As we drove through northern Arizona’s Coconino National Forest during our family road trip this summer, we found ourselves unexpectedly and unnervingly close to an active wildfire. Plumes of smoke alerted us to hot spots nearby where fire crews worked to contain the blaze. We occasionally saw flames spreading among the ponderosa pines near the roadside as we traveled. We gazed sadly at areas of the forest that were completely blackened, now populated only by charred, barren trunks.
It looked like death—and the fire certainly brought danger and loss. But for a ponderosa pine forest, fire can also bring life. What looks like destruction can actually be crucial to the ecosystem’s life cycle, as low-intensity fires clear out the underbrush and enrich the soil with nutrients. Other ecosystems are similar; in fact, wildfire’s intense heat is necessary to release some seeds from their resin coating and activate other seeds from their dormancy. The source of destruction can also be a catalyst for new life.
Of course, wildfires that are too frequent or too intense can utterly decimate forests. They don’t always lead to new life; sometimes they do simply mean desolation.
The pandemic’s negative impacts on the church over the past two and a half years are obvious, from drastically reduced attendance to devastating financial impacts to high levels of burnout among pastors. For some, the impacts have been so severe that pastors have left the ministry and churches have closed permanently.
Yet signs of fresh growth abound.
In a recent survey of CT Pastors readers, many highlighted the joy of community being renewed in homes and fellowship halls as church members eat together and linger to enjoy one another’s company. Others described reenergized times of corporate prayer and worship. Several reported a sense of renewal in serving together to address local needs.
In this issue, we explore God’s regenerative work in his church. Church leaders share effective ways they’re working to rebuild deep fellowship. Portland pastor Rick McKinley describes how losing many normal markers of ministry success has driven him toward a more kingdom-focused approach. Pete Scazzero discusses the opportunity in this moment for deep discipleship and shares insights for raising up new leaders. Other articles highlight how pastors are taking on today’s unique ministry challenges, from grappling with ghosting to preaching to polarized congregations.
Though God spoke these words to people in different circumstances than ours, I believe Isaiah 43:19 holds an invitation for us: “See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.” Our God, who makes all things new (Rev. 21:5), is at work, growing and nourishing his church. May we join the Gardener in tending his work in the wilderness.
This article is a part of our fall CT Pastors issue. You can find the full issue here.
