I don\u2019t have a conclusion. What\u2019s next is in God\u2019s hands.<\/p>\n
I\u2019m reasonably certain that institutional TEC will not rejoin Christianity any time soon. That means a) I will be out of TEC altogether or b) I will remain in it under some kind of dhimmitude. I have made preparation either way, and will walk through whatever door God opens. I am blessed by my family\u2019s courage and support in this \u201d\u201c they will endure whatever sufferings or sacrifices come.<\/p>\n
A few weeks ago, as we prayed together, my wife and I were drawn to Romans 5:8 \u201d\u201c \u201cBut God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.\u201d\u009d The seemingly trivial word \u201cwhile\u201d\u009d is what caught us. We are in Dr. Seuss\u2019 \u201cWaiting Place\u201d\u009d; or sitting like explorers on a becalmed sea. \u201cWhile\u201d\u009d we wait, \u201cwhile\u201d\u009d God\u2019s plan unfolds, we\u2019ve done all that we can to argue points, explore options, and make choices. We\u2019ve done all we can to warn Good Shepherd about TEC\u2019s corruption (and we\u2019ve been clear and emphatic about this). We\u2019ve knocked on other doors. \u201cWhile\u201d\u009d the conclusion remains open, there\u2019s no more to do.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhile\u201d\u009d we wait for what\u2019s next, we rely on what Scripture tells us: God does not need us to force a particular outcome. \u201cWhile we were still sinners, Christ died for us.\u201d\u009d And it is on the cross \u201d\u201c the one that TEC rejects but that still \u201ctowers over the wrecks of time\u201d\u009d- where God will always show his love for us, wherever we are.<\/p>\n