2021 State of the Church

The Big Picture

I’ve always been a proponent for looking at “the big picture.” In my experience, it seems that we, at times, can become so mired in the task or the crisis of the day that we become blind to the greater reality. In doing so we may lose our way and find that we have become something we never intended. Or, we may fail to see the overall good that has triumphed because we are so blinded by the hardship of the moment. In the face of the last 18 months, could this be our mindset?

Over the last year, we have seen the tail end of the pandemic – or so it has been proposed to be. We have yet to hear that there is any definitive end in sight and yet it feels like we have been compensating for “pandemic days” for a long time.

I remain tremendously proud of Sheridan Lutheran Church! When looking at the big picture I see so much of what we have accomplished, despite the seemingly endless string of hardships that make up our day-to-day.

Sheridan has remained unified, which has not been the case for many congregations. We have had almost no spread of the coronavirus within our facilities, we did not need to furlough any staff and have been able to keep financially whole those who rely on Sheridan, very few members have left the church (lower than most years) and yet we have continued to welcome new members and new worshipers, who have been especially drawn by our livestream. Despite all that could be construed as negative, a big-picture analysis shows that Sheridan continues to be the strong and vital congregation we have always been!

Each year at our annual January Council and Staff Retreat, I remind our leaders of a principle that is a difference-maker for any organization – namely, that “how we do things” needs to be our primary focus. So many organizations, especially churches, focus on the “what” of life. What are we doing? What are we supposed to do? What is the situation calling for? These are all important questions, as getting things done is what most people see. I remind our leaders, however, that “how we do things” is the key. “If we take care of the ‘how,’ the ‘what’ will take care of itself.”

During these woeful years, filled with health crises, political fighting over health policies, racial tensions, military concerns and financial turmoil, Sheridan’s leaders have continued to remain united and place the long-term greater good over any short-term windfalls. We have acted in a Christ-like manner. We have endured so much in the last 18 months so well because we have stayed true to the “how” more than the “what.” I’m so filled with pride for our work and our ways.

Thank you for your servant heart! To God be the glory! It remains my privilege to be your pastor.