Care Connections: Reconciliation and Rebuilding
By Kam Cook
Stephen Ministry Coordinator
In recent weeks, I have discussed four steps necessary for rebuilding Jerusalem, found in the Books of Ezra and Nehemiah: Motivation, Participation, Determination and Supplication. Rebuilding also involves Reconciliation. To continue rebuilding, Nehemiah had to resolve injustice and conflicts. No project proceeds flawlessly; there is always some level of conflict in any task. HHBC has had a lot of conflict recently, and injustices have been done. We all need to accept responsibility for our culpability.
God wants us to build on our weakness, to make us spiritually strong, to heal and strengthen our relationships, and for us to grow in grace. We have addressed our grief and healing, but many of us at HHBC are still holding grudges for past actions, and this resentment can fester and erupt if we don’t forgive. Walls crumble when we fail to maintain them or blame their cracks on others instead of accepting responsibility for our own shortcomings. We must be totally committed to restoring our neglected relationship with God and our fellow members, thus restoring God’s presence as our wall at HHBC.
One opportunity for doing this is a weekend retreat, Caring for Inactive Members, to be held at HHBC on January 27-29. Using skills taught in their training, our Stephen Ministry Team will be offering every member of the congregation the opportunity to learn how to reach out to members who have not felt valued at HHBC in the past. Make plans to participate in this important opportunity for strengthening our beloved church’s walls.
However, reconciliation involves community as well as individuals; it involves reconciling the past with the future. The Pastor Search Committee Survey taken last spring has helped us envision the future for HHBC. Members were asked what they wanted to remain the same and what they wanted changed, added or improved. 77% of members cited our meaningful worship as what they value most. This includes our reverent worship style and traditional music. (Many requested no praise bands or screens.) Second in importance was our caring and welcoming congregation. Also mentioned were our moderate affiliation and strong lay leadership.
The #1 change desired was for new energy to be generated by a permanent pastor and stable staff which will, hopefully, lead to better attendance and the recruitment of young families, children and youth. Improvements to our ministries were recognized as second most in importance. The return of Family Night (which resumed in September) and more Bible study tied for the #1 recommendations for changes in ministries. There were also requests for more small group opportunities, meeting at non-traditional times and places. 69% of respondents do not feel engaged in service and ministry at HHBC. Obviously, much needs to be done here. Two other areas in need of improvement included a better understanding of our mission and more relevant outreach and community involvement, including better engagement with the neighborhood surrounding the church.
During this Advent season, as we prepare for the coming of the Christ Child, let us remember we are also preparing for the coming of a new day in the life of our church. Let us put away our differences and work together for a bright future in the coming year.
If you need help in reconciling differences – be they personal or with other members of our congregation - a trained Stephen Minister is available to walk alongside you on your journey. For more information on how Stephen Ministry can provide you with confidential, nonjudgmental one-to-one lay pastoral care, contact Referrals Coordinator Peggy Williams at (478) 719-3340 or pjwms12@gmail.com.
Recognizing that God is the ultimate Cure Giver, the Mission of the Highland Hills Baptist Church Stephen Ministry is to serve God and bring Christ’s healing love to individuals who are experiencing life’s challenges through confidential, non-judgmental, one-on-one Christian care.