...that would be one of the "mission" lines we did NOT go with for this believe project. But it does embody the way we feel about what we are doing. It's not about buildings; buildings are merely tools to reach people. It's not about politics, minor theological squabbles, or traditional preferences. It's about people. People are the mission; they are worth the investment of our lives.
The value you place on something is shown by what you'll give up for it. Luke 15 shows us that God puts great value on lost people, went to great personal cost to reach them, and beckons those of us who have been found to join the search for lost people, even at great personal cost to ourselves.
Here's what that looks like in our church:
P.S. Factoid: the music behind that was supplied by our West Club worship team... (we also had to cut out some of our church planters overseas from this online version--the ones that said things like 'corporate executive' then 'promoted to church planter,' to protect their security)
Here are other things we'd love for you to remember:
- "We don't want to build a monument to Jesus. We want to birth a movement in RDU and around the world."
- "All that is necessary to complete the mission of God in the world is already in the hands of the church."
- "Throughout the Bible and throughout history, God shows off His power when people BELIEVE."
- "We don't know exactly what God is going to do. But I can tell you what He won't do: He won't get up in the morning and check the stock market to determine which of His marvelous works He can afford to accomplish today."
- "Why don't we 'wait' to do this until we're out of recession? Because there's no moratorium on hell during a recession and because Jesus has a mission today He's given us resources to use today. The great moves of God have almost all started in a recession. If you don't believe it, read the story of the birth of the church in Acts 2. They were so poor some of them were selling their clothes so that other church members could have something to eat."
- "God's people act differently in a time of recession because they know they have Jesus today AND tomorrow."
- "Christian sacrifice is giving up something you love, for something you love even more."
- "Rather than building one big church in one place and expecting people from all over the Triangle to come there, let's jackhammer the church and take it to the people. Let's be one church that meets in locations all over the Triangle. Stay where you are; serve where you live. Be the church in your community."
Quick personal note: got to spend some great time in Jacksonville, Florida, speaking at the Pastor's Conference. They were warm, gracious, and very receptive to letting me speak about the "grace" that has been given to our church. Thanks for praying!
