As I reflect on this past year, I realize much of it was shaped by a long and unexpected health journey. In January of 2025, I went to the doctor because of a loss of strength and mobility in my right (dominant) shoulder. What began as a diagnosis of a torn labrum eventually led to the realization that I needed a total shoulder replacement. Three months later, I was back in surgery, followed by months of physical therapy to regain strength and movement in my new shoulder.
Throughout much of the year, I had to do something I am not accustomed to doing—I had to ask for help. For nearly two months I couldn’t drive. For eight months I couldn’t reach above my head. Many ordinary, everyday activities required assistance. I still remember one Sunday morning when I had to ask a student to tie my shoe before worship so I wouldn’t trip as I preached.
For someone who has taken pride in being independent and in helping others, this season was a lesson in humility. Perhaps that was one of the lessons God was teaching me: we are not meant to do everything on our own. We need one another.
Scripture reminds us of this truth: “If one member suffers, all suffer together with it; if one member is honored, all rejoice together with it” (1 Corinthians 12:26). The body of Christ is not built on independence, but on interdependence.
As I think about our Upper Midwest Conference, I find myself asking a similar question: how interdependent are we? Are we simply a collection of independent churches doing our own thing, or are we learning to lean on one another, to learn from one another, and to be blessed by the variety of gifts and graces present among us? It takes humility to ask another church for help. It also takes humility to notice when another church is in need. And it takes wisdom to offer support in ways that truly serve, rather than in ways that merely reflect our own assumptions.
As we enter a new year, I want to name this as a year of interdependence. May it be a year in which we support one another more intentionally. May partnerships be formed for mission and ministry. And may we reach higher together than we ever could alone, guided by the Holy Spirit who binds us together in unity.
In December, I finally returned to the basketball court—my original goal when this journey began. It was a long road, made possible only through the support of many others, and it was well worth it. Building the kingdom of God together is also a long journey, but it is one the Spirit will faithfully guide us through.
