One church we served was located about one mile from the front gate of Randolph Air Force Base. In addition to watching the many USAF planes fly low a hundred or so yards behind our house in their landing pattern, often, when the breeze was right, we could hear the bugle calls (recorded and amplified) coming from the base. Always I was moved when Taps was played each night at 10:00 p.m. Retreat was another of my favorites. It was played to signal the end of the working day, and was just before the playing of The Star Spangled Banner.
Retreat. It is a word that signals so many different things. For one, it may mark some intentional getaway time whether solitary or with a group. It may mean, too, the drawing back from one position to another. In military terms, one never likes to retreat. It meant having to fight for the same ground again. Sometimes, retreat is a strategic move. It means a retrenchment to rebuild one's forces, gather additional logistical supplies, or the get a broader view of what lies ahead.
In the church, while retreat can be a strategic move, more often it is a cry to return to something previous. The Israelites complained the Moses about the hardships they incurred as they journeyed through the wilderness. 'They said to Moses, 'Was it because there were no graves in Egypt that you have taken us to die in the wilderness? What have you done to us, bringing us out of Egypt?'' (Ex. 14:11). The journey, it seems, had become so difficult for them that they longed to return to Egyptian slavery!
''Would that we had died in the land of Egypt! . . . would it not be better for us to go back to Egypt?' So they said to one another, 'Let us choose a captain, and go back to Egypt.'' (Num. 14:2-4). In the church, those who long for the 'good old days,' or who become entrenched in old ways of doing and thinking, sometimes are called 'back to Egypt' people. Forward is an unwelcome direction. Retreat always appears to be the preferable option. When the church adopts this attitude, it is a dangerous time.
The known past may seem preferable, despite how bad it may have been, simply because it is known. With the unknown, all kinds of obstacles, problems, etc., can be imagined. It's risky. It lacks security. And the destination (or end result)? Who knows? Yet moving out of the known to an uncertain place is just what God is calling the church to do. Just ask the Israelites. I like security. I like the known. Pastors are no different than anyone else. But by sticking to what the church has always done may lead to complacency, which can lead to stagnation, causing death every time.
I've said this before, I wish I knew where God is calling Hunt UMC. I don't. But, together, through much, much prayer, we can discern where that is. But, it's a journey that must begin with the first step. See you on this exciting journey!
Grace and peace,
Mike
August 16, 2015