((sigh)) :0(
This has been a week of “Who am I?” Who really cares that I’m churchless, feeling homeless, and evidently Super Bowl Party-less?
Last Sunday night being our last at our great church, we left to answer God’s desire for us to start something new. While driving home, I felt a complete loneliness. Who will bring us chicken soup when we are all sick? Who will sit with us when we endure serious hospital stays? Who will call saying they miss us and love us? Who will care for us now?
What was I thinking? Why would God want this for us?
Isolated.
Alone.
Amongst herds of people, but lonely.
Like one living and working in New York surrounded by masses, but without community? Could this be . . .?
Is this how some people live?
Not feeling loved. Not having anyone who really cares?
Is this the reason God wanted us to leave? To make a community where people will feel loved. Where through us, God will show love those who won’t go to church.
Within the last few weeks, Chuck and I made a “Not To Do” list, solidifying what we felt was God’s leading in our lives. We made a commitment to obey the call–go out of the church. Since he called us out of a great pastorate, it would defeat our obedience simply to join another. Even if we felt lonely or the need for fellowship, we were to keep to our task. We also listed that this was our call, and would allow our children to join any youth group’s activity of their choosing. (They have lots of friends in various groups, and have their Super Bowl Party invitation.) To a certain degree, we released them from supporting our call so they may follow God’s plan for their lives. This is all very strange and new territory to us.
God’s called us to live authentic Christ follower lives amongst those who need love the most. Maybe we needed to feel as those we are to reach.
A person without a home (feeling), without a community of genuine people who care, and without an invitation to a Super Bowl Party.
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This week my song has been from an old sitcom, Cheers, where lonely people gathered, “I just wanna go where everybody knows my name . . .”
Where is the Super Bowl Party?
Where is our “Cheers”?
In the middle of this drifting feeling, I’m certain of God’s faithfulness and his promised gift–his love and presence. We have a home in him and really aren’t alone. He leads us and will help build our “Cheers” community.
This party will be a Super Party!
Do you wanna come . . . where everybody knows your name?
Robin thanks for the thoughts on your children. When we started ministry at our new church people were surprised that our grown children did not follow to help us ( I understand its different for your kids, but I respect so much your decision to let them complete their own journey). I have had to explain several times that my children needed to feel that their relationship with Christ was not tied to ours. They have to go where God is leading them (just as we did). If they decide to join us we want it to be because that is where God is telling them to go, and not because they felt the pressure to do what their parents wanted or even what others expected them to do. I am still praying for you guys and where God will lead you and your husband in this new Journey.
DisneyCyndi,
A wise parent teaches their children, just as you’ve done, to find God personally and God’s specific plan for their use in his kingdom’s work.
Ours are mature in understanding their personal need to seek God. We guide them along the way and pray their passion to serve God grows.
I’m glad to hear of your faith, and trust in God.
May God bless you abundantly!
Robin: What an exciting place to be, isn’t it? It’s strange like when we first moved out of our parent’s home, but exciting. We left a big church ministry almost two years ago to see what God would have for us. It hasn’t always been easy, nor comfortable, but it’s been exciting. Our family has experienced some amazing moments of exploration, healing, restoration, grace and spiritual growth. My kids have the foundation down and it is laid deep, we watch them and we are amazed at how well they have adapted and how much the important ideas of our faith have risen to the surface of who they are. We let them experience different moments of growth at different places and there is enjoyment in their journey. They are seeing the bigger picture of faith. Lest this be just about our kids, our journey has experienced amazing moments also. We have made some great friendships with people in the community who may have been put off by the “Pastor” title. We since have plugged into a new church (Mosaic) not as pastor but as visitor and then member. We’ll watch the game now as just part of the crowd; it’s a good place to be.
Jeff,
It’s because of a God foundation in the kids, that we are able to radically enter this new way of being the church.
No, It’s because of God moving in us, that we must love and enter the world of those who aren’t going to any church of any kind.
It’s a wild, adventurous, and exciting journey. But still very unnerving at times.
It’s good to hear your testimony of God’s goodness in your families life. May he continue to use you and yours to further his kingdom!
Wow. I really relate to where you are right now. Today is the first anniversary of a church that started in my media room with 30 people. My family was constantly afraid we would forget it was Sunday, and come downstairs in our jammies to a house full of congregants! I feel like I have been walking the water all year. It has been wonderful and terrifying in the same breath! But above all, it has been FRUITFUL. I pray that these are the first steps on a long and fruitful journey for you and your husband.
You will be in my prayers as you follow the Lord’s leading! He really is our shelter(house), supply, sustainence (soup), delight (party), etc., etc., etc!!! The roller coaster you have boarded will be one that few dare to ride and will be more amazing and faithbuilding than you could have ever dreamed! You are all in our prayers!!!