Reset or Recalibrate?

In the last couple of days, I have encountered two words concerning whatever will be our experience post-pandemic life. The first word was “reset.” The writer was asking if we need to “hit the reset button.” The other word was "recalibrate." The writer was suggesting taking a hard look at what we have been doing and, in a world of few people and fewer resources, and to change our expectations of being church.

For me the word “reset” bring to mind resetting my computer to factory specifications. I hear that as taking things back to the way the computer was set up when I first got it. In some ways, it is going back to the way things were. I was recently having a few issues with my laptop. The technician suggested that we reinstall (reset) the basic operating system. That would have meant losing all the programs and settings I use, and having to recreate from scratch.

To recalibrate, on the other hand, means to adjust my expectations of how fast the laptop will run and how many program are taking up disc space and memory capacity on the laptop. Do I really need twenty programs running in the back ground and twelve taps open on my screen? Do we really need two worship services, eight different Sunday school classes, and a staff of five or more?

Recalibration means we make changes in light of our current and expected future circumstances. Physically, I can no longer daily run a minimum of five miles, as I did many years ago. To recalibrate means I make adjustments to what I can do based on my particular age, ailments, and physical abilities. For each of us, recalibration will have some differences.

Do we have the courage to look at our expectations in light of present realities and recalibrate? Let’s admit that “hitting the reset button,” and going back to what we did and how we did it is not possible. Recalibration requires that we honestly assess our capabilities, and to adjust to those realities. There will be some who insist on a reset, or continuing with just as we have been. Both are a denial of reality. We must adjust or deny we are not the same as we were. Only God is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow. Sometimes, I wonder if the process theologians are not correct in asserting that even God recalibrates and adjusts to current realities.