I was warned by people that International Churches are constantly changing. Our recent congregational survey proved this reality: we discovered that 57% of our people had been at HIF for less than two years. (We'd love to report that this was because of many new believers, but it is mostly because of believers moving in and out of Hanoi.)
Of course it is one thing to talk about percentages or even about congregations changing. It is another thing as you regularly say personal "hellos" and "goodbyes" to a variety of folks. For example: in the past 8 days we have said goodbye to a wonderful single woman from Taiwan who plans to return home for a few weeks and then move to Cuba to study Spanish. We have also said goodbye to a medical couple from Australia. They will return home for a few weeks and then move to Montreal for at least two years on a post doctoral fellowship. These very active Christians will really be missed.
On the other hand we have welcomed two new couples: one from the USA, one from Japan and the USA. We will hope they integrate well (and quickly) to both the country and to our church family.
Given the number of transitions that take place, this kind of International Church does not depend much on long term church members. We really must depend on God who never changes and of course He never says "goodbye." We rely on His knowledge of the future as we make plans and commitments for a congregation that we know will be 50% different two years from now!
It is kind of like "living by faith.":) A great way to live for churches as well as for individuals.
Of course it is one thing to talk about percentages or even about congregations changing. It is another thing as you regularly say personal "hellos" and "goodbyes" to a variety of folks. For example: in the past 8 days we have said goodbye to a wonderful single woman from Taiwan who plans to return home for a few weeks and then move to Cuba to study Spanish. We have also said goodbye to a medical couple from Australia. They will return home for a few weeks and then move to Montreal for at least two years on a post doctoral fellowship. These very active Christians will really be missed.
On the other hand we have welcomed two new couples: one from the USA, one from Japan and the USA. We will hope they integrate well (and quickly) to both the country and to our church family.
Given the number of transitions that take place, this kind of International Church does not depend much on long term church members. We really must depend on God who never changes and of course He never says "goodbye." We rely on His knowledge of the future as we make plans and commitments for a congregation that we know will be 50% different two years from now!
It is kind of like "living by faith.":) A great way to live for churches as well as for individuals.
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