At our worship gathering last night we started out by asking what a typical view of success is... then moved into summing up our current series in overviewing the first church in Acts... We talked through their apperent values and pondered their successfulness at living them out (which is not as obvious as you would think because a lot of them were killed...) We then moved into an overview of the history of Hungry (as a community), where God has brought us, and then where God is leading us... That my firends is the exciting (but scary) news...
We are going to be planting a church...
To be honest, it almost seems odd to say we are planting a church. I really believe God's church is a group of people on mission to live out the gospel together, following Jesus, and looking to bring God's Kingdom to earth. In so many ways I know we have this as a community within Hungry already. Within this community I get to live life with are some of the most loving, compassionate, caring, gifted, and serving people I have ever met in my entire life... So I guess that is what makes this seem so special... knowing beyond a shadow of a doubt that this is what God has called us to.
Don't get me wrong there are some things that make sense... it is hard for a community like Hungry (whatever it is) to have an identity within a larger church... It is hard to call people to a vision if they are wondering where their commitment is supposed to be... It is flat out hard to meet on a Sunday night when you've been there Sunday morning... For those that go no where on Sunday morning it is frustrating that we have to cancel our worship gathering because of other stuff going on... there are many leaders that aren't fully able to live out their dreams or capacity... and the list could really keep going...
But above all this... This is what God is drawing us towards... I have never been more sure of anything in my life (next to asking Diana to be my wife) that this is what is next for us... I feel as though it is something God has been prepearing me, my wife, Jeff, his wife, and our community for - for a long time...
So all that to say... I don't think I have ever been more sure, yet more afraid, more confident yet more nervous, never had more to lose but still as much to live for...
Lord we trust you... Would you continue to lead us...
Wow... what a ride... thanks to all who have been and who are going to be along for the next season...
Love and peace,
-J
3 comments:
so amazing! we are with you all the way bro. i am in chicago - i will give you a call later on this evening.
This is very exciting! I have no idea how I could help or even if I could, but if you have a need that you think I might be able to help with at least do give me a try...
I will certainly pray for this as I pray daily for Hope in general.
bro, that is so freaking awesome. So proud of you guys, I will be praying for sure.
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