There has been a reoccurring question tugging at my heart lately. There are so many of us that feel a pull towards Church-planting. I understand that God equips every person with a unique vision, and I understand the purpose behind church planting. I feel the call myself. Yet, I often wonder if we get too focused on starting from scratch. We want something new, something better. If every one felt this way, we would never build community. Sometimes I wonder if the church is getting too separated. I wonder if our unity is fading. We cannot forget the importance of bridging existing communities together. I'm not talking about creating one giant mega-church here. I'm talking about working together and sharing together- recognizing our identity in the larger Body of Christ. Should this be our primary focus?
Let's chew on this. I want to hear your thoughts.
Electric Vehicle Revolution Stocks to Watch in 2024
5 months ago
3 comments:
Good question Karli.
I think that is very valid and lies in the 'who' part of who we feel called to reach.
I guess for me the church does well reaching people in a 'seeker friendly' way and that they will continue to do that. I want to focus on those who feel marginalized by the church - those who despise church.
But there is a lot to say about not just taking off and giving up on our current church/community.
I think that you need balance. I live in Chattanooga and there are churches everywhere and it really frustrates me sometimes. Because we do not connect and reach out and then I hear of other people wanting to start churches in the area and I am thinking, is there not one you can plug into already? Rather than leaving a church to ask for money from people to build a new building, why not start a ministry with an existing church?
Anyway, that is my ranting and raving about new churches in overpopulated church areas. I really do agree that if you start a church in an area like that, you will still reach people that would not otherwise be reached. There could always be the need for another style church, and God will receive more glory. But there should be strategy in it all.
And yes, we do need to come together more often, especially in churches that believe pretty much exactly the same. If all the churches in an area worked together towards reaching the entire community, I am sure that it could be done. "We've got to come together."
It's easy to go hunting new flesh when the old ones start to ask tough questions.
I have a friend, the son of a pastor, who knew as soon as he had his first period and his breasts started to grow that "God hated" him.
How does your church mentor people like him?
Post a Comment