Church, On The Move
Last week in our Faith in Transition series, we reflected on how God works through personal and individual seasons of change. We looked at biblical examples and even considered local congregations in the Memphis area that have experienced their seasons of transition—whether through leadership changes, complete campus relocations, or shifts in ministry direction. And in every case, their faithfulness to the gospel and God’s plan kept them steady. This week, we turn our attention from the personal to the collective, from individual faith transitions to the larger journey of the Church globally and right here at home.
From the beginning, the Christian church was designed to move, grow, and adapt while remaining anchored in the unchanging truth of the gospel. In Acts 2:41-47 (CSB), we see the early believers laying the foundation:
“They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread, and to prayer... Every day the Lord added to their number those who were being saved” (vv. 42, 47).
This wasn't a static institution—it was a faithful, Spirit-led community that knew how to grow and transition while staying deeply rooted in doctrine and fellowship.
But even the best churches face seasons when they drift off course. But church history shows us something sobering: just because a church is moving doesn't mean it's moving in the right direction. Revelation 2–3 shows us seven churches that began with zeal and truth—some like Ephesus were even part of the Acts 2 movement—but over time, drifted. In these letters, Jesus speaks directly to His church, not the culture, but His people. Each church was unique, but they all followed a pattern of instruction that offers a roadmap for churches today navigating cultural, spiritual, and doctrinal transitions.
The seven letters in Revelation 2–3 show us actual congregations that, over time, had begun to struggle. Some, like Ephesus, had abandoned their first love (Revelation 2:4). Others, like Sardis, had a reputation for being alive but were spiritually dead (Revelation 3:1). Still others, like Laodicea, had become lukewarm in their faith (Revelation 3:16). And yet, in every case, Jesus didn’t write them off—He called them back. He corrected, challenged, and reminded them that His plan for His Church will prevail, even when we stumble.
As I think about our own church family at Union Avenue Baptist Church, I am struck by the faithfulness God has shown us over many generations. Since 1902, UABC has served as a ministry hub and gospel presence in Memphis. Our campus, land, and buildings are more than just physical structures—they are tools God has used for over a century to impact lives. And even amid our own seasons of transition—through leadership changes, the consideration of a possible move eastward into Shelby County, and the shifting dynamics in our community—the mission has remained the same. Like the churches in Revelation, we can likely see ourselves in different seasons: sometimes strong and enduring, other times facing challenges and needing correction. But through it all, God’s purpose for us continues.
This Sunday, we’ll continue our series by looking at what it means to be a church on the move—navigating change while remaining faithful. We’ll learn from the early church’s devotion in Acts 2 and the vital lessons Jesus gave the seven churches in Revelation. Because no matter where we are in our journey, God is still speaking, still leading, and still calling us forward.
I want to invite you and your family to join us in worship this week. Whether you’ve been part of UABC for generations or are new to our church family, this is a powerful moment to reflect on where God is leading us next—and how, together, we can remain faithful in every transition.