The Church’s constant dilemma is this: Should our
energies be focused on an internal sense of security and assurance,
social, financial, spiritual, where we seek to make our members happy,
or should our energies be spent on those most in need around us? The
decision between the alternatives leads to very differently shaped
churches.
As our tag line claims, Shiloh Church is Living the Word by
Serving the World. That means that Shiloh Church has decided
that God calls the congregation to work for the sake of those who
struggle and suffer. Internal, congregational pleasure comes from a
sense that the church is doing what God calls it to do outwardly.
Shiloh’s unity lies precisely in Shiloh’s mission and ministry to the
community and world.
The vision drives Shiloh, compels Shiloh, defines Shiloh. It also makes
Shiloh odd. Instead of spending time and energies on self-service,
arguing about what members and friends might or might not like, Shiloh
pours itself into meeting the needs of its neighbors.
The amazing fact is that Shiloh is not a new church, doing a new thing.
It is an historical congregation, with more than 150 years of ministry
and service to its credit. Yet, Shiloh is on the cutting edge of the
emerging church movement. It is progressive, imaginative, creative, and
enriching. If you are looking for an odd place to fit into an outward
vision of what the church can be, come and experience the mission and
ministry of Shiloh Church UCC. Help us in Living the Word by
Serving the World.
- Reverend Carl E. Robinson
