Great strides have been taken in the past 20 years, yet beneath the surface of our civility lurks the lingering demon of sexism. Thankfully there are ongoing efforts in our church to roll away these two stones. Elitism is a more elusive stone. Too many of us feel that our answers to the world's problems are incontestable. We have difficulty taking seriously the knowledge and wisdom of classes and cultures we believe are beneath us.
Financial fear is a huge stone that paralyzes our energy and freedom for creative discipleship.
I believe there are enormous material and financial resources throughout our church, as yet untapped. I believe people are eager to be challenged by a robust and muscular faith. Yet I see places where the stones have been rolled away. The result for one rural congregation is a church bursting with children. This place is alive with new liturgies, music, and community involvement.