A few years ago, I preached a sermon on liminality—occupying a position at, or on both sides of a boundary, balancing what is with what is to come. In reformed language, we speak of being already and not yet, that is liminal space. Recently, in a daily meditation, Richard Rohr characterized liminality as a place of Holy Transition, a threshold, an “inner state and sometimes an outer situation where we can begin to act and think in new ways.”
This year, Pastors Heather, BJ, and I, have continually bombarded you with messages about the church being in transition, that we, collectively are in a time of discerning and considering how God is moving and calling us into new ways of being. And we recognize that change is difficult for everyone, especially when change does not occur or take place as we anticipated or planned. But I wonder, does anyone ever anticipate or plan change? It seems to be human nature to be comfortable with what is and to respond or react adversely to what is to come. Typically, we do not easily embrace the unknown, accept that change is inevitable, or gracefully surrender our perceived control.
Yet, as people of faith, we continually espouse putting our hope, trust, lives, and futures in the hand of God and yet, we still seek to control many, if not every aspect of our individual and collective lives. There are times when our attempts to control are overt and other times our attempts are covert, although always well-intentioned. But I wonder, even in my own life, what would my present and future look like if or when I turn complete control over to God?
Rohr characterizes times of not being in control or certain as “a graced time, but often it does not feel graced…that the very vulnerability and openness of liminal space allows time for something genuinely new to happen.” As much as we find comfort and contentment in the known, our routine, traditions, and the way we have always done something, being open and receptive to change, new ways of being and doing—ministry, leadership, worship—are compelling and godly.
Rohr writes,
Without standing on the threshold for much longer than we’re comfortable, we won’t be able to see beyond ourselves to the broader and more inclusive world that lies before us….we are invited into a real, deep, transformative conversation, there on the threshold between who we are and who we can become, if we are willing to let go of what holds us back.
Soon, our congregation will receive the results of the Congregational Assessment Tool (CAT Scan). I suspect the results will be affirming, unsettling, confusing, and confirming; we will recognize our congregation in many ways and will not recognize ourselves as well. We are occupying liminal space—standing between who we think we are and who God is calling us to be. It is in this space of uncertainty and wonder, of letting go and welcoming anew, that God’s grace enters in, and if we let go, new and wonderful, exciting and surprising, nurturing and life-giving holy transition and transformation can happen. May we not be so wedded to what was and who we think we are that we miss the grace-filled opportunity to become more than we could ever imagine or think.
—Pastor Patrice