Reflections on 2007

It's that time of year when one reflects back on the past year and looks ahead to the one coming.

2007 was a very busy year for me personally. Settling in to my new position in the Pacific Northwest has been very demanded. This coupled with my new book project hasn't left much time for blogging. Yet, there has been considerable activity across the Church of God that is worth commenting on.

I am firmly convinced that we are positioned at a critical point in the history of our movement. There are certainly unique circumstances affecting us, but we are also highly influenced by the larger shifts that are occurring in the religious climate across North America. Someday we may very well look back to the first decade of this millennium as a major turning point for the Church of God. Either we will forge ahead in fresh ways with our collective calling, or we will continue sliding into oblivion.

Based on what I have observed in 2007, I am hopeful. While there remain large bastions of immobilized thinking and behavior across the Church of God, there are encouraging signs of renewal. Many of these indicators are subjective and intangible, but it is evident to me that a much more enduring transformation is taking place that is impacting our spirits and attitudes. Beginning with the Strategic Planning Council in August 2006, these shifts have been noticeable. This past year these observable trends continued, and were most evident at the recent Coaches Training event in Tampa, Florida. Specifically, we are seeing a renewed emphasis on spiritual direction and leadership. There is increased dialog on our very being as a movement, there is a greater realization of our need to be missional, and there is vibrant, new generation of pastors and leaders emerging.

I, for one, will be working to ensure that these trends continue through 2008. These are exciting times!