Yesterday, I walked into a room full of men hell-bent on changing their city. Correction: my city. This passion mixed with their unabashedly unashamed willingness to promote a plan not their own floored me. And, the weird part is how completely different each one of these men seem to be. Different backgrounds, different appearances, different church affiliations. . . you name it. And, even more weird is the fact that they do not appear to be the least bit territorial. They seem to grasp the fact that alone, they cannot even convert a neighborhood, much less a city. Think about it. . . how many different kinds of people live in your neighborhood. Could you meet all of those needs? Or, relate to each of them? So, Austin IS weird. Where else in America do you find a city where the so called Church actually works together? Not in words, but in action. The gospel is about making disciples of ALL men and women. Who cares if you ‘look’ good, or have the most members? As far as I can tell, looking good and counting people have nothing to do with spreading the good news. Promoting the gospel at any cost—even a cost to you and/or your own congregation—shouldn’t be weird, but sadly, for many churches in this country, it is unheard of.
So, I hope and pray that I can do my part to keep Austin weird!
I think you’re absolutely right. The church has somehow lost a bit of direction, and we need to get back on track. We can’t wait to be a part of it…whenever that will be.
Ashley Lerma
October 24th, 2009
[...] church planters, Church Planting Networks, city networks, PlantR Here’s an unsolicited reflection on Thursday’s PlantR meeting: Yesterday, I walked into a room full of men hell-bent on [...]
Church Planters Keep Austin Wierd « Church Planting Novice
October 24th, 2009
Just wanted you know that I am reading your blogs. Keep writing they are good! I wish you and Mike much sucess in spreading the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ in Austin. You guys are missed in Lafayette especially on Friday nights. May God be with you.
David Burch
October 24th, 2009
Wow Lynde this is so good! I thought I was reading an article out of a magazine!! My youngest is a lot like that (he has not reached the teen years yet but I can visualize them haha). Keep writting… You have a gift! Sounds like you guys are liking Austin!
Mandy Reiszner
October 28th, 2009
Ok so I just commented on the wrong blog:). Oops! Apply it to “Raising Arizona”. Ha!!!
Mandy Reiszner
October 28th, 2009