People keep asking me about what I am going to be doing. I've said from the beginning of this adventure (December '06) that we know God is calling us to lead a ministry/church. To do that, we had to end our 18 years of service at Northside. Then I know that we are to separate ourselves from Northside. That is the season that we are in the midst of right now. If you think that is confusing for you, it definitely is for us. It is not easy to put space between your church family that you have committed almost half your life to. And of course... everyone has an opinion of what that should look like.
But as we move toward our next step, the questions come flying at us. One question that I really struggle with is "What model of church planting are you going to use?". I'm just not there. Why would I want to model a plan? Why do I have to do it like someone else? Can't I make my own mistakes? Can't you just speak the Truth and let it be? Do I have to market the Truth to plant a church?
Billboards, web sites, yellow pages ads, newspaper promos, CDs, brochures, yadda yadda... Marketing plans? What are we marketing? Jesus or the church? My lunch partner today reminded me that the church is not a business... it is something that is orchestrated by God. Or at least it should be. I'm not against these things (obviously you are reading my website). There is a difference between communicating and teaching Truth versus marketing Jesus and the church.
The church talked about in the New Testament didn't promote itself. Peter told the people to repent, be baptized (placed into Christ) for the forgiveness of their sins and they would receive the Holy Spirit. In one day, 3,000 people received those words and were baptized. They continued listening to the Truth, hanging out, eating and praying together. There was a sense of awe in the community. Amazing things began to happen. They had all things in common and shared all their possessions with each other. They consistently ate together while praising God and everyone liked them. Click on the above link and read it for yourself!
Sounds like a plan for me... speak Truth, people repent, the Spirit changes their lives, rejoice, pray, hang out and eat! How can we mess up that plan? Sound a little "idealistic"? Nah... just another unexplainable adventure!
Jesus isn't for sale. He came to give salvation for free and it cost Him His life!
Rusty
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6 comments:
I look forward to seeing what God is doing in your lives, knowing fully well that it will be Christ-led. It is becoming clearer and clearer to me that "church" and religion are two very separate entities! I continue my journey seeking Him and, just listen intently for His voice beckoning my path closer to Him. Where do I go to church? In my backyard with youth . . . on a walk with my neices . . . on a journey to Cincy for dinner! It's all good!! And it's even on weekdays! Thank you Jesus!
It's funny how our eyes get weaker as we grow older but our vision gets clearer. Thanks for being open to our Lord's plans for you.
You're right - it's not supposed to be a business. My family and I want to encourage you and Michelle to continue to hold fast to the Lord. What a beautiful thing God is doing in your lives! Many of us are so touched and inspired by it! Bless you and thank you.
Man you must be awfully busy....no posts in months!
I agree church is not a "business" but the pressures of this modern day world insist that it be run according to fair business practices to protect itself. If you take that approach, why not just drop out of life and travel around in sandals to get God's word out, like they did in the Bible? The world we live in and the expectations are the world that God has placed us in for a purpose. Please don't misunderstand me- I get your ideals!
Are the "pressures of this modern day world" really what our focus as believers should be? Do we believe that a "formula" will protect the church as an institution? That has not been my experience. Personally, I'd choose sandals over the boots required to make the church run like a business.
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