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WHY GROW? WHY CHANGE? WHY RISK?

COMMENTS BY ZACH CLARK TO WESTMINSTER ASSOCIATION MEETING

MARCH 9, 2010

There’s not much time for quiet in our lives today is there? But, when it is quiet, and it’s dark, and I’m tired, I ask 

myself this question, “Why?” Do you hear these questions too?

 Why?

 Why grow?

 Why change?

 Why take these risks?

 Why be involved?

There are some generations called to cultivate, explore, stretch out the boundaries, and guard the homeland; simply adding

to what was done before. Other generations are called to serve the purpose of God in times of terrible change. They are

confronted by unexpected realities, challenges, and unprecedented opportunities. The ground shifts under their feet; what

they perceived to be never changing suddenly gives way to the unexpected.

 A great biblical example of this contrast would be David and Solomon. David, in his generation fought, shed blood, rebuilt,

built, and established a kingdom during constant times of change. But, his son, Solomon, who added to the wealth,

expanded, prospered the country in peace, and expanded knowledge, followed him.

 Are we in a time like Solomon? Or, are we in a time like David’s?

I’m not an expert on theological, political, or economic trends, but I spend a whole lot of time with people who are. If you

don’t think they are experts, just ask them, they’ll tell you. And, I have come to a conclusion about the sort of generation

that we are in at this point in history.

Some say we are moving into a “post-Christian era.” Some say we are moving into a “post-American era,” where thedominance of our country and our faith is beginning to wane.

How important you think that is may vary, but I believe that we are generation of Christian parents and grandparents that

must look with eyes that see the world around us:

•  Our children are living in a country that is actually trying to figure out how to define marriage.

•  Our children are living in a country where the concept of truth and the value of life is a mystery.

•  Our children are living in a country where government is becoming something to fear and mistrust.

•  Our children have entered an age where every philosophy, worldview, knowledge and information, sick, twisted,

and sadistic way of thinking that holds itself up against the knowledge of God is available on a handheld device.

Now, I ask you...

 Where will the men come from who will shepherd families in the next generation? Where will the mothers come from who

 will be strong and raise their children before the Lord? Where will the pastors come from? Where will our government

leaders come from? Where will our ethical and judicious bankers and investors come from? Where will our scientists come

from? Where will our writers come from? Where will our teachers come from?

These are not new questions. The answer in 1976 was Westminster Christian Academy, when it was founded.

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But, here is a troubling thought. What if we stand here now for too long, pondering questions, “Why grow? Why change?

 Why take the risk? Why get involved?”

New fathers, new mothers, new leaders, new bankers, new writers, new scientists, new teachers are bursting on to the scene

every single day and the vast majority of them are products of a world-system, not a Christian community.

If they are products of the world, what will they love? How will they live?

Folks, the Westminster mission is a moving forward, growing, changing, risky, and sacrificial mission.

Now more than ever we must keep our focus on this vision, working with all our might and all our strength and all our

courage to see:

•  Students ready to engage an unstable world as Christian men and women

•  Students who make a difference instead of being overwhelmed

•   A place prepared for Christian families, while improving and becoming more effective

•   A sustainable school, using technology to broaden our impact across the globe, and helping other Christian schools

get stronger.

Make no mistake...all the money that will be given, all the buildings that we build, all the technology we use will all fade

away.

 And when that day comes, we will look at our children--a vast sea of thousands of men and women who graduated from

 Westminster Christian Academy--and we will ask the same question Paul asks in his letter to the Thessalonians:

“For what is our hope, our joy, or the crown in which we will glory in the presence of our Lord Jesus when He comes?”

 And Paul answers his own question:

Is it not you? Indeed you are our glory and joy.”

The work God enables us to do in the lives of students and families is what will stand, when all the buildings are gone.

Thank you for being here tonight.