After spending more than 30 years in the pastorate, I've come to a startling conclusion. We, the church, have almost forgotten who we are-the bride of Christ! Just as renewing your vows is a good practice in every marriage, periodically I like to return to the vows I have made as a part of God's bride, the church. I know many of you share in my commitment, so in time-honored tradition, join with me in renewing our vows:

To Love and to Cherish
The heartbeat of our church lies in expressing our adoration of God in worship. At times, we gather in tiptoe expectancy, mixed with mysterious reverence for our Living Lord. At other times, we raise the roof in praise. When was the last time you expressed your love for God to the extent that tears brimmed your eyes? Once worship captures your heart and rivets your full attention on the Lord, nothing less satisfies.

Join me in my commitment to worship that swells with gratitude and awe toward our Savior and Lord.

For Better or Worse

Look at church history-no human institution could have survived the internal bickering. Small-time skirmishes within our ranks drain so much energy. Still, for better or worse, join with me in supporting God's work in and through the body, in spite of, and in honor of, our family of faith. Ask the Lord for a "for better" moment every now and then to affirm His work and presence in the body of Christ.

For Richer or for Poorer
Because everything I have belongs to God, with gratitude, I give back a portion of my money, my prayer, my efforts, my service, and my concern. When I have a lot to give-I give it. When I don't have a lot to give-I still give it. The point is I'm committed to contribute to the needs of this body in whatever way I can, with as much as I can. Won't you join with me in this generous and sacrificial offering?

In Sickness and in Health
As a pastor, I know more than I'd like to regarding the health and sickness of the church. Being creatures with blind spots and tendencies to rationalize, we all should be in close touch with a few trustworthy individuals with whom we meet on a regular basis to keep us healthy. I know of nothing more effective for maintaining a pure heart and a balanced life than being a part of an accountability group. Join me in making a commitment to accountability. To love and to cherish, for better or worse, for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health . . . for the rest of our lives.

Let's together recommit to be the beautiful, faithful bride of Christ until He comes back for us. "Let us rejoice and be glad and give the glory to Him, for the marriage of the Lamb has come and His bride has made herself ready." (Revelation 19:7)

Adapted from The Bride: Renewing Our Passion for the Church (Grand Rapids, Mich.: Zondervan Publishing House, 1994).