Since we live in the Austin metropolitan area, I know that you understand this. When we moved back to Austin in 2001, that was the one thing about Austin to which I did not relish returning. I am trying to get somewhere. There is a certain time when I wish or need to arrive. But instead of conveying me to my destination in a timely manner, my car is stopped, idling in traffic. I watch the gas gauge decline and the temperature gauge rise. Simultaneously, I can feel my patience decline and my blood pressure rise. Even now, with all the toll roads and lanes, I sometimes find myself stuck in traffic. As Charlie Brown would say, “Aauugh!”
Over the past few years, our leaders have worked to develop and articulate a “core vision” for Bethany. They did an evaluative process on their various ministry efforts. We pulled all that data together and began discerning God’s next steps for Bethany. Then the pandemic shut everything down. We spent the next 6 months learning how to be the church during a pandemic which required a change in all our normal activities. Our staff put in hours upon hours and has done an amazing job. But the effort used up all our mental bandwidth and some things just could not be done.
In the hope that 2021 would see Bethany reopening, we restarted our planning process last fall. Incorporating the work already done and acknowledging the challenges that COVID has presented us, we narrowed our efforts to three main initiatives for 2021:
- Reengage Bethany members during and post pandemic
- Improve family-friendly ministry
- Lead new people in the surrounding area to Experience God’s love, Know Jesus Christ, and Grow in Christ’s image
We were eager to start moving ahead in 2021. News of vaccines buoyed our spirits. Then, over the Christmas holiday, the COVID numbers shot up. Things closed down and we went back to virtual. We received reports about the possibility of further delays in General Conference. And to top it off, we had the shock and trauma of the post-election violence and turmoil. I find myself feeling stuck and suspect many of you feel the same.
In 2001, I learned some things about dealing with Austin traffic. First, I had to plan more. Departure times and alternate routes had to be planned carefully, depending on the time of day. Second, “keep calm and carry on.” Allowing my frustration to rule only ruined my day. Third, despite any delay, I would still get to my destination.
In 2021, I see our leaders utilizing those same learnings. First, we are continuing to plan. We will have to adjust some timelines and methods due to the realities of COVID. Second, we are remaining calm and carrying on in Christ’s amazing work through Bethany. We will not allow our frustration to block the outpouring of God’s grace. Third, despite any delays, we trust that God will still accomplish His purposes.
There is much to pray about as we begin 2021. It feels like much of the fabric of our world and lives has been frayed and torn. But God is still God. As the saying goes, “I do not know what the future holds. But I do know Who holds the future.” I will continue praying, each morning, “Your will be done on earth, as it is in heaven.” Join me in that prayer as we begin 2021.
Be Blessed,
Tom Deviney
