The church, reformed? (Back story)

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The previous entry by the same title didn’t include some of the reasons why I would have the temerity to write about such a subject. These personal thoughts may help explain the coming blogs that are dedicated to the thesis that the people of God in the post-COVID church can (or should) engage in self-examination—with the audacity of reformers burnt into our souls by the flame of the Spirit.

The most basic thing to tell you is that “reforming” has been part of my self-identity for many years. I have always believed that I’m also in need of confession, repentance, forgiveness and restoration. I carry in my bones Luther’s last words, “We are beggars after all.” That beggarhood—spread into almost all of my life—makes possible other reforming attitudes and actions.

The second thing to share is that, at this time in my life, I feel graced by a perhaps-strange sense of calm, well-being in the face of everything that’s going on. The anxieties of past years—thanks to malevolent perpetrators of fear and anger—are mostly gone. What remains is the quiet joy of feeling blessed. In spite of my undeservedness and shortcomings, I still receive grace upon grace. From so many directions and in so many ways. I am rich in more ways than I can describe.

Where does this lead? The need for renovation in congregations and the wider Church seems front-and-center at this time in history. This seems like a moment in the larger sweep of time when all of us—this mere scrivener included—have the opportunity to reshape the Church. And along with that (continuing) reformation might just come the restoration and redemption of the rest of society!

So that’s my story, and I’m sticking with it…

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About the author

Bob Sitze

BOB SITZE has filled the many years of his lifework in diverse settings around the United States. His calling has included careers as a teacher/principal, church musician, writer/author, denominational executive staff member and meat worker. Bob lives in Wheaton, IL.

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By Bob Sitze

Bob Sitze

BOB SITZE has filled the many years of his lifework in diverse settings around the United States. His calling has included careers as a teacher/principal, church musician, writer/author, denominational executive staff member and meat worker. Bob lives in Wheaton, IL.

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