I remember growing up in Rockingham County and how different it was then than it is today.  There were Whites and Blacks, Baptists, Methodists, and a smattering of other denominations.  Likewise, our missions task seemed much more "cut and dry". . .evangelize those who are like us and get them into church!



Rockingham County has changed.  There are not only Whites and Blacks, but every color in between.  There are also a greater number of faith groups from which to choose.  In the '50s, '60s, and '70s who would have though that we would have the Hispanic population we have today. . .not to mention the growing Asian and Middle Eastern communities?  Who would have thought there would be such a growing Muslim, Hindu, and Buddhist influence?  Who would have thought that there would exist, in our quaint area, the numbers of multi-family housing units, single parents, and unemployed persons?  Who would have thought of the ever growing influx of immigrants from Guilford and Forsyth Counties, and from other states up north where people talk with a brogue?



Yep!. . .It's a different county, a different "ball game."  Rockingham County, whether we want to admit it or not, is rapidly transitioning from a rural environment to an urban fringe environment.  For some of us who realize this, this fact is quite unsettling.  Many of us do not like, indeed, are fearful of change.  But, change is coming!  The question is, how are we as churches and as an association of churches going to respond to the changes. . .reactively or proactively?



If we react (i.e., negatively in fear), we will become self centered and self absorbed, ceasing to grow. . .and wither away.  But Christ is not about isolation.  Our Lord is about proactive outreach to all people no matter their race, cultural background, or lifestyle.  Such proactivity requires faith on our part.  Fear and faith cannot coexist, they are mutually exclusive.  As individuals and as churches we have the option of embracing one or the other but not both.



If we embrace faith, then we may need to revisit God's vision for our respective churches, as well as, for the association.  If we choose to be proactive instead of reactive, we may need to reconsider our individual and collective prayer lives, and our methods of evangelism, ministry, and missions.  If we choose to be on the "cutting edge" of cultural health and growth, leading the way into the new century carrying the banner of Christ, we may even need to adjust our own cultural understandings and perspectives.



Rockingham County is different than it was when I was a child. . .no better, no worse, just different.  But rest assured God is the same.  His message and His truth have not changed and His love for every member of our county and its environs is consistent and constant.  How are we going to respond to His loving consistency and faithful constancy in a changing world, a sometimes seemingly foreign world which is coming to reside with us.