We are living through a time of extraordinary unraveling—politically, culturally, and even spiritually. Life-long values and democratic institutions are being challenged, dismantled and deconstructed. Hope is in short supply. The Church is not immune. As expectations change, congregations are unsure of their place in a shifting world.
But what if decline and confusion are not the end—but the beginning of renewal? What if this is your invitation to become an Apostle of a New Future?
This is the final blog in a three-part series based on my keynote, Re-Thinking Renewal in Perilous Times. In the first blog, we explored how to lead with hope even when the world is falling apart. In the second, we wrestled with rediscovering the heart of ministry in a culture of fear.
Now, I am inviting you to turn toward the future. What kind of leader will you be in this pivotal moment for the Church? And how can you lead the church with courage in this time of profound change?
The Myth That Playing It Safe Will Save the Church
Before we address how you can lead, let’s confront a damaging myth: That if you can just avoid rocking the boat—stay moderate, stay neutral, stay inoffensive—you can preserve what little remains. Many institutions—media, legal, higher education, retail stores—have already adjusted their values to align with the current administration. They have tossed DEI initiatives, negotiated settlements to avoid lawsuits, and adjusted their public values to comply with the changing landscape. But the Church was never meant to play it safe.
The truth is, playing it safe has never saved anyone. Not a person. Not a people. And certainly not Jesus or the Church. The early Christians were audacious. They faced empire with songs, injustice with solidarity, and persecution with unshakable joy. They weren’t afraid to carry bold messages—radical love, sharing of resources, inclusive community, and resurrection power. Why would you settle for anything less today?
Beethoven’s Audacity
During my keynote at the Closing Retreats for Creating a Culture of Renewal® cohorts, I shared the story of Ludwig van Beethoven. It wasn’t for the sake of classical trivia—it was for the sake of your spiritual courage.
Beethoven composed his most powerful, history-defining music, the 9th Symphony, from which comes Ode to Joy found in many hymnals, when he was profoundly deaf. Can you imagine that?
When he could no longer hear the music with his ears, he heard it in his soul. He wrote from within. From memory, yes—but also from vision. From deep resonance. From a place beyond circumstance. That’s what Christian leadership looks like for you right now.
You may no longer hear the music of cultural relevance, institutional power, or packed pews the way you once did.
But if you listen, you still hear the music of the Spirit. You can write the next movement of God’s work in the world from within. Not by replicating the past, but by composing a bold, new symphony of renewal.
Like Beethoven, you must create from a place deeper than the inputs from around you. A place of divine resonance, Spirit-led imagination, and apostolic courage.
Apostles of a New Future: The Courage to Choose
Let me be clear that this is a pivotal moment for the Church. It is a time for us to stand for Gospel values of inclusion, hospitality, love of God, love of neighbor, love of stranger. The question is: is it a pivotal moment for you—as a leader of the Church?
Will you serve empire? Or will you continue to midwife and serve the kingdom?
Will you baptize authoritarianism in the name of stability?
Or will you align with apostles of justice who risk for the sake of love?
These are not theoretical questions. They are spiritual decisions that shape everything. Your preaching. Your presence. Your prayers. Your willingness to follow Jesus wherever he leads—even into the heart of conflict, compassion, and costly grace. This is no time for neutrality.
As an apostle—a messenger of Jesus—your message matters. Every apostle needs a message. So let me ask you. What is your message?
- Maybe it’s this: Love God. Love neighbor. No exceptions.
- Or this: Empathy is resistance.
- Or my personal favorite: There is no us vs. them. We live in a we-world.
Whatever your message is, be clear. And carry it. Preach it. Post it. Live it.
Let your people see it in your leadership, your vision, your pastoral care, your justice work. Because you are not only a disciple. You are an apostle. An apostle of love. An apostle of justice. An apostle of renewal. And the world needs that now more than ever.
The Five A’s of Apostleship
To live into this apostolic moment, it’s time for you to embody what I describe in my book Believe Like Jesus: Rising from Discipleship to Apostleship as the Five A’s of Apostleship.
- Authorized – You are commissioned by Christ. Not just to maintain a building or perform rituals, but to lead renewal.
- Anointed – You are spiritually gifted. Your calling is not generic—it is Spirit-empowered.
- Appointed – You were born for this moment. Your leadership is not an accident.
- Accountable – You don’t do this alone. You’re part of the Body. You’re answerable to a higher calling and a community.
- Ambassador – You represent a kingdom that cannot be shaken. And you carry its values into a world desperate for them.
That’s your job description. That’s your identity. That’s your calling.
Dos and Don’ts of Courageous Leadership
Do:
- Do speak your message with boldness.
- Do trust the deeper music of the Spirit within you.
- Do evolve your methods to serve your mission.
- Do anchor yourself in daily spiritual practice and fierce love.
- Do form communities of renewal that support, challenge, and commission you.
Don’t:
- Don’t settle for playing it safe.
- Don’t spiritualize silence in the face of injustice.
- Don’t ignore your own soul in the name of service.
- Don’t postpone courage for another time. That time is now.
Next Steps / Takeaways
This is your call to lead courageously. The world doesn’t need more church leaders protecting tradition for tradition’s sake. The world needs you—a bold apostle who carries a message of love, justice, and Spirit-led renewal, no matter the cost. And you don’t have to do this alone.
Join me this July for RISE Into Spiritual Transformation, a six-week interactive experience for leaders like you who are ready to:
- Rediscover your bold, Spirit-born message.
- Reconnect with your call and claim your apostleship.
- Lead with clarity, courage, and the power of the Five A’s.
This isn’t just another class. It’s a launching pad. A spiritual ignition point. A new composition written in the key of hope. RISE is where your next chapter begins.
Let this message of hope rise in you—and through you.
Copyright © 2025 rebekahsimonpeter.com. All Rights Reserved.
Dear Rebecca
I am born again and have experienced the Holy spirit actual proof physical items and healing.
I was Catholic the church I attend now has changed and criticized Catholic Church.
I don’t believe that God Jesus Christ would say this.
I know there are so many religions.
I want to have communion and attend a church but I don’t know which one I have prayed for God to lead me.
I have experienced lovely Muslims and lovely people of other religions.
How can I know what to do? I am struggling with this issue.
I believe love one another ❤️ please advise.