On a recent trip into the center of Minneapolis I had to take a bit of a detour. I know my way around the southern parts of Minneapolis and St. Paul fairly well, so, when the sign on Crosstown (62) warned of a crash just north of 35th Street on 35-W, I wasn't terribly concerned. Grateful for the sign, I had time to head north on Portland passing through some very pretty parts of south Minneapolis, then east to Park Avenue which is a one-way leading directly into the heart of the city. I reached my destination safe and sound and with minimal delay.

I could have gone up Hwy 55 (Hiawatha). I might have even taken the curve on 35-W and just dealt with the delays (not likely if it can be avoided!). I had a couple other (longer) options and that got me to thinking: There is usually more than one way to get to where you want to go. Sometimes there are all kinds of ways to get where you want to go.

I know that when my wife and I are traveling we often have different ideas as to how to get to the destination we have in mind. "Why didn't you turn there?" "Because I want to go this way." "But..."
Maybe you've been there. Anyway...

I'm grateful there is one way to God through Jesus Christ. Scripture calls it the narrow way, but it is only narrow in the sense that it is singular. One. The only way. That's comforting to me; it's simple. Beyond simple, it's God's way. As we travel that narrow road with Jesus and His people He gives us great freedom to carry on the work of His Church (the Body of Christ is a traveling body!).

All of that to say this: When we travel in groups (congregations, synods, clusters, networks, etc.) we need to enjoy the reality that there is more than one right way to get where we're going-to do what needs doing. We need to enjoy the journey together and encourage the gifts given to God's people as He puts us in place for His purposes.

Where are you trying to get to? (Sorry). Where do you want to go? Where do you want to end up? What project are you working on that needs a goal and planning to get you there? And who else is involved in the "travel" to that destination? Is there a right way and a wrong way?

Our vibrant little synod sits on the threshold of something new. Lots of "ways" have been examined and plans have been determined. Now we're traveling a road that has some unexplored territory ahead, but, and for this I am very grateful, our destination remains the same: We are traveling, as a church, into and toward the One who calls us into His mission in this world, no matter where that takes us. And the greatest blessing of all? He's already there.

But you already knew that,

Bruce Stumbo serves as a pastor with fellow travelers at Bethel LBC in Grand Forks, ND

By Bruce Stumbo

Rev. Bruce Stumbo serves Inspiration LBC as Interim Pastor. He is also the author of the B-Log (Bruce Log).

More Featured Articles