Friday, May 16, 2008

The Red Pen Strikes Again!

I've said it before, I don't think we are quite through with revisions around here. Next up on the revision list: church.

S has been kicking around the idea of alternative church for a while now. He's talked about having church at a local park, having church in a home....just somehow to reach those who do not and are not going to set foot inside a church building at 9:00 on Sunday mornings. I've listened to his ideas, we've prayed...but we were really uncertain about how it could all work.

Then S got to talking with another man at our church. Turns out he has also been thinking of some of the same things. Together, we are going to begin a home church in June. This is such a blessing beginning something like this with friends (who have missions experience!) and their children (4 of them!). We have instant fellowship before we even grow. They have already had several "chance encounters" with folks they know who are not attending church anywhere and were excited to hear about the house church starting.

There is still so much to talk about, decide, and pray about. This is not easy. It is not comfortable. I told them my body will probably go into auto-pilot when it's "church time" and begin bathing and dressing children without even thinking! (Our church will start much later in the day) Thirty-seven years of habits die hard.

So we explained to the girls what was going on so they would have some time to adjust to the idea before we begin this journey. (Programs and classes are all going to be completely different beginning in June so it's good timing.) Sweetheart was very excited that we were going to be missionaries in our hometown! Little Bit doesn't really understand but when she realizes we are going to our friend's house for church--she will be very happy.

I have a feeling this is going to really change us. Except for a period of time back in late 2001 to mid 2004, we have both attended the same church our whole life. Moving outside of that is really causing us to look at scripture carefully. Looking at our whole community instead of just the folks we know is changing our view. It's a pretty big revision and I'm thankful that the Lord sees fit to work through us for His Kingdom.

Now--two other things. CONGRATULATIONS to Terry and her whole family on the birth of their 6th daughter!!! I told her that God had made her calling very clear: to raise godly women! :)

Also, Jamala over at Single Moms for God is having a contest. The whole time she has been blogging she has been doing so as a single mom for God--thus the name! Well, she is getting married soon so that will necessitate the blog name changing a bit. Go over to her contest (there is a prize) and help choose the new name. Thanks!

Have a great weekend everyone!

7 comments:

  1. Hey Brenda,
    Been readin your blog for several weeks now, and have enjoyed your story of coming home and the Lord's work. Just wanted to share that we had the opportunity to attend a home church for 1 yr. while living in another city. We loved it. It was such a good experience for our family and our children in particular. I pray your *new* church will be blessed and be a blessing!tammyp

    ReplyDelete
  2. Oh wow, to be used by the Lord in this way! I am VERY excited to see how everything transpires... and I think this is really neat. Oh, the things the Lord will do through you and S! PLEASE keep us posted on how things are going!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Are you going to have a post that shares your thoughts and convictions which have led to this move? I guess I was curious as I read your post about things like 1.Are you dissatisfied with the spiritual context of your Church you attend now? Do you believe that your Church does not have the capacity to reach the unsaved who will not or have not walked into a 'regular' church? Will you be having a home Church for a time or indefinitely? It is a very bold and exciting move you are making. I am not against the concept at all. I was just hoping you could share more of the journey.

    ReplyDelete
  4. I can't wait to hear how it goes! What a great way to reach people. Whenever we visit a different church it (we are)is so uncomfortable. If someone has NEVER attended, I can't imagine how hard it is to start. We'll pray for you! Please share your experiences.

    ReplyDelete
  5. I am excited that God has given you and S a vision for something so radical.

    However, I will caution you to make sure things are established before getting started, like 'Who is the pastor?' 'How long will this last?' 'Is your goal to get people comfortable with the *idea* of church, or to be prepared to *be* their church forever?'

    I am with Mary, in that I would like to know what your thoughts are. Is this something that could happen on another day of the week?

    I don't want to sound negative, just practical. :0) God bless with all the planning!!

    ReplyDelete
  6. A radical, bold, and faith-filled revision indeed! I can't wait to hear more about how this all unfolds.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Okay, official lurker turned commenter...I have goose-bumps after reading about the home church. This is an idea I have been exploring for a while now, but my husband is very hesitant to leave our church (we both love our current church, although I sometimes find it lacking in certain areas). Waiting for the Lord's timing there... Anyway, I also would be interested in what lead to this decision for your family. I look forward to hearing about how it unfolds.

    ReplyDelete

I don't get to talk to a lot of actual grown-ups during the day, so your comments make me really happy! :)