Living in the United Kingdom this year has been an incredible experience and a dream come true. When I first told the Lord that moving to London seemed like it would be a fun adventure, I had absolutely no idea that it would actually happen. And yet, here I am, working at a cafe on Oxford Street waiting for the Friday night rush on the Tube to pass before I head back to my (very tiny) flat near Hyde Park.

It’s been six months, and I still pinch myself from time to time just to make sure I really am a Londoner.

This city has introduced me to a number of things like Klimt Schiele’s art, effective public transit, Digestive Biscuits (weird name, good cookie), and the feasibility of life without a microwave. Extending beyond the surface level, though, London has also held several transformative experiences.

One of those remarkable experiences has come through my church. I have the blessing and honor of attending an extraordinary, ordinary little parish. The congregation is comprised mostly of folks over the age of 60. Many of them have been attending that same church for well over twenty or thirty years. More than one has been a member for more than sixty years.

Sixty years.

During a special holiday lunch at the church just before Christmas, I was blessed to have a good, long chat with one of parishioners who had been a member for some fifty years. She told me about the things that had changed and the things that hadn’t. Some stories were funny, others sad, and many jubilant. The underlying theme of the conversation was a clear, steady celebration of God’s glorious work in and through the church.

This conversation was similar to others I have had with some of the long-time members. They had seen the Lord move mightily in their midst. A deep-seated commitment to their church was simply second nature to them.

Granted, this church is just like any other in that it’s not perfect. People are messy and so is the Church. Yet, members of this little parish are extremely dedicated to one another and will not be deterred by conflict or disagreement.

This type of tenacious, gritty and unmoving investment in the church is entirely different from anything that I have seen before. In the (truly incredible) churches that I have been honored to attend in the past, it was uncommon to meet someone who had been a member for more than twenty years. Tripling that number was difficult to comprehend.

Granted, things in the States are different, especially along Colorado’s western slope. Denver’s population has grown by 40% in the past thirty years. That massive change in population gives a small window of insight into the dramatic changes around the Mile High City. A large number of churches and ministries have been planted over that thirty year period and many have flourished with the growing population. Because many of those churches haven’t been around for decades, their members haven’t been either. The bourgeoning growth of these new churches does not diminish their work in any way. Rather, they shine as powerful testimonies.

Those amazing US congregations have taught me what it looks like to worship well, serve selflessly, and pursue Jesus corporately. Collectively, it’s given me a vision for the church that’s full of vitality and hope.

My vision and value that I have for the Church hasn’t changed so much as it has been expanded during my time in London. This little parish has shown me what it looks like to say yes to Jesus and to His people for the long haul. Time and time again, these folks have processed through disappointment and set aside discouragement in favor of serving the church. They are committed to love one another well, decade after decade. Powerful legacy, in all of its beauty and power, is something that this church operates in along with grace and generosity.

Being a part of this community has changed the way I pray for the church. My intercession now includes prayer for legacy, long-term growth, and transformation across generations. My dreams for the church have also changed. The thought of attending a church for more than thirty years had previously never crossed my mind; now it’s something that I eagerly hope for.

In a season full of exciting adventures and new experiences, I am grateful to have joined this UK church. I’ve also been glad of the reminder that there is always something new to be learned through the Church. God’s blessing through the Body of Believers is truly remarkable. With that… thank you, Dear Saints, for representing the Gospel and displaying Jesus’ heart. Regardless of where you live, it’s a powerful testimony that has made a lasting impact on lives like mine. What a blessing you are! Keep running the race well.