My former church in Wharton was affiliated with the United Methodist Church as well as the Presbyterian Church (USA). The Methodists have a mission statement. They hope to be a church of “Open Hearts, Open Minds, and Open Doors.” When their media team came up with that slogan, I thought it was brilliant. I met the pastor whose team came up with it and who was charged with media and “branding” for the denomination. He was a gifted leader. (He did so well, they moved him to a different division!!!) He encouraged churches to tell their stories of living out their mission. There were many inspiring videos created about churches opening their doors to the community in new and different ways. Biker ministries. Cowboy churches. Great stuff!

Unfortunately, there are just as many stories of churches being closed minded or cold hearted, with doors locked tight keeping “the wrong people” out. Some Methodist pastors I know wouldn’t use the slogan because they believed it would be hypocritical to do so. I appreciated their honest self-assessment even as they strived to live more fully into being the inclusive body of Christ.

May we aspire to be a church that opens its doors to Jesus’ people, which is to say, everyone!

When I hear “open doors,” I also think of Vatican II in the Roman Catholic Church and the figurative opening of windows to let in some fresh air. New life. A fresh spirit. An openness to God’s leading. As we open the doors to the church to regather, we have the opportunity to refresh our ministry, to let the Spirit flow, to kick up the dust, and open ourselves to newness of life.

May we aspire to be a church that opens its doors to God’s leading!

And finally, when I think of “open doors,” I think of mi casa es su casa. Literally, it means, “my house is your house,” but a better translation might be, “Make yourself at home.” My nuclear family is bicultural, which can be challenging at times, but there are certain things I love about my husband’s culture. Generosity is one of those things. Graciousness. Welcome. Mi casa es su casa.

Your church has a long history with missions and missionaries. In the past, these saints traveled across the world to share their faith, but they also imposed much of American culture without distinguishing between the two. As a church, we’ve learned a lot. We’ve repented of our ignorance. There is so much to learn from other cultures. So much to admire and imitate!

May we be a church that is open to the diversity around us — in all its forms — knowing that we can learn and grow, share and admire! Our openness and curiosity will open the doors in other people’s hearts!

May it be so, in Jesus’ name!

Robin Miller Currás