Recently, I replaced an old wood floor in a bedroom. It was a lot of hard work, but worth it. The new floor looks great. The only problem is at the threshold where the new floor meets the existing floor in the hallway. The hallway floor doesn’t match the new bedroom floor. As we cross from the hallway into the bedroom the floors are uneven, there are gaps and it’s just plain ugly. Yet on the other side of this rough patch there is a big bedroom of new floor to enjoy. This little, ugly transition is distracting from the beautiful 120 square feet of new floor that lays on the other side. What to do?
Flooring professionals solved this problem centuries ago with the invention of a threshold. Thresholds make the transition between rooms smooth and beautiful. Imagine the joy of the flooring pro, centuries ago, when he first invented this new technology called the “threshold”! Today, I am the beneficiary of this ubiquitous technology. My home supply retailer stocks hundreds of threshold options. I installed one over that uneven and ugly gap. Now the transition between the hallway and bedroom is so pleasant for everyone in our home.
This reminds me of the words of John the Baptist as he described his ministry in the gospel of Luke, chapter 3:
“A voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him. Every valley shall be filled in, every mountain and hill made low. The crooked roads shall become straight, the rough ways smooth. And all people will see God’s salvation.’”
John the Baptist’s ministry was to be a threshold to help people make the transition from the old ways to the new ways. That transition was unprecedented and filled with uncertainty. Yet, John the Baptist innovated and helped people transition into God’s grace and love.
So many churches are doing the same thing in today’s uncertain times. We are seeing so many innovative ways that churches are leveraging technology to make these “rough ways smooth” for people on their journey with Jesus. Many churches are streaming services online. Small groups are meeting online. Children’s Ministries are teaching online. Leaders are staying in touch through group email and text messages. Many churches are engaging new people through their website. Giving online has risen. And as some regions begin re-opening, churches are using online registration to comply with gathering guidelines. There are new serving opportunities for sanitizing facilities and keeping people safe. Other churches in restricted regions, are innovating online to help new people engage in a relational way. Just as in the days of John the Baptist, God is definitely drawing people to himself during these uncertain times. What are your options?
You have a partner here at FellowshipOne powered by Ministry Brands. We are your advocate as you explore creative ways to leverage technology. Feel free to connect with your dedicated Church Success Partner (CSP@FellowshipOne.com). We love to discover what God is doing at your church. We’ll also help you explore the innovative solutions available as your church helps people cross new thresholds of hope during these uncertain times.
Mark DeMoss
Director of Church Success, FellowshipOne
