“This is one of the most important invitations you have ever received. We need you (and your friends, family, employees and associates) to make Luverne “better than before.” Mike, we hope you consider coming. This will be a game changer for Luverne!”
Those were the opening sentences of an invitation I received prior to June 9, 2017 when the “internationally acclaimed planning consultant,” Roger Brooks, would be in town to present his analysis and suggestions to help Luverne become “an even greater place to live.” (Although I think the bottom line was to offer suggestions on how to improve on marketing Luverne in order to attract more tourists who would spend more money which would boost our local economy).
Well, after receiving such an urgent and passionate invitation, I certainly did not want to miss this game-changing event, and so I joined with the other 200 members of our community who couldn’t wait to hear the analysis of this highly influential change agent. During his presentation Mr. Brooks offered his insights into the uniqueness of what makes Luverne a great place to live which included the “beauty of the land,” the hard working people, the schools, and the places to work and play. He gave special kudos to the leaders of the community for the landscaping and the “Welcome to Luverne” sign on the corner of Highway 75 and Main which resulted in a vigorous celebration of hand-clapping.
In addition to all the areas our community could celebrate, Mr. Brooks also kindly and jokingly highlighted, and in some cases, sternly addressed several reasons why Luverne would not attract tourists, new residents or businesses. He identified several places of attraction and eating establishments that our community must promote as places to visit. Many of his tips had to do with attracting people to our community and then making sure there is sufficient signage and information to help guide them. In addition he gave tips on what he believed would attract people to hang out and do business downtown.
Although I had to leave before Mr. Brook’s two and half hour presentation was over, I sensed an overwhelming excitement among those who had gathered. Many people were taking notes. Many heads nodded in agreement with Mr. Brooks insights and suggestions, and when I look around town some of his simpler suggestions are already being adopted.
That being said, I also sensed some resistance and doubt when Mr. Brooks suggested what kinds of businesses we need to bring to downtown and that the businesses should stay open later at night. (I wondered if some of them were thinking, well if we have to make the sacrifice to keep our businesses open later, then when will we have the time to go to Sioux Falls to dine and do our shopping J).
As I was observing the events of that morning, I was also thinking about the community of Jesus followers at American Reformed Church; especially in regards to the work the Ridder Church Renewal team has been doing over the past year of identifying our “current reality” in regards to our understanding of living on mission.
Our team is also excited to share our analysis with you and therefore we are inviting you to join us on Sunday morning, September 10, as we continue to pursue our exciting journey of how God is leading us to his emerging and preferred future. In addition to celebrating God’s good work in and through us, we will also consider the challenges that are holding us back from even more faithful and fruitful missional living.
In the mean time I also encourage you to accept God’s invitation to pray as found in Jeremiah 33:3, “Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.”
I wonder, is God about to begin a “game changer” work in and through us?
Mike Altena