Wordle in One: It’s Time to Change
Was it a miracle? It kind of felt like it.
Yesterday, I got Wordle in one. Yes folks, you read that right.
Of course, it helps that I’ve been using the exact same start word for three years straight. I just knew some day it would all pay off. And boy did it ever.
I imagine a psychologist could have a field day analyzing my strategy. Her questions might go something like this:
Are you afraid of change?
Are you afraid that changing might indicate that you are no longer loyal?
Are you afraid that if you deviate from your strategy, that it might be wrong?
Just what are you afraid of?
Such a great question.
Not to make the stretch (but I will), what I did with Wordle for three years is a lot like what happens in the Church.
Change is scary. Many continue to think it’s better to stay the course than go boldly in a new direction when it’s necessary. Where does that thinking lead us? I think you know the answer. It’s not toward growth or renewal.
We are a loyal people – and that is good. But does loyalty at all costs sometimes hold us down? Numb us? Loyalty can be a motivation for change. I give thanks for the brave people who just one year ago worked – out of faithfulness – to make our church better when it would have been easier to leave the United Methodist denomination. Loyalty can hold us back. It can also be a motivator for courage.
Fear of trying something new can be paralyzing. Maybe that’s why there are still too many churches out there who haven’t started online giving yet. Or think asking for money in church is distasteful. Or are worried that someone will be offended if they’re asked directly to help fund a new ministry.
It’s important to remember, doing something new and challenging can bring great joy. Jesus was all about change. He pushed us to be the people who aren’t satisfied with the status quo. He didn’t ask us to keep dog paddling in one place. He wants us to get to the shore and get busy. We are a Resurrection people.
OK, I’ve talked myself into it: I won’t just use one first start word for Wordle. I’ll switch between train or saint or saucy. And maybe, just maybe, Wordle will be even more fun, more challenging, and more exciting. I’m up for the change.
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Here’s another Wordle post: 4 Wordle-Worthy Ideas for Your Congregation
A webinar! Tomorrow (May 8 at 11am PT), I’ll be leading a webinar Legacy Giving 101 for Practical Resources for Churches. Join me!
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Cesie Delve Scheuermann (pronounced “CC Delv Sherman,” yes, really) is a Stewardship Consultant for the OR-ID Annual Conference. She is also a Senior Ministry Strategist with Horizons Stewardship – helping with capital campaigns and encouraging more generosity. For 25 years, while working as a volunteer and part-time consultant, she has helped raise over three million dollars for numerous churches and non-profit organizations.
You can reach Cesie at inspiringgenerosity@gmail.com, at CesieScheuermann.com, or at cesieds@horizons.net. Want to schedule a meeting? She’s got you covered! The Holderman Family likes Wordle too, and that makes Cesie happy.
Schedule a meeting now.
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