Transition is an unsettling experience for most everyone, and the transition that is occurring in the Church is no exception. Traditions are being shaken as everything is being called into question from structures to practice to theology. The assurance and security derived from Christianity's established traditions are being shaken to their core.

This is not a bad thing, but sorely needed to help shake us out of an ecclesiastical complacency that has resulted in the stagnation of that which was once fresh with life-producing dynamics. The process, however, is disconcerting to many as the ancient ways are dusted off and uncovered. Coupled with new ideas and ways that are being introduced, a montage of the old and the new is being fashioned by the Holy Spirit through the conversation that is taking place.

Though it seems like utter chaos, keep in mind the words of Genesis 1:2: "And the earth was formless and void, and darkness was over the surface of the deep; and the Spirit of God was moving over the surface of the waters." As it was then, so it is now. God is not absent from the process, but has in fact, not only initiated, but is also intricately involved in it from beginning to end.

Many of us are discovering that we need to let go of some cherished doctrines as the Spirit enlightens to bring greater understanding. To resist is to be left behind as the Spirit moves ahead with God's mission. The question we need to answer is, "Whose mission are we going to commit to, ours or God's?"

Personally, I believe that for too long we have been engaged in our mission, building our churches. Now along comes God, renewing his invitation to get involved in his mission of advancing his kingdom. It's a different mission than what we've been committed to. Therefore it requires change from our thoughts to his thoughts, from our ways to his ways. It is nothing less than a paradigm shift resulting from our changed thinking.