Addition by subtraction (and subtraction by subtraction)

Life in a church body is rarely boring and that has been doubly so since Amy and I started on staff at Mercy Church. Since we started we officially moved from church plant to official church status, merged with Good Shepherd Community Church and have had any number of challenges in trying to craft an identity as a third-way evangelical, emerging church in a community where the church is very entrenched in subcultural trappings.

The last few weeks have been interesting as we have started trying to sort out what name this newly merged entity should go by. I would say the majority of people would just as soon stick with the name "Mercy Church" and move forward. Of the merged churches, Mercy was the one that brought health, momentum, growth, vision and numbers to the equation. Good Shepherd brought a building and an older demographic rich in life experience and wisdom.

In the naming discussion there have been a few that have been absolutely opposed to the name "Mercy Church" (as well as being opposed to the merger and just about anything else that has happened in the last few years). Two of the most vocally opposed people left the church this week and we are all kind of wondering what new dynamic that will bring as we seek to move forward.

This, to me, is a perfect example of addition by subtraction as the divisive, combative spirit they brought to any discussion served no purpose for a church that is very much about breaking down walls and fostering unity and community within the body and the church universal. Our hope is that they can find a church that is more in line with their vision and values, but where they will not only engage but will grow to fully functioning uniters in the body of Christ.

Obviously, there are moments when you see someone leave and think, "It's probably for the best." But in the life of the church you also see people leave who you love, who you've ministered with and who you hate to see go. Our friends Aaron and Dana are going back to the church they attended before Mercy and this is definitely an example of subtraction simply being subtraction. There isn't any animosity or hostility or anything of that nature, there are just more relationships at their last church and they need to be somewhere that they can both connect. I'll miss Aaron as part of the worship team, but know that we'll still get together for coffee and conversation. Our hope is that they are able to reconnect in a way that brings them health and life and that Aaron's absence on our team will simply be an opportunity for somebody else to engage in ministry that wouldn't have otherwise.