Each week this month, BuildingChurchLeaders.com is considering how different expressions of Christianity can more faithfully embody the calling God has placed on them. These letters are patterned off the words of Jesus in Revelation 2–3. While they lack the authority of Scripture, they contain many convicting insights brought in the spirit of humility and love for the church. This letter, written by William Willimon, is addressed to the churches that he knows best: those in the mainline.

Behold I make all things new! Even you. How eagerly you began the last century that you so confidently called "Christian." You organized to beat the Devil, to build, to expand, to crusade, to reform, to grow. Quite a contrast to the way your century ended. You, who enjoyed thinking of yourselves as "mainline," got sidelined. Though you are averse to taking my Word literally, for my sake, and for yours, I hope that you will at least take these words seriously.

I, the One who so exuberantly turned water ...