Hope for the Next Chapter

Greetings from Atlanta.

As I write this, I am surrounded by nearly 1,500 pastors, staff members, and elders gathered for the 2026 National Gathering of ECO. It is a record-setting year for our denomination, and there is a sense of resolve and hope as we gather.

The theme of our national gathering is "Called" and our focus is on Esther 4:14, "And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?" From February 2–5, leaders from across the country have come together here in Georgia to worship, learn, pray, and listen for where the Spirit is leading the church next.

Please know that Cedar Creek Church is known here. Your faithfulness is spoken of with respect. You are prayed for. You are supported. And you are part of a denomination that is not shrinking back, but flourishing -- seeking to be faithful in a complex and changing world.

In one session, our Synod Executive, Rev. Dr. Dana Allin, spoke about what he described as the possibility of another Great Awakening as we begin to emerge from this time of crisis in the years to come. It won't be a manufactured or nostalgic shift, but a Spirit-led movement that will require courage and faithfulness from congregations like ours. He named five challenges that he believes will shape the next era of the church:

  • Extraordinary prayer and fasting

  • Equipping the saints

  • Engaging the culture with compassion and courage

  • Embodying whole-life discipleship

  • Expanding by organizing for movement

As he concluded, he asked us not to leave with just notes, but with a decision to step into at least one of these challenges in a new and Holy Spirit-inspired way. 

As I listened, I thought of our beautiful grounds and buildings. I thought of the creativity, faith, and generosity of this congregation. I thought of our dedicated staff and leaders. And I thought of Sherwood: a growing, vibrant city that deeply needs Christ-centered love, hope, and peace.

We may not know what the months ahead will bring; the future rarely arrives with a clear map. But we do know this: The Lord is among us. God is faithful. And we will continue to seek Him in everything we do -- praying boldly, loving generously, and trusting that the Spirit is already at work, both here in Atlanta and back home among you.

I am grateful for you. And I am grateful to serve a church that is part of something so much larger than itself, yet so rooted in its own calling and place.

As I head home from Atlanta, I want to invite you into the same posture that was asked of every pastor and leader gathered here: not just to reflect, but to ask where God might be nudging you in this season. Is it deeper prayer? A renewed commitment to discipleship? A courageous act of compassion? A new way of serving in our church body?

The Spirit rarely calls us all in the same way, but always calls us forward. My prayer is that Cedar Creek continues to be a church that listens, responds, and trusts that God will meet us as we move forward to meet him.

Rev. Dr. Jennie Harrop