Church Planting in South Texas, Week 2
Already this ride has been exciting! When I think through a new church community I immediately think of Acts chapter 2:42-47.
They were continually devoting themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.Everyone kept feeling a sense of awe; and many wonders and signs were taking place through the apostles.And all those who had believed were together and had all things in common;and they began selling their property and possessions and were sharing them with all, as anyone might have need.Day by day continuing with one mind in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they were taking their meals together with gladness and sincerity of heart,praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord was adding to their number day by day those who were being saved.
Mostly I think of how amazingly different my experience is with the one described above. Don’t get me wrong, I want to be an Acts Chapter 2 church… well at least an Acts chapter 2 church in 2010 terms. But the reality of these first couple of weeks feels more like starting a small business than a church. Don’t judge me, you try it. My days are full of tax filing, space renting, equipment purchasing, lawyer talking, merch. accounting, etc. So, I guess what I am saying is I haven’t been of one mind yet.
So is this business?
Most certainly not…
We met up to check out a possible location to begin meeting. As we waited in the lobby, next to the buddha sculpture, we were 100% focused on the space, and wondering if we could afford it. The owner walked out and said, “wow, you guys are not at all what I expected.” I asked her, “what did you expect?” She said, “white shirts, khakis, much older…” We laughed and began touring the facility. I have no idea where she is at with regards to faith, the buddha may not even be hers. However, what struck me was how she didn’t know how to take us. I was quickly yanked from the world of church business to actually being the church. As we walked I prayed, “Lord, let us live in such a way that the world says, you aren’t what I expected of Christians.” I have no doubt God lead us to that space because He is on a mission for the owners heart, we are just fortunate to be along for the ride. That’s about as Acts Chapter 2 as I know how to be.