DO YOU REMEMBER WHAT it was like to buy a new car 20 years ago? Very few amenities were standard, so you had to pay extra for features such as power steering and locks, air conditioning and heat, or a stereo system. Today, not only are these things expected, but you’re likely to find that the new standard includes climate control for each passenger; a GPS system; capabilities for Bluetooth, MP3 players and satellite radio; and even seat warmers and coolers.

Although comfort seems to be America’s reigning king, lately I’ve been reminded that I’m best serving my King when I’m decidedly uncomfortable. That doesn’t always mean I have to forego air conditioning. Rather, when it comes to my walk, it means I’m not limiting myself with decisions that keep me too comfortable to grow. Another tough reminder? Growth will cost you.

These principles came into play for me late last year, when my pastor shared his vision for our small church to add a second service on Saturday nights. At the time, we only had a Sunday morning service and a core group of volunteers doing the majority of the work.

My first reaction was all flesh. All I could think about was the enormity of the commitment: I’d be at church 52 more times – and on Saturday nights, no less! But as I talked with my pastor and prayed, I quickly realized this was just what my church and I needed to bring us into new areas of growth. Members of our church who had never volunteered to serve on Sunday stepped up to volunteer on Saturdays. And what’s more, we began impacting a whole new group of people we may not have reached through our traditional Sunday service.

This month’s issue is all about exploring new realms for the Kingdom. Taking risks at our local churches brings us out of our comfort zones, stretching us beyond our visible resources. Sometimes our decisions don’t make a lot of sense to the outside world. But risks come standard in the heavenly realm. And better yet, taking them reminds us Who’s in the driver’s seat.

Let us know what new and exciting things your church is doing this year — and how you worked through the challenges.

God bless,

Karen Butler
Group Editor
kbutler@vpico.com