In a lecture series at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, Dr. Timothy George of Beeson Divinity School spoke about what he called "ecotonic" moments. An ecotone is a place at which two ecosystems come together, where they meet and blend into one another. It is a place unstable, shifting, and fragile but also fertile, characterized by diversity, fluidity, and transformation.

We are told that we also live in a place and time during which we are experiencing unparalleled flux. Countless sociological studies tell us that we are the end of Modernity and the beginning of Postmodernity. Whether this is true or not, one thing is certain: This is a different world now from the one I was born into. It is quite clear that we are called by God to live according to the changeless values of His Word in an ever-changing world. It’s an ecotonic moment for churches as we begin a new decade:

• Music and worship styles are in great flux.
• Communication means and methods are rapidly changing—from telephone to texting, from mail to email to Twitter
• Churches are growing not so much in the Western world as in the "South."

What should a church do in such times? What dare not change? What simply must change?

I'm convinced that the Bible, "our final authority for faith and life," can provide guidance for days like these. The Book of Acts, for example, was written in a time of great change for the church. In Acts, Luke sought to describe what God did to transform his people from being made up almost exclusively of Jews to including Samaritans and Gentiles. God's work would expand from being almost solely in Judea to impacting the entire world. And, let me tell you in an understatement: This was not easy!! It required changes:

• Theological Clarifications – Jesus' coming had changed everything. He was God but not the Father. Jesus would send the Spirit who also was God but not Jesus or the Father. So, God is both three and one?
• Worship Adjustments – No more sacrifices were needed. Now, not just the words of what we call the Old Testament were to be read and studied but those of Jesus? And, what songs should be sung?
• Ethnic Differences – Jews and Samaritans and Gentiles came into God's family. So, what does a church do when those they used to hate had the same Holy Spirit within them? Did they have to eat together?
• Leadership Changes – What would they do with outsiders—like Paul? What if those who have gifts of leadership don't look like their earlier leaders looked?

I could go on and on. My point is that the Book of Acts was written for an ecotonic moment. May its opening verses guide us as we embark on our own ecotonic moment at LAC.

To His glory,

Dr. Greg Waybright
Senior Pastor