate healing through deep discernment in the Word, we are uplifting our baptismal journeys: as stewards of ministry in our contexts; as communities of faith reconnecting with our neighbors for ministry. that focuses outward; and as groups of saints and sinners that need healing in order to renew our baptismal joy in service to God and those God calls us to love.
Holy Fork in the Road Ministry invites us to explore invitations to Rebirth (radical change) or Resurrection (holy closure).
You are invited to experience this ministry through perspectives of those who have made, or are familiar, with that journey.
Our thanks to the staff and congregation of First English in Austin for offering space and hospitality for the recording of these outreach resources as they live into this radical welcome, reconciliation, and rebirth.
