Storms have ravaged us these last number of years. A pandemic, extreme weather, and political and denominational turmoil only begin to name the trials we have faced. In the midst of it all, most of us were confronted with our own personal storms, although they are less often named. The classic United Methodist hymn puts it well: “What troubles have we seen, what mighty conflicts past, fightings without, and fears within, since we assembled last!” There is no wonder that congregations and leaders alike are asking, “What do we do now?” In the shift from being in the storm to being in its wake, we are collectively looking for direction and hope.
Storms Are Not the End
This Advent, the Western Pennsylvania UMC Order of Elders—clergy ordained for a ministry of Word, Sacrament, Service and Order—gathered and began to address these very needs. Like so many traditions, The UMC has been rocked by the storms. Leaders are exhausted and churches are uncertain. Yet, there is a persistent resilience and willingness to move forward together that people are working to capture. Bishop Sandra Steiner Ball came alongside the elders in this moment with intent to focus on reconnecting for the work of ministry.
The day provided good conversation and momentum, but the repeated refrain from participants seemed simple: it was good to be together once again. It was good to laugh, and listen, and gather physically in one place. Hope comes in community. Hope is found together. As we continue to work toward rebuilding churches, and finding new direction, this has consequence for our worshipping communities. There are deep lessons to learn from these seemingly simple observations.
One lesson seems clear, the storms were not the end of the story. Actually, they never are. Both the biblical narrative and all of Christian history demonstrate the ways that rebuilding happens after hosts of devastating circumstances and trials. Yet, as the rhetorical preaching move goes, “But God . . . ” Hope persists. No matter our weariness, or despair in these moments, the story is not over.
Rebuilding in Partnership: Deep Connections Reveal New Directions
The other critical take-away as we look toward the future church is that we must rebuild together. New partnerships and ideas and a willingness to step out of the norm will move us forward. Happily, there are churches ready to make these leaps all over Western Pennsylvania. There are places looking for new ways to work together in ministry, with new people and new methods. There are churches ready to sell their buildings and find creative alternatives in order to continue bringing the good news to their communities. There are places exploring creative stewardship options. There are clergy meeting together to talk and pray about the next faithful steps. As Bishop Steiner Ball pointed out to the Order of Elders last December, we will rebuild through renewed connection and partnership.
The truth is, we will continue to face storms. They will return in one form or another. Yet, we will also continue to find hope and direction if we commit to connecting more deeply with other leaders and churches. Hope is found together, alongside the great cloud of witnesses, colleagues, and friends. Churches will prosper together, because hope is built on partnership. The message of hope this season may well be: you are not alone in this work. God is here, a great community is here, and we will rebuild together.
The hymn continues, “But out of all the Lord, Hath brought us by His love; And still He doth His help afford, And hides our life above.” Thanks be to God. The future is stronger than we know. We are in this together.
Register here for the 2025 Albright-Deering Lectures (Feb. 18 and 19):
“What Do We Do Now? Rebuilding After the Storms Have Passed” with Dr. Lovett H. Weems Jr.
https://www.pts.edu/albright-deering-2025
The Rev. Dr. Susan Moudry ’10 is the lead pastor of Faith UMC (Fox Chapel, Pa.) and Roots of Faith. She served for six years as coordinator of clergy and lay leadership excellence for the Western Pennsylvania Conference of The United Methodist Church. She has also served as director of lay and continuing education at Brite Divinity School (Fort Worth, Texas) and as interim pastor at Slippery Rock UMC. Rev. Moudry is a member of P.E.O. International, an organization that promotes the advancement of women through education. She holds a B.A. in music education from Edinboro University, an M.Div. from Pittsburgh Theological Seminary, and a Ph.D. in the history of Christianity from Baylor University.