Changing Church

I finally succumbed to the temptation of a series. Yep, this is a series. The cool thing? The series is a story. The end is not yet written. Feel free to post comments, quesions, feedback. Check back for the next chapters. This will also serve as the index page.


Pastor Will slowly walked up the steps to his usual place at the podium. Here, at the beginning of the service, he was supposed to give an opening prayer. The youthful man scanned the congregation, settled for a moment on a slight, smiling woman near the front, then turned and began to walk back down the stairs. Everyone stared their worry. Was Pastor Will feeling ok?

He began to talk. He took the steps slowly, making eye contact with as many pew-warming Christians as possible. And whenever he met an especially skeptical gaze, he looked back at Anne, the woman near the front. “Don’t worry,” he said. “This feels much more appropriate for the talk I need to have with you all.” His hands shook.

Arriving at the center of the sanctuary, he sat on the edge of the stage. People gave each other curious looks. Some deacons sat on the edges of their seats. In case he continued this disturbing behavior, they were ready to pull him out. But what would they do then? None of them wanted to preach.

Will eyed his deacons, praying they would not interfere. “In case you hadn’t noticed, today’s service is going to be a bit different.” He flashed the smile that made him a pleasant visitor even to the darkest of hospital rooms, the smile that had won Anne’s heart before they were even friends. “I want to share with you what God has been teaching me as I have studied the Word the past several months.” Anne bowed her head, hands spread out before her a bit. She was rigid.

To God be all glory.

Part II Part III Part IV Part V Part VI Part VII Part VIII Part IX Part X Part XI Part XII Part XIII Part XIV Part XV Part XVI Part XVII Part XVIII Part XIX Part XX Part XXI Part XXII Part XXIII