Unbinding your heart

Church can be a funny place. Sometimes it is a place where one can seek refuge from their problems, find serenity, and feel closer to God. Other times, it can be a place where people find fault and judge one another, become stuck in the past, and question the motives of others.

For the last five years, my church has been on a spiritual journey of transformation. Our original goal was to change the administrative structure, empowering members to create new ministries and giving decision-making ability regarding "grass roots" ministries.

Though this sounded like a rational idea and many agreed with concept, we were not prepared for the firestorm that erupted. Our previous structure had been in place since the 1950s, and some very vocal members, felt "if it ain't broke, don't fix it." The problem was we were now living in the 21st century, and many of those rules just didn't apply to the ever-changing demographics and reality of how church is perceived in this age.

After years of listening, discussion, research, study and prayer, last fall the new structure was approved. But where would we go from there, to begin the healing of a congregation that at times felt separated by differing beliefs?

In December 2009, a small group of individuals who have been identified as potential church leaders began a study called "Unbinding the Gospel" by Martha Grace Reese. This study combined prayer with daily meditations to strengthen a connection to God and Christ. These men and women would become the leaders of a most extraordinary study that was to come.

This spring, our congregation made the commitment to a church-wide bible and prayer study called "Unbinding your Heart". It was truly the healing miracle we needed. Over 85% of our active members participated in small groups where praying and studying together, listening and sharing with one another, and embracing other's opinions and experiences were the keys to success. Finally, after years of upheaval, we were all on the same page. We prayed together, we meditated together, we learned together, and we were inspired together. It was truly God's gift to our congregation.

My group became my safe place, where our beliefs whether they were the same or contradictory could be shared and welcomed. It became a place where my faith story was shared and expanded. The Unbinding Your Heart experience has transformed my church and my life.

There is a palpable feeling of excitement within the congregation now. New ministries have begun. Members who have never taken a leadership role are stepping forward and becoming more involved. New ideas are encouraged and welcomed. Many members are continuing to study in small group to learn and be challenged by one another.

Yes, church can be a funny place. But, if we are open to the experiences God has in store for us, it will be rewarding and exciting. God always knows what we need and always provides it for us. All we have to do is believe.