Wikipedia says that an undertow is “a strong subsurface flow of water returning seaward from the shore resulting usually from wave action.” It is a hidden current running along the sea floor racing toward greater depths. I think there is an undertow here at Tabernacle of Praise.
Sailboat out at sea.
The normal current of humanity is to swim to shore. Get to where it is safe. Churches are not exempt from this universal instinct. Anytime a motivated layperson or pastor proposes a unique strategy that requires commitment from everyone to make it work, there will be strong opposing forces. Why? Because the new strategy is new. It’s a risk. It may or may not work. It’s a new idea. We’ve never thought of it before. It’s uncharted waters. We’ve never swam out that far. New. New. NEW!
The race to shore begins immediately. Shore is that happy place where everything is normal, comfortable and predictable. It’s the place where we do “what we’ve always done.” The great ocean is that place which is wild and unfamiliar. It promises nothing but uncertainty.
When the Elder Board and I decided that the five point strategy I presented at the TOP 24th Anniversary in November 2008 was the direction that God wanted us to go, I saw a lot of nervous looks on peoples’ faces. What do you mean, pastor? We’re going to pray, witness, commune, worship and serve our way to growth and success? Absolutely.
But it is easier to stay in the shallow water, to remain near the shore. However, there are many people at Tabernacle of Praise who have decided to take the strategy to heart and give themselves to the work of the ministry. They have shown up for corporate prayer events. They have challenged themselves to share their faith. They have made room in their schedules to meet with believers from the church. They have stepped their passion in worship. They have began to volunteer in different service projects in the community.
There is an undertow at TOP. This current is a group of individuals who are racing out to the depths of the will of God, even if they are under the current of those who are heading for shore. My prayer and hope is that the force of this undertow will sweep unsuspecting believers out to sea.
Are you a part of the undertow? How are you involved in the strategy of TOP?
