December 21st, 2009
Scott
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.
December 14th, 2009
Scott
Behold, I will do something new, Now it will spring forth; Will you not be aware of it? I will even make a roadway in the wilderness, Rivers in the desert. -Isaiah 43:19
God is doing a “new thing” in our city. Amongst the great churches in San Antonio we are planning to launch a new one. We are blessed to have been given the support of Community Bible Church as we launch out to gather this new community. The journey begins today for The Park Community Church.
Does San Antonio need another church?
Without question! As we can see the churches in the city are doing an awesome job and serve as a light to the city but we are all to aware of darkness that still exist. Our prayer is that God will bless our community to stand among so many others to speak the truth of God into a lost world.
The Park DNA is comprised of three building blocks: Passion, Compassion, & Wisdom
- The Passionate Pursuit of God. Each of us is hard wired by God to long for spirituality, to ask the question is there more? We believe the pursuit of God is a life long quest, one we are individually called to. In Christ we find God, but the journey continues as we daily try to know more of the heart of God.
- Overflowing Compassion for People. There is something deep inside of us that knows we need to be connected to other people. Even more, we know we are called to make a difference in the world. Our prayer is, as a church, we would extend daily compassion to one another and as a community we would be known for overflowing compassion to the social injustices of our world.
- Godly wisdom in every day decisions.
Our attention is often divided between what seems to be wise and what the scriptures outline as actual wisdom. We trust in God as the author of creation and; therefore, believe He offers us the very best way to live. As we apply the scriptures to our daily lives our faith becomes alive.
We are asking 5 things of everyone we know, and anyone we can meet…
- Pray for us. Our dream is to gather a community whose calling is the passionate pursuit of God, overflowing compassion for people, and Godly wisdom.
- Network For us. We are willing and ready to grab a cup of coffee, or a meal, and tell anyone about our vision. Connect us.
- Support us. We have committed our time and money to this new church. We are asking you to do the same.
- Join us. We will begin meeting soon, if you want to join us then e-mail me austintx1@mac.com and we will keep you up to date.
- Lead with us. Our passion is to build a leadership culture sending people into the city for ministry. If you think God may be calling you to leadership in this new church then let me know your heart. e-mail me… austintx1@mac.com
As we build steam we are looking forward to a citywide launch service on Easter Sunday, April 4 at Orsinger Park. It’s going to be an amazing journey, you are invited to join us.
