April 9th, 2024
Rediscovering Church Identity
Let's rewind back to March 4th, 2012, a significant date that marked the beginning of an incredible journey. Picture this: an elementary school auditorium filled with eager souls, some sitting on the floor, others on vintage seats from 1977. Yep, that was the humble beginning of our church.
Reflecting on those early days, I'm struck by the sheer determination of those who showed up. Parents dropping off their kids amidst makeshift barriers of orange construction plastic, hungry for a moment's respite while we embarked on something new.
From those initial gatherings, peppered with mishaps like basketball goals gone rogue and the occasional accident report, to our more recent endeavors, it's been quite the ride. We've dabbled in all sorts of tactics to draw folks in, striving to be a modern, attractional church. But amidst the craziness, a deeper realization began to dawn on me.
You see, my own journey of faith took a turn. After experiencing personal loss and soul-searching, I found myself yearning for something more than just surface-level attraction. I craved authentic discipleship, a genuine walk with Jesus that transcended mere Sunday gatherings and catchy slogans.
And so, our church evolved. We delved into the depths of Scripture, uncovering truths that had long been overlooked. We challenged ourselves to move beyond the comfortable confines of religious routine and embrace a radical pursuit of Christ-likeness.
But change is never easy. It's a constant struggle, fraught with doubts and uncertainties. As a pastor, I often find myself wrestling with the weight of responsibility, wondering if I'm leading my flock down the right path.
Yet, amidst the challenges, there's a glimmer of hope. A hope rooted in the transformative power of community, in the shared journey of fellow believers walking alongside each other, spurring one another on towards love and good deeds.
You see, church isn't just a place we go to on Sundays. It's a living, breathing organism, a vibrant community of faith where each member plays a vital role in the body of Christ.
So, as we gather around the table, as we break bread and share in the Lord's Supper, let's not lose sight of the true essence of our calling. Let's embrace the journey of discipleship, with all its twists and turns, knowing that He who began a good work in us will carry it on to completion.
And so let's press on, with hearts ablaze for the gospel, with a zeal for Jesus and a passion for His kingdom. For in Him alone do we find the real, abundant life we so desperately seek.
P.S. If this post resonated with you, I'd love to hear your thoughts! Drop a comment below and let's continue this conversation.
Reflecting on those early days, I'm struck by the sheer determination of those who showed up. Parents dropping off their kids amidst makeshift barriers of orange construction plastic, hungry for a moment's respite while we embarked on something new.
From those initial gatherings, peppered with mishaps like basketball goals gone rogue and the occasional accident report, to our more recent endeavors, it's been quite the ride. We've dabbled in all sorts of tactics to draw folks in, striving to be a modern, attractional church. But amidst the craziness, a deeper realization began to dawn on me.
You see, my own journey of faith took a turn. After experiencing personal loss and soul-searching, I found myself yearning for something more than just surface-level attraction. I craved authentic discipleship, a genuine walk with Jesus that transcended mere Sunday gatherings and catchy slogans.
And so, our church evolved. We delved into the depths of Scripture, uncovering truths that had long been overlooked. We challenged ourselves to move beyond the comfortable confines of religious routine and embrace a radical pursuit of Christ-likeness.
But change is never easy. It's a constant struggle, fraught with doubts and uncertainties. As a pastor, I often find myself wrestling with the weight of responsibility, wondering if I'm leading my flock down the right path.
Yet, amidst the challenges, there's a glimmer of hope. A hope rooted in the transformative power of community, in the shared journey of fellow believers walking alongside each other, spurring one another on towards love and good deeds.
You see, church isn't just a place we go to on Sundays. It's a living, breathing organism, a vibrant community of faith where each member plays a vital role in the body of Christ.
So, as we gather around the table, as we break bread and share in the Lord's Supper, let's not lose sight of the true essence of our calling. Let's embrace the journey of discipleship, with all its twists and turns, knowing that He who began a good work in us will carry it on to completion.
And so let's press on, with hearts ablaze for the gospel, with a zeal for Jesus and a passion for His kingdom. For in Him alone do we find the real, abundant life we so desperately seek.
P.S. If this post resonated with you, I'd love to hear your thoughts! Drop a comment below and let's continue this conversation.
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