It was definitely the most unusual church parking lot I had ever seen. While driving past it at highway speed, it looked like all the drivers of the 50-plus cars had backed neatly into their parking stalls. I couldn’t be sure of that. I was sure of something else: Every single one of the cars was black.

Was a memorial service for a funeral director taking place at the church? I don’t think so.

The lawn sign informed me that I was passing by a Mennonite church. If you are not aware, some Mennonite churches have rules stipulating that if members wish to own cars, those vehicles must be black. Lighter and brighter colors are considered flashy, ostentatious, and detrimental to humility, so darker colors are preferred and sometimes even mandated.

I am here to say that you can own a red car if you desire—or a yellow one or a green one. I do. Nothing in the Bible limits Christians in the color choices of their vehicles. As in so many other areas of life, there is Christian freedom in selecting the exterior color of a car you may wish to buy.

In 2024, the “Free in Christ” series illustrated numerous freedoms individual Christians and congregations enjoy and exercise. We saw how Christians develop different routines and strategies for reading the Bible and how congregations offer Bible studies in varied settings. We observed how Christians pray to the Lord in ways that fit their circumstances and how congregations use their facilities to serve their neighbors in their contexts. Noticing how individual Christians and congregations live for the Lord provided examples of Christian freedom. If you missed any of the articles, you can find them at forwardinchrist.net/free-in-christ.

This month’s issue contains another “Free in Christ” article, and don’t be surprised if you see more articles in the future. After all, Christian freedom is multifaceted, and examples are abundant.

Later this year, we will embark on a new series about congregations that were at a crossroad of change. In some cases, adverse internal or external circumstances led congregations to plot a new course of action. In other instances, bountiful blessings from the Lord were the catalyst that moved them to revise and expand their ministries.

You know it is not just congregations that experience change. Throughout its history, our synod also has seen many changes. And 2025 is a significant year in the history of our church body. It’s the 175th anniversary of WELS.

So, starting with this issue and continuing throughout 2025, Forward in Christ will feature articles and vignettes of God’s grace to our family of believers over the past 175 years. Through pictures and print, the Lord’s marvelous love will stand out. And God’s people will offer a timeless response: “Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever” (Psalm 106:1).

Oh, one more thing before you go. I should tell you that when I drove by that church parking lot filled with black cars, I was driving a rental car on my way to preach at a Forward in Christ Sunday. I couldn’t help but think about the color of my rental car. You guessed it. It was black. But I had no choice; the car rental agent assigned the vehicle to me. Next time I rent, I think I will ask for a red one—just because I can.

Author: James Pope
Volume 112, Number 01
Issue: January 2025