The 1990’s were good for Amazing Grace. There was a new church full of people. The church was growing, Sunday School and the Youth group was packed full of kids. The economy was booming, new jobs were being created in the Atlanta metro area, people were buying homes in Gwinnett County.
There was admittedly a period of conflict which resulted in the mission developer who founded this church resigning, but when you look at the first 20 years of the church, you can trace the growth of Gwinnett County with the growth of Amazing Grace. People came to worship, got involved, the church budget grew.
In talking to folks who were around in those times, they talk about the great worship services and the great fellowship this church had. And it appeared to happen naturally, organically, which is to say that there wasn’t a formal evangelism plan or a specific service project. Amazing Grace simply opened its doors and people came. Out of that developed an active and vibrant church.
To be clear, I wasn’t here during this time, I can only go by what people and the file cabinet in the church office tells me, so if anyone feels I am off base with this characterization, I welcome their perspective.
I would describe Amazing Grace as historically being a loving community that enjoys fellowship and worship together. The primary entry points to this ministry have been through worship and fellowship. For most of its history (its foundation being the exception) Amazing Grace is not a congregation that makes high demands on its members. Members have been free to participate and give of their time, talents and resources, however each deemed fit.
That model served us well in the 1990’s. It is tempting to think those days are coming back. Nostalgia for the good old days runs deep for those who were here during those times. But I wonder if we are realizing how much has changed since the good old days.
The boatloads of Lutheran immigrants have quit coming. The U-Haul vans full of Lutheran families from the north looking for a Lutheran church are not coming to our area as frequently. Most of our neighbors have little idea who we are or what we are about.
Amazing Grace is getting older. There are not the families coming and visiting and joining at the rate they once did.
Isn’t it time to re-examine who we are and where are we are going, in light of our changing context?