CHANGE UNTIL THE END OF THE WORLD - RICK RUSAW

rick rusaw

change until the end of the world

In the history of the world, every time there has been a significant global change, every organism on the planet must either adapt or die. We are in a significant change moment in history. From business to restaurants to schools and our churches and everything in between— we have seen change at an unprecedented pace. In addition, we have witnessed a long list of casualties in every sector of society. As ministry leaders, we have always had a responsibility to take the gospel - that never changes - to a world that will never be the same. But we weren’t planning on this global change.

The reality is the global pandemic didn’t cause the change. It did, however, accelerate many trends that were already taking place. People a part of our congregations attending less, or attending multiple places, or cobbling together their own spiritual journey utilizing several resources or churches to do that.

The acceleration of these changes and how they were thrust upon you as a leader is the significant change that all of us are dealing with. Like with every historically significant change, some organisms die, some morph and others thrive. As pastors we have the added benefit of Jesus’ words, “I will build my church and the gates of hell will not overcome it.” The church will prevail, the gospel will be necessary and relevant, the church will thrive. Jesus told us the what, we must navigate the how and therein lies the challenge. Truth be told, in this season there will be churches that die – we have already seen too many not survive the past one-anda-half years. There will be churches who morph—they will adapt and adjust but, in many ways, long for the days when we looked like we used to. Then there will be those who find opportunity, innovation and growth in the new reality we all live in. And they will thrive.

As you lead in this season, you know the challenge is to have answers, clarity and plans for what’s next. No one knows what “next” looks like or can predict what will work or won’t work. Anyone saying they do is making stuff up. There is truth in the sentiment that everyone is a start-up today. What is certain and predictable is that - now more than ever - we need each other, we need connectivity and collaboration, we need to lean on each other. We need the innovators to push the boundaries, we need the implementers who can model the how, we need those who try and fail and try again, we need the outliers and the steady-as-we-go. We need to be present in the moment and lean into the future because that’s where Jesus said the church would prevail.

Our world needs the local church that holds high the message of Jesus, brings hope and healing and grace. Our world needs the local church that adapts while holding fast to the never changing truth of the gospel. Our world needs the local church that moves toward its brokenness with leaders who run into the chaos with the only thing that has the power to restore and redeem - Jesus. He never changes. May we lead forward and advance His church as we wait for His return - the most significant change - to come.

For more than 28 years, Rick Rusaw served as Lead Pastor at LifeBridge Christian Church in Longmont, Colorado. Rick has assisted churches and denominations worldwide in developing an external focus to ministry and has authored several books and resources including the best-selling missional-book Externally Focused Church, as well as Life on Loan, Externally Focused Quest, 60 Simple Secrets Every Pastor Needs to Know, The Neighboring Church and The Neighboring Life.

Rick currently leads the Spire Network, a national digital engagement platform, conference and innovation community focused on equipping and inspiring Christian leaders. Rick also serves on the executive team at Gloo, a Boulder, Colorado data and technology company.

Rick and his wife Diane have three children and seven grandchildren who all call Colorado home.

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