A Lesson in Welsh

So, what’s on my mind?

This past Sunday in worship, I talked about how easy it can be for all churches to become possessive over certain things like traditions, music styles, pews, etc. Sometimes even “our way” of doing things. Then we looked at Acts 4:32 where Luke describes the early church this way: “None of them would say, ‘This is mine!’ about any of their possessions.” And during this sermon, I mentioned that the church does not belong to us. It belongs to Jesus. We are caretakers and stewards for a season, but ultimately this is Christ’s church.

Later that Sunday afternoon, I happened to watch a documentary that mentioned something fascinating about the Welsh language. In Welsh, there isn’t really a direct phrase for “I have” in the same way we use it in English. Instead, the idea is expressed more like, “This is with me.” So instead of saying, “I have a Jeep,” the phrase is closer to saying, “This Jeep is with me.”

What if we thought about the church that way? Not “my pew.” Not “my classroom.” Not “my music.” Not “my committee.” Not even “my church.” Instead, what about: “This church is with us for a little while.” That is a very different mindset. Because when something is merely “with us,” we recognize that we are not owners. We are stewards. Caretakers. Recipients of a gift entrusted to us for a time.

The people before us cared for this church so that we could experience it today. And now we carry the responsibility of caring for it so that future generations can experience the love of Christ here too.

One day, others will sit in these pews. Others will sing these songs. Others will gather at this Communion table. And that is exactly how it should be. The church was here before us, and by God’s grace, it will continue after us. Because the church does not belong to us. It belongs to Jesus.

May God hold you,
Rev Chris Hester