CURATE’S CORNER: 12/14/2025

 CURATE’S CORNER:

Change is almost always difficult. Without going into detail, it is important that we recognize that dynamics have changed within modern Christianity as well as in the American culture. But saying that, the Word of God has not changed, the teachings and beliefs based on the Bible have not changed and the the mission placed before has not changed.

In many cases, we can change to meet the challenges for the future of our congregation or we simply stick with the things of the past for stability, thinking if we remain doing what we have been doing, we are fine.

Pastors are like foreigners to their congregations, not that they are not welcomed into the congregation as you have done so well with me. I feel like this is my church family, but I have not grown up in this congregation and in this community unlike your previous pastor.

As a pastor, I am examining our congregation from the perspective of my personal experiences and studies. These experiences and studies suggest that the sustainability of a modern congregation doesn't rely on its size, attractive ideas to lure new members, or simply pleasing existing members to prevent them from leaving. Instead, a sustainable congregation in today's culture is one that steadfastly holds to its beliefs based on God’s Word, operates in Christian love, and lives out its life as a Christian family. For example, when young members go off to college, they are clear in the teachings of Scripture and know they have a supportive, sustainable church family waiting for them back home."

Like many congregations, for many, many years, it appears that Our Redeemer has done the same things when it came to the church and school. After months of conversations and discussions and keeping in mind such things as I had mentioned above in this article, we will see some changes. These changes are not in stone, but rather an attempt to rethink how our congregation and school moves forward for a sustainable future in a rapidly changing culture.

Starting January our Sundays will look like this: 9-9:45 Bible Class; Divine Service will be at 10-11; and afterward would be opportunities for social interaction. Youth group will be from 2-4 PM. Mondays, there will be a Divine Service at 6 PM.

On Saturdays from 10-1, we will, as long as the group wants to, have game day where people bring their own board games to play. We had all ages when we had it before. We are also looking into more frequent meals and praise services on Saturday evenings.

This article is long enough, I will add more information and rationale for our changes in next Sunday’s Curate Corner. Peace in Christ, Pastor Dreyer.