Ok, so it's official now, as of 12:01AM July 1st, I am appointed to a new church start in Vancouver Wa. My best wishes to Kathy Neery who is now the Pastor of Orchards United Methodist Church.
So, I have a pretty clear idea about what I feel God is calling me to begin in this new church start but am running short on ideas for a name. I wanna stay away from the "churchy" names that are so prevalent like "Living hope" or "Living waters" or "Crossroads" or any other thing that sounds "gimmicky" (No offense if you are pastor/member of a church named one of those :-)
The driving idea behind the community we are creating is a desire to be disciples that tangibly and intentionally make a difference in the city we are a part of. That means intentionally being involved in service as an act of faith and discipleship; being part of a community that shares their lives together, cares for one another and become "spiritual friends" on a journey of faith; and creating a community of faith that sees their identity as a compassionate community called to transform the world as disciples of Jesus, not a group of people that gather once a week for a worship performance or to listen to a "self help" lecture.
Those are the type of things that we want to reflect in the name of this community, but also stays away from the image of traditional/attractional Church that so many people are running from, or scared of.
Any Ideas?? Please post up a reply and let me hear them :-)
3 comments:
Mark, I can't believe you were at Orchards Church for that long. I didn't realize you were appointed somewhere else until I got "The Sower" in the mail and saw a different pastors name! I came online and read through your blog. I know it's a lot of work to start a new Church, but it couldn't be in better hands :) I'll keep you and your family,in my prayers.
Mark, I can't believe you were at Orchards for that long. Wow, 9 years. I didn't realize you were appointed a new church until I received "The Sower" in the mail and saw a different pastors name! I came online to check things out, glad I did. The new church couldn't be in better hands. :) You and your family have my prayers.
Check out the House For All Sinners and Saints in Denver, CO. Pretty inspiring, pretty cool. A great example of being in the world.
http://www.houseforall.org/
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