PERSPECTIVES close to unraveling traditional baptismal vows, which link otherwise thoughtful language on stewardship and remnant theology explicitly to church organization. In the minds of many, there is little social distancing between our theological statements and the current practical mechanics of our ecclesiastical structure. Therefore, any change in structure or process is seen What will our “new as a change of theological normal” look like? identity—as if Adventism (or any movement) is supposed to look exactly the same for hundreds of years. We forget he COVID-19 panSpiritualism is probably in that everything—from The demic—which has there too because that’s what Great Controversy (at least postponed our General we tend to label everything four versions of the book Conference Session and will that makes us uncomfortable. exist) to our Fundamental impact church budgets— I have heard arguments Beliefs to even our very own makes it necessary to take a on all of these, and all have church structure—has gone careful look at the future of merit…to a point. Yet it through revisions, more than the Adventist Church around seems that the major hurdle once. Ironically, when we first the globe. we face in our attempts at formed a structure, a large However, any discussion of discussions on church poliportion of our people considsignificant structural changes cies/processes/structures and ered organization equivalent within Adventism is like potential change is fear. to “Babylon,” another term hiking in the woods with small we throw around at anything Fear: A barrier to growth that scares us or makes us feel children. There are constant yells to stay on the path, All the fears seem to uncomfortable. because to veer off anywhere revolve around the potential else risks touching a diabolical loss of identity—whether Innovation, creativity foliage that dispenses rashes. for individuals in certain and disruption People are afraid of rashes positions or for a structure we Change and growth is as that include but aren’t limited feel is ordained by God and much a part of our identity to congregationalism, loss of that makes us who we are and as anything else, but sadly so mission work, loss of a world defines our mission. is being forced to change by church family connection Mercifully, Adventists have external circumstances (see and, of course, loss of jobs. not elevated current church Organizing for Mission and structures and programming Growth by George Knight). to the level of fundamenNow, once again, we find ourtal beliefs. Yet questioning selves under external pressure. church tithe processes or the It has literally taken a pandemic various functions of departto move some of us to evaluate ments feels dangerously
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whether our church is merely programs and committees or people; whether all our church meetings that involve large travel budgets are necessary and require everybody to attend; whether some practices are necessary and whether some are just nostalgic. But, it has also opened the door for new innovation, creativity and a disruption of complacency. This process is painful—I don’t dispute that. We need to grieve the lost “normals” that gave us comfort. But it’s a process that gets more painful the longer we put it off. The good news is we have been here before. We have adapted due to external pressures, and we have emerged stronger. We know we can streamline processes and reduce overlap of resources. We can also value diversity and embrace new technologies and processes as we focus on building up local congregations. That gives me comfort and courage. I have heard courage described as not being the absence of fear, but facing the challenges ahead in spite of it. It’s certainly work; but perhaps this season will help us let go of many of the things that have prevented us from working together.
DR. SETH PIERCE is a popular author and speaker who pastored for 16 years before entering academia as asisstant communication professor at Union College OUTLOOKMAG.ORG
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