THE OLD SHADY OAK TREE

Looking back/ Looking forward

 

That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither – whatever they do prosper. Psalms 1:3 

On a grassy knoll at the northeast corner of the Wooddale campus is a majestic old oak tree that is 128 inches in circumference and probably 100 feet tall. Its growth adds to the beauty of our campus landscape and shade for sunny days. In the winter the bare leafless branches silhouetted against the gray snow-laden clouds prompt us to pause and think of the past before going on to another growing season. The tree was just a seedling when Wooddale church was founded in 1949 and has grown over the 64 years just as Wooddale church has grown. It has a lot of growing left since oaks have a life expectancy of over 200 years.

The tree has an extensive root system that anchors it upright through the stormy winds that blow 50 to 100 mph. Wooddale has its own rootedness. It is rooted in Scripture with rich tradition, core values and memories of good times. The root system of the tree does more than anchor the tree. It also absorbs water from the earth and transfers it up the trunk, defying gravity, using a unique process called osmosis. Wooddale has its own unique process. It is called “God’s grace.”

 Then there is the trunk, sturdy and strong like the people of Wooddale, people committed to volunteerism and outreach to the whole world. The sap runs up and down the tree to give it life, energy and nourishment just like faith in Christ does for the church.

The branches and leaves are the many programs and opportunities for service that Wooddale offers. It is where the work is done, just as the leaves serve the oak tree with the power of photosynthesis.

LOOKING BACK

As we pursue our mission at Wooddale in Eden Prairie, there will be moments when it will be good to draw nourishment from our roots and the rest of the shade of the old oak tree. Our rootedness will help us to reflect on our foundational values, strategies, and programming. But while it is good to rest, reflect, and remember, but we must no longer linger for the world will not wait, we must advance on our journey,

LOOKING FORWARD

We have all heard the national conversation regarding the future of evangelicalism and how difficult and challenging it will be. While challenge is not new to us the pace and depth of change in the future will be different, faster, and more difficult to predict. Given this, we will need to be nimble, prepared, and ready to adapt. We must examine meaningful ways, trends and our response.

To reflect on our internal and external future, and review the plans, the old oak tree with its deep roots will remind us that we must always remain connected with and draw strength from our historic purpose, values, and identity.

At present, by most standards – quantitatively and qualitatively – Wooddale is recognized as a great church. However Wooddale must not rest on its laurels. We have been an institution that has grown on faith and a vision. We must continue to pursue a vision that challenges us and stretches us. We must have the courage, resolve and the faith in our vision of the future that is worthy of our boldest aspiration – to be a national leader in Christian outreach.

Every time you see the old oak tree, pray that Wooddale will continue to carry out the work of the Kingdom of God.