July 14, 2025 in Bishop, Bishop messages
July: Ponder Anew and Grow Deep
A Message from Bishop Bryan Penman
Ponder Anew and Grow Deep
Dear Beloved in Christ,
It’s the middle of summer, and for many congregations, this is the time of the so-called “summer slump.” Worship attendance dips. Budgets tighten. Things feel quieter.
But what if this season is not a slump at all—what if it’s an invitation?
Too often, our churches have been trained to look wide—counting the number of people in the pews or the size of our offerings. We get stuck in the metrics, and forget the mission. But what if, instead of growing wide, we focused on growing deep?
This summer, I invite you to ponder anew:
What does it mean to grow deep in discipleship?
The world is groaning and people are looking for a sense of hope and purpose.
The planet aches under the weight of our consumption.
Economic systems favor the few over the many.
The so-called American Dream of homeownership is unraveling for middle- and working-class families.
Our call as church is not simply to attract crowds. It’s to form followers—people who know how to love God and love their neighbor. That’s deep discipleship. And it’s work for all of us—not just pastors.
So I wonder:
How are we discipling people to live out their faith in daily life?
How are we affirming the vocational callings of laypeople, young and old alike?
Who has a seat at the table? Are young people being raised into leadership roles?
Here are some practical next steps:
Learn to share the mic – invite all kinds of people into leadership during worship, kids, older folks, visitors, invite local community leaders into church to bless them and let them tell their story of how faith is working in their life.
Look at who is volunteering or newly volunteering, ask them why they decided to volunteer and turn it into a story for the whole congregation , help them learn to share their why.
Who do you know that is teaching in the world beyond Sunday morning – ask them to take a look at your teaching ministries for any tips or tricks to strengthen the congregation’s faith formation process for both young folks, but also a new member process.
And yes—tell me your best dad joke and put it on social media. Everyone has a story. Every story matters. The Gospel is a beautiful mosaic of all kinds of stories, one that even includes dad jokes.
I give thanks for all the ways you, the church, continue to disciple—especially over the summer:
Through Vacation Bible Schools full of joy and creative energy,
Through outdoor ministries like Bear Creek Camp that ground young people in creation,
Through music camps that help children lift their voices in praise.
And even if you don’t have youth in your congregation—maybe this is the year to start a Seniors VBS: Bible stories, crafts, hymn sings—they love it just as much as the kids.
Because our work—whether with toddlers or octogenarians—is to help all people learn to love God and love neighbor. That’s the heart of discipleship. That’s how we grow deep.
May this summer be a season not of slumping, but of sinking deeper into God’s calling.
With gratitude for the ways you disciple,
+Bishop Bryan Penman
Southeastern Pennsylvania Synod
