Teaching | by Pastor Adam Sinnett

This past Sunday we looked at the Apostle Paul’s doxology at the end of Ephesians chapter three, in which he praises God “who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think…” (Eph 3:20-21) Specifically, Paul is speaking of God’s unlimited power. Generally, Paul is speaking of God’s greatness. A significant reason why our faith is often so weak, our worship so dull and our praises unsung is that we’ve lost our sense of the greatness of God. If that’s the case, how do we go about cultivating a growing awareness of the greatness of God? Let me suggest the following:

#1 Meditate on the Scriptures.

The primary means by which to cultivate a growing awareness of the greatness of God is to allow the truths of who God is, what He has done and what He promises to do to take root in the soil of your heart. That happens as we carve out time and space to meditate on the scriptures. I posted some possible starting points here earlier in the week. Biblical meditation is the process of filling your mind with the Word of God, unlike the emptying of the mind of eastern meditation. Biblical meditation is the process of taking a verse and prayerfully considering it, thinking over it, and personally applying it. In Knowing God, JI Packer describes it as “an activity of holy thought, consciously performed in the presence of God, under the eye of God, by the help of God, as a means of communion with God.” (JI Packer, Knowing God, 23) All you need is your Bible but I’ve found that using a pen and paper for recording your thoughts, insights and questions help the process.

#2 Watch the Stories.

It is one thing to say God is great, but it is another to demonstrate it. That’s why God gave us stories. The Bible not only tells us that God is great, it shows us. One of the primary ways we learn of His greatness is through the true stories of how He has acted in history recorded for us in the Bible: the lame walk, the blind see, the barren give birth, His promises fulfilled, His purposes accomplished, His people rescued, His Son resurrected. The stories tell a story of the glory of greatness of God. Watch the stories and apply the first point above.

#3 Reflect on the Gospel.

If you’re a follower of Jesus, make it personal by taking time to reflect on what God has done to bring you home to him. Reflect on your sin. Reflect on His grace. Reflect on your identity in Christ. Reflect on God’s great holiness and justice. Reflect on God’s great love and compassion. Reflect how these coalesce at the cross. Reflect not only on your initial need of the gospel, but your continual need of the gospel. There is no greater place to see the greatness of God than in the great news of the gospel of Jesus Christ. (cf John 3:16, 2 Cor 5:21, Romans 5, etc)

#4 Read Stirring Books.

Our time is limited, so we must exercise wisdom regarding what we read. Read books and biographies that stoke your affections for God by giving you glimpses of His greatness. A list here would be lengthy, but you’ll hardly go wrong if you stick with dead guys. Consider the John Calvin’s Institutes of the Christian Religion, the Puritan Paperback series, Augustine’s Confessions, Bunyan’s Pilgrim’s Progress, Edwards’ Religious Affections, and others.

#5 Go Outside.

So much of our lives are spent inside boxes: cubicles, cars, homes, elevators, conference rooms and others. Getting outside our boxes to enjoy God’s creation can go a long way in cultivating a sense of the greatness of God on your heart, mind and soul. Head to the mountains, find a beach, or go for a walk with eyes and ears tuned into the greatness of the God who made all that you see.

#6 Avoid Numbing Your Affections.

If we want to cultivate a growing awareness of the greatness of God we must keep tabs on those things that numb our souls to His greatness. This would include harboring sin, not carving out regular time before the Father in the Word and prayer, being busy, not taking adequate time to rest and recharge, watching too much television, playing too many video games, listening to unhelpful music with an undiscerning ear, and not responding to the Spirit’s promptings toward holiness and obedience. Its important to know yourself. Avoid what numbs, cultivate what stirs.

Teaching | by Pastor Adam Sinnett

Sunday Follow-Up

On Sunday (06.12) we unpacked Paul’s doxology (Eph 3:20-21) that marked the end of the first half of Ephesians. Next week we’ll begin our journey through the latter half of the book that addresses practical principles related to what a Christian life should look like. You’ll be able to grab the sermon here once it’s posted.

Supporting Scriptures

During the sermon today, I referenced that I would post the scriptures that refer to God’s greatness that I quoted. Here they are:

Isa 40:26 “Lift up your eyes on high and see: who created these? He who brings out their host by number, calling them all by name, by the greatness of his might and because he is strong in power…”
Hebrews 1:3 “Jesus…upholds the universe by the word of his power”
Eph 1:11 “Jesus…works all things according to the counsel of his will.”
Ps 93:1-2 “The Lord reigns, he is robed in majesty…”
Ps 145:5 “On the glorious splendor of your majesty…I will meditate”
2 Peter 1:16 (of Jesus) “we were eyewitnesses of his majesty…”
Deut 7:21 “Great and awesome”
Job 9:4 “He is…mighty in strength”
Job 42:1-2 “‘I know that you can do all things; no plan of yours can be thwarted'”
Ps 24:8 “the Lord strong and mighty”
Ps 115:3 “our God is in the heavens; he does whatever he pleases”
Ps 135:6 “Whatever the Lord pleases, he does, in heaven and in earth, in the seas and in all deeps”

Isa 14:27 “For what the Lord of hosts has planned, and who can frustrate it?”
Isa 46:10 “‘My purpose will be established, and I will accomplish all My good pleasure'”
Jer 32:17-19a “It is you who have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and by your outstretched arm! Nothing is too hard for you…
”
Luke 1:37 “Nothing will be impossible w/ God.”
 (angel responding to Mary)
Mat 19:26 “With men this is impossible, but w/ God all things are possible.” (Jesus speaking to disciples)

Meditating on the Greatness of God

This week, I encourage you to meditate on these texts of scripture that specifically relate to the greatness of God. I also recommend checking out Psalm 139, Isaiah 40, Jer 32:16-44 and Job 38-42. On meditation, JI Packer helps:

“Meditation is the activity of calling to mind, and thinking over, and dwelling on, and applying oneself, the various things that one know about the works and ways and purposes and promises of god. It is an activity of holy thought, consciously performed in the presence of God, under the eye of God, by the help of God, as a means of communion with God.” (JI Packer, Knowing God, 23)

Charnock on God’s Greatness

Also, for those interested, here is the quote from Steven Charnock that I referenced towards the end of the sermon:

“Wisdom and power are the ground of the respect we give to men; they being both infinite in God, are the foundation of a solemn honour to be returned to him by his creatures. If a man make a curious engine, we honour him for his skill; if another vanquish a vigorous enemy, we admire him for his strength; and shall not the efficacy of God’s power in creation, government, redemption, inflame us with a sense of the honour of his name and perfections! We admire those princes that have vast empires, numerous armies, that have a power to conquer their enemies, and preserve their own people in peace; how much more ground have we to pay a mighty reverence to God, who, without trouble and weariness, made and manages this vast empire of the world by a word and beck! What sensible thoughts have we of the noise of thunder, the power of the sun, the storms of the sea! These things, that have no understanding, have struck men with such a reverence that many have adored them as gods. What reverence and adoration doth this mighty power, joined with an infinite wisdom in God, demand at our hands” (Steven Charnock, The Existence and Attributes of God, 429).

Teaching | by Pastor Adam Sinnett

This Friday we remember Good Friday @ 7pm. It will be a paradoxical night; an unhappy celebration. It is a day of intense sadness mixed with intense gladness. It will be both uncomfortable and convicting as we reflect on the depth of our sin and the amazing love of our God who died for us.

Then, on Easter Sunday @ 10am, we’ll celebrate the resurrection of Jesus from the dead. In the words of Graeme Goldsworthy, “The resurrection was the Father’s ‘Amen’ to the finished work of Christ.”

In order to prepare your heart for this weekend, I encourage you to consider what is now true of you in Jesus – if indeed you do trust Him – in light of the events we celebrate this weekend. If not, he invites you to be reconciled to Him according to his rich mercy, lavish grace and great love. For all who turn from their lives of self-centeredness to Jesus are now…

…victorious over Satan, sin and death (1 Cor 15:57; 2 Cor 9:15; Rom 7:23-25; 2 Cor 2:14)
…adopted by God (Eph 1:5; Rom 8:15) as God’s children (Jn 1:12; 1 Jn 3:1,2).
…made friends of God (Jn 15:15) and saints (Eph. 1:1).
…complete (Col. 2:10).
…hidden with Jesus in God (Col. 3:3) .
…seated with him in the heavenly kingdom (Eph. 2:6).
…established, chosen and made holy (2Cor. 1:21-22).
…forever in the love of God (Rom. 8:35-39).
…free from any charges against you (Rom. 8:31-34).
…assured that all things work together for good (Rom. 8:28).
…forever free from being ruined (Rom. 8:1-2).
…saved from and forgiven of all your sins (Col. 1:14).
…able to go freely and confidently (Eph 3:12) to God the Father through the Holy Spirit (Eph. 2:18)
…a recipient of grace and mercy in time of need (Heb. 4:16).
…fully reconciled to God (2Cor 5:18)
…able to do all things through him who strengthens you (Phil. 4:13).
…bought with a price and belong to God (1 Cor. 6:19-20) and
…free from the devil (1John 5:18) with authority over him (Col 2:14-15; 1 Jn 3.8)
…at peace with God (Rom. 5:1)
…in one spirit with God (1 Cor. 6:17).
…God’s co-worker (2 Cor. 6:1; 1 Cor. 3:9), God’s temple (1 Cor. 3:16) and personal witness (Acts 1:8).
…chosen to bear fruit (John 15:16) as a branch of the true Vine (John 15:1-5)
…a member of his body (1 Cor. 12:27; Rom 12).
…called to bring people together for God (2 Cor. 5:17-21)
…able to participate in his unfolding story of redemption (Mt. 28:18-20)
…sent as Jesus was sent (John 17:18).
…perfectly and completely loved. (Rom 5:7-8; Jn 3:16; Eph 1:7, 5:2, 5.25)
…no longer under God’s wrath (Gal 3:13; Rom 3:25; 1 Jn 4:10)
…declared “Not Guilty!” (Rom 5:9, 3:24, 3:28)
…reconciled to God and others. (Rom 5:10; 2 Cor 5:28; Eph 2:16; Col 1:20)
…entirely cleansed and forgiven. (Eph 1:7; Mt 26:28; Ps 103:12)
…free from the fear of death. (Heb 2:14-15)
…part of God’s people, the church. (Lk 9:23; Mt 10:38; Rev 5:9; Jn 10:16)
…free from slavery to sin (Rev 1:5-6; Heb 13:12)
…brought home to God (Rom 5:10; 1 Peter 3:18;  Eph 2:13; Rom 7:4; 1 Cor 6:19-20; Acts 20:28)
…declared 100% righteous (2 Cor 5:21; Rom 5:19; Phil 3:9)
…a recipient of eternal life…which is knowing him. (Jn 3.16; John 17:3)

We call this the Gospel. Good news, in fact world-altering, history-shaping, eternity-securing news, to people in great need of it.

City Life, Teaching | by Pastor Adam Sinnett

We want to see spiritual, social and cultural renewal take place in Seattle.

But, what does that actually look like? This is the second in a series of blogs that will answer that question.

But first, some theological context. God’s ultimate aim is his glory (Mt 6:9, cf 1 Cor 10:31). He makes his glory known through His kingdom (Mt 6:10a), which exists wherever He rules over human hearts submitted to Him by faith. His primary plan for making this invisible kingdom visible is through the Church (Mt 6:10b; Eph 3:10). The Church receives power for this work through the Gospel (Mt 6:11;13; Rom 1:16).

In other words, the glory of God is made known through the invisible kingdom being made visible through the Church, empowered by the Gospel. Therefore, seeking the spiritual, social and cultural renewal of Seattle is nothing more than making the invisible kingdom visible in every sphere of life.

What does a culturally renewed Seattle look like?

Downtown Cornerstone is committed to building a great city, not just a great church.  Yet, these two are not opposed. A great church, comprised of sinners saved by the sheer grace of God in Christ, will build a great city. So, practically speaking, what does it look like to culturally renew Seattle? Not through imperialistic, patronizing, holier-than-thou fundamentalism; but through the faithful presence of Jesus’ followers in the city. What follows are some examples of just that. In a culturally renewed Seattle:

• There are Christians, churches, and ministries actively involved in the arts of Seattle (online, print, ArtWalks, music, etc), adding value, vision and innovation.
• There are Christians, churches and ministries meeting throughout the city to determine how the implications of the gospel effect every sphere of city life (medicine, art, finance, law, journalism, etc)
• There is a decline in corruption and greed (and, subsequently, an increase in integrity and honesty) in business, politics and education throughout the city.
• There is a greater openness to the claims of the gospel, and its implications on learning, at major centers of higher education. (UW, SPU, SU, NSCC, SCCC, etc)
• There are creatives and professionals forming cultural, political, and business projects that reflect the glory of God, while improving the overall quality of life in the city.
• The government views the church as a central ally to the revitalization of the city.
• The church would be deeply missed by the city if it ceased to exist.

This work is beyond the capacity of any single church, including Downtown Cornerstone. It’s for this reason that we don’t exist to merely see our church planted, but a movement of churches planted in Seattle and beyond. We invite you to join us as we embark on this impossible task, following the God of impossibilities (Eph 3:20-21).

City Life, Teaching | by Pastor Adam Sinnett

We want to see spiritual, social and cultural renewal take place in Seattle.

But, what does that actually look like? This is the first in a series of blogs that will answer that question. God’s ultimate aim is his glory (Mt 6:9, cf 1 Cor 10:31). And He makes his glory known through His kingdom (Mt 6:10a), which exists wherever He rules over human hearts submitted to Him by faith.  And His primary plan for making His invisible kingdom visible is through the Church (Mt 6:10b; Eph 3:10). And the Church receives power for this work through the Gospel (Mt 6:11;13; Rom 1:16). In other words, the glory of God is made known through the invisible kingdom being made visible through the Church, empowered by the Gospel. Therefore, seeking the spiritual, social and cultural renewal of Seattle is nothing more than making the invisible kingdom visible in every sphere of life.

What does a spiritually renewed Seattle look like?

Downtown Cornerstone is committed to building a great city, not just a great church.  Yet, these two are not opposed. A great church will build a great city. So, practically speaking, what does it look like to spiritually renew Seattle? Not through imperialistic, patronizing, holier-than-thou tactics; but through the faithful presence of Jesus’ followers in the city. What follows are some examples of what spiritual renewal will look like in Seattle. In a spiritually renewed Seattle:

• There is a clear and powerful proclamation of the Gospel of grace that spreads through the city that replaces religious legalism and irreligious liberalism.
• There are testimonies of changed lives known throughout the city.
• There is greater openness in Seattle to the claims of Jesus and the Gospel.
• There are churches being planted in every one of Seattle’s major neighborhoods – and planters sent out of Seattle to unreached peoples around the globe.
• There is revitalization and new life within existing, established churches.
• There is supernatural unity, cooperation and love within and between churches.
• There is a balanced outreach of word and deed is meeting the needs of the city.
• There is a sense that the Church would genuinely be missed should it no longer exist in Seattle.

This work is beyond the capacity of any single church, including Downtown Cornerstone. It’s for this reason that we don’t exist to merely see our church planted, but a movement of churches planted in Seattle and beyond. We invite you to join us as we embark on this impossible task, following the God of impossibilities (Eph 3:20-21).

Teaching | by Pastor Adam Sinnett

It is the most important question any of us could seek an answer to. Without a doubt he is the most significant, polemical, and influential person to ever walk on this planet. More songs are sung to him, books written about him and lives changed by him than anyone in human history. Our calendar revolves around his arrival, kingdoms are created and conquered in his name, and the book (i.e. the Bible) describing his life, death and resurrection is the best-seller of all time.

There is no question why there is such controversy and confusion around this man. Christians say he is God. Muslims say he was a prophet. Mormons say he was a good man who became a god. Jehovah’s Witness’ say he was just a man. Buddhists say he was an enlightened one. Jews say, at best, he was a great teacher and, at worst, a deceiver. Who is Jesus?

It is impossible to escape him and foolish to ignore him. No matter who you ask, or where you live, you must deal with Jesus of Nazareth. Many have have speculated, but what did Jesus say about who he was, why he came and how we are to respond? Those are the questions we must ask. Therefore, this winter we invite you to join us as we explore Who Jesus Is: The Seven I Am’s of Jesus on Sundays at 10:00AM.

• Sunday, January 16th I Am the Bread of Life (John 6:25-35; 48-59)
• Sunday, January 23rd I Am the Light of the World (John 8:12-18; 25-30)
• Sunday, January 30th I Am the Sheep Gate (John 10:1-9)
• Sunday, February 6th I Am the Good Shepherd (John 10:1-18)
• Sunday, February 13th I Am the Resurrection and the Life (John 11:1-44)
• Sunday, February 20th I Am the Way, Truth and Life (John 14:1-7)
• Sunday, February 27th I Am the True Vine (John 15:1-17)

No pretension, no religiosity, no bait-and-switch. Just real people, exploring real issues, and worshiping a real God.

WHERE:
The Pioneer Building (next to underground tour)
600 1st Ave
Seattle, WA 98104
WHEN:
Every Sunday @ 10am, beginning January 16th, 2011
PARKING:
Parking downtown is free on Sundays, so there is no cost to park. However, do leave allow additional travel time to secure a parking spot on the street.
IS CHILDREN’S MINISTRY PROVIDED?
Yes, Cornerstone Kids will be provided for kids 6 months to 9 years old.
MORE INFO:
For more information on our Sunday Gatherings email: info (at) downtowncornerstone.org

City Life, Teaching | by Pastor Adam Sinnett

As I previously wrote, over the last six months I’ve spent considerable time in the city, speaking with neighbors, baristas, Real Change-sellers, grocery store clerks, artists, street musicians, lawyers, other pastors, and business professionals. One of the questions that I always ask in some form is, “What do you think are the primary obstacles to the Gospel (or the message of Christianity) in Seattle?” To others, I’ve asked, “What do you think of when you hear ‘Gospel’?” As with the last question I wrote a post on, “What do you think are the primary obstacles to the Christian Church in Seattle?”, the responses have been fascinating and telling. In light of this, I’ve compiled the following list of the top ten obstacles to the Gospel in Seattle, according to my unofficial survey.

“My primary obstacle to the message of Christianity is __________” – Average Seattlite

#1 “It’s too exclusive” or “There can’t be just one true religion.”

This was, by far, the most popular objection to the Christian message. The Gospel is seen as exclusive and intolerant. How can any one belief system claim to hold the corner on the market of truth? This, in turn, doesn’t seem to be reconcilable with God being a God of love and grace (see #5).

#2 “I have no idea” or “Good news about Jesus?”

There was also a strong contingency that knew nothing about Christianity. Most, of course, knew of “Jesus” but few knew anything about him. Fewer have an understanding of the Gospel. Of those that do, the Gospel is the good news that Jesus came to show us how to live (which is depressing news, really).

#3 “Doesn’t adequately deal with the problem of evil.”

Some brought up the problem of evil and a belief that Christianity is unable to adequately address it. With all the man-made evil and natural disasters that make daily headlines, how can Christians be audacious enough to call God loving? That’s a great question and one that deserves an answer.

#4 “Just like every other religion” or “all paths lead to the same place.”

Others lumped Christianity into the same pile as all of the other world religions under the assumption that all belief systems are the same and lead to the same place. Many mentioned the ubiquitous and universalistic “ant hill” and “blind man meets an elephant” metaphors.

#5 “Contradictory…how can a God of love send people to hell?”

There were many who brought up their inability to reconcile how a God of love could send people to hell. In addition to this many mentioned contradictions in the Bible, though when pressed few were able to actually name any.

#6 “Based on an old archaic book written for a different people in a different time.”

In general the Bible is seen as an old book with helpful bits of wisdom, like Aesop’s Fables, but definitely not divinely inspired and inerrant. Few that I spoke with have ever read a Bible, but most have heard excerpts read during a church service/wedding/funeral at some point in their life.

#7 “Disproved by science.”

Others give the claims of Christianity little thought as they are fully convinced that science has usurped Christian faith. The problem of violence, humankind’s quest for purpose, various social ills, and the vast host of medical issues can and will be addressed in time through scientific practice and method.

#8 “It is too restricting.”

Some mentioned that the Christian belief system is too restricting and close-minded. Their understanding of the message of the Gospel is that Christians are called to give up what they genuinely love to do in exchange for what is generally boring, uncomfortable and not fun.

#9 “Is a male dominated belief system.”

This is a big issue in Seattle. It seemed that many have a view of a Christianity that is primarily male-dominated and oppressive to women. Those I spoke with pointed to Jesus choosing 12 men as disciples and the Apostle Paul indicating that only men should serve as pastors.

#10 “Does not welcome and affirm alternative lifestyles.”

Another very important issue in Seattle is that of alternate lifestyles (LGBT). This is a major stumbling block for people in this city, which is home to the second highest density of LGBT on the West Coast.

Summary.

There’s nothing surprising here. Many of these objections have been the same objections used throughout the history of the church. But, this does not mean we should simply excuse them. Whether or not these are misconceptions or excuses, as followers of Jesus we have a responsibility to adequately, accurately and humbly answer each of these objections. Together, these form a substantial obstacle to the message of Christianity in Seattle. It’s no wonder Seattle has become a refuge for those seeking to escape it. Clearly, these objections are overly simplistic. However, they are the objections of our great city to our faith that we must consider and engage with intelligent wit and sacrificial love. We are not to withdraw from the city in fear, but to redemptively engage it in word and deed. The Church of Jesus Christ is intended to be a people dedicated to truth and grace, holiness and mercy, creativity and beauty, service and sacrifice, love and joy, passion and relevance (after all, Jesus is reality, Col 1:15-20).

Our hope, as Downtown Cornerstone, is to be part of changing this tide in Seattle for His glory, our ultimate joy and the good of this city. Would you like to join us?

Community, Teaching | by Pastor Adam Sinnett

Prayer is to the Christian life, what air is to breathing. Prayer is our life line to our Father in Heaven. As a young child holds the hand of his dad for stability, direction and relationship, so in prayer we hold the proverbial hand of Our Father for the same (Lk 11:9-13). He knows what we need before we ask him (Matthew 6:8). Yet, he also says we do not have because we do not ask (James 4:2). He invites us to humbly, yet boldly, ask of him in faith and it will be ours (Matthew 21:22; Mk 11:24; 1 John 5:14-15). Yet, too often, we overlook it entirely.

As a newly forming church in the heart of the city we are deeply aware that Jesus is the one who builds his church (Matthew 16:18) and he primarily does so through the prayers and lives of his people. Broken people rescued by grace should be a prayerful people.

Would you be willing to pray for us every day over the course of this next year?

Therefore, because planting a healthy, vibrant and God glorifying church in downtown Seattle is impossible apart from Him, we are creating a prayer team of 100 people to pray for us daily for our first year. You will be able to track monthly prayer updates here. You can also subscribe to receive up-to-date prayer requests by giving us your email here. Let us know by subscribing to receive the prayer updates via email or emailing us at info (at) downtowncornerstone.org.

In prayer, you too get to participate in the planting of this church. In prayer, you too get participate in God’s unfolding story in downtown Seattle. In prayer, you will get to see God do things you otherwise would never have notice, let alone imagined. In prayer, you get to be part of lives being changed for all eternity through this new church plant. In prayer, you get to be on the front lines of what Jesus is doing – and is going do to – in this great city we so deeply love. Will you join us?

“Not to us, O Lord, not to us, but to your name give glory,
for the sake of your steadfast love and your faithfulness!” (Ps 115:1)

Community, Teaching | by Pastor Adam Sinnett

The Puritans had a practice of thinking through the various types of people that formed their church or visited during a Sunday gathering. In Perkins’ The Arte of Prophecying (i.e. preaching) he states that any given congregation is generally comprised of…

“[1] the ignorant and unteachable, who needed the equivalent of a bomb under their seats; [2] the ignorant but teachable, who needed orderly instruction in what Christianity is all about; [3] the knowledgeable but unhumbled, who needed to be given a sense of sin; [4] the humbled and desperate, who need to be grounded in the gospel; [5] believers going on with God, who needed building up; and [6] believers who had fallen into error, intellectual or moral, and needed correction.” J.I. Packer, A Quest for Godliness, p286

ARE YOU SERIOUS?

This type of intentional thinking is also needed when inviting others to participate in the planting of a new church. It can be easy to assume that being on the launch team/community of a new church plant should be left to mature, stable, devoted Christians who are serious about their faith and Jesus’ mission. That may be every church planter’s dream, but I have yet to meet a church planter that has a launch team where that is the case. Even more, this can leave others that don’t fit into this category on the fringes not feeling able, qualified or wanted.

ARE YOU NEW TO THE FAITH?

On the other hand, many planters hold to the position that the initial launch community should be comprised of mostly new converts and non-believers. We see this in Paul’s ministry in the Book of Acts. He enters a city, proclaims the gospel, people believe, and a church is formed. This opens up wide networks of friends that have yet to meet Jesus. It also creates a strong missional dynamic into the DNA of the church from the very beginning that is hard to build in later. Yet, Paul rarely worked alone, sometimes he left co-workers behind, and at other times he sent others out in advance of his arrival. Our context is also different today. What do we do about the Christians who are not connected to a church, part of a dying church, or feel called to step out in faith to be part of a new church?

MAKING DISCIPLES.

The mission of the church is to make disciples (i.e. followers of Jesus), which not only includes moving people to initial faith in Jesus (salvation) but through a life of continued faith in Jesus (sanctification). It includes coming alongside non-Christians, young Christians and maturing Christians and pointing each to Jesus as individually needed. That means a young church, such as our own, should reflect the body of Christ in all its diversity, in all levels of maturity, while embracing the guaranteed messiness that results.

FIVE TYPES OF PEOPLE.

I propose the following five types of people every church plant needs, including our own:

#1 Growing, mature Christians.

Every church plant needs a number of growing and maturing Christians to help set the pace, disciple others, and lead the mission through life and ministry.

#2 Young, teachable Christians.

New and young Christians that are part of a church plant show that the Gospel is at work and mission is taking place. New faith is contagious for everyone. New and young Christians also tend to have more friends who don’t know Jesus.

#3 Humble, honest Onlookers.

The presence of humble and honest onlookers reflects that the church, as a whole, is engaged in the community, building relationships, living out the gospel and inviting others into experience the gospel in community.

#4 Curious, questioning Doubters.

The presence of curious, questioning doubters says the same thing. Those who are doubters, though involved, are saying “I have questions, but this community of faith is compelling.” This is a great sign of missional health.

#5 Hardened, hating Unbelievers.

While the hard and hating may not actively participate in the life of a new church plant, those that do should still be pursuing them. The goal is not to merely get people into the church, but to invite them into our lives. A new plant is regularly praying for those that fall into this category, thus they become part of the life of the community.

WHAT KIND OF PEOPLE DOES A CHURCH PLANT NEED?

Anyone and everyone – but aim for diversity. Obviously, we can do without the drama of heretics, sin, wayward leaders and the like, but God uses even these people to shape and mold His people into His image, in their context. I find this is a simple, yet helpful grid for determining the health, faith and mission of our church.

“The parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable…” 1 Cor 12:22

Want to get involved?

You can start by joining us on Sept 26th for our Vision Night where we’ll take some time to unpack who Jesus is calling us to be and what he is asking us to do in this great city.