“Out with the old and in with the new”

“Out with the old and in with the new”

This is a saying which is really loaded! It refers to letting go of outdated things, ideas, or habits to make way for fresh starts, progress, and better opportunities. It is a common idiom used to encourage positive change, embracing innovation, or turning over a new leaf. 

I throw it out to us as churches in the LMA.  What old things do we need to let go of and what new ways of worship and gathering together do we need to explore? Or not!

Let’s look to scripture for inspiration and revelation: Isaiah 43:18-19 

“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.

Do you see how relevant this is to reaching the generation not currently attending our churches? If God is doing a new thing, why do we keep looking back to where we have been instead of looking forward to where the Holy Spirit might take us?

The introduction of more contemporary styles of worship coupled with the much loved and well known hymns may bring greater relevance for all ages. Having more conversational times of looking at the Bible instead of listening to the ‘preacher’ for 10-15 minutes stirs us to think through what we are hearing with a greater engagement with the Word of God and more specific application to our everyday lives.

This is something we need to start considering and discussing as we move forward as an LMA.

The "new thing" God is doing is not about abandoning the gospel or disregarding the rich heritage of the Church, but about asking how unchanging truth can be communicated in changing cultures. Newer doesn’t automatically means better. One important reminder: the "new thing" Isaiah speaks of is ultimately God's work, not ours. Our calling is not to manufacture novelty, but to perceive where the Holy Spirit is already at work and join Him there.

Let’s consider what the things are that we should hold onto at all costs? And what are the things we may need to loosen our grip on?

The gospel never changes. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever. The truth of Scripture, the power of prayer, the sacraments, our worship of God, and the call to make disciples remain at the very heart of who we are. These are not ours to change.

But the ways in which we share that unchanging gospel have always adapted to meet new generations. The early Church moved from the Temple courts into homes. The Reformers translated the Bible into the language of ordinary people. Hymns once considered revolutionary became the treasured classics we sing today. Every generation has had to ask how best to communicate the timeless message of Christ to the people of their own day.

We are inviting questions which invite prayerful discernment and discussion as we open the doors to the community and the Church on the 1st August at Dewi Sant Church, Tumble, from 11am to 3pm.

We do not presume that we have all of the answers but we pray to the One who can and will direct us as we surrender to His grace.