|
Dear Gospel Partners,
4TheCity Church has been gearing up for the “launch” of our public worship services this Fall - but not in ways you might think.
We were asked by a few people this month, “Hey, has your church launched? Have you gotten it off the ground yet?”
Although I understand what they’re asking and the heart behind it, it’s important to remember that we’re not trying to build a spaceship over here, but instead we’re seeking to plant a church.
As church "planters", we’re tilling the soil, removing rocks and weeds, and planting gospel seeds - but we need God to show up, pour buckets of living water over these seeds so the roots of the gospel run deep - connecting to the source of real, life-giving and sustaining power - The Father, The Son, and The Holy Spirit.
We've been learning that the presence and the power of God isn’t something we can manufacture; although many times, we (the church) wrongly believe it can be substituted with methods to make things happen through our own efforts. Oftentimes, we unknowingly run out ahead of God and settle for unripened fruit rather than waiting on Him to produce genuine, ripened fruit in our lives and in our community.
This reminds me of a powerful quote I read the other day:
“The weakness of our movement is that we aren’t comfortable when God isn’t moving so we tend to whip it up, rather than falling on our knees, patiently waiting on Him, and asking the right questions.”
This is one, simple reason why we fully believe God’s presence and power cannot be purchased or bought - rather it must be sought and given as a gift of grace.
Our church continues to be very intentional this summer - our goals are to pray with fervor - asking God to build His church here in the city of Greensburg, as we build genuine relationships with those in our neighborhoods while sharing the gospel in hopes of leading them to Christ. We’ve been going out into the city in hopes of identifying its needs and have been seeking to serve the community based on our God-given gifts.
We do not want to give in to the temptation to try to whip it up - making it happen in our own strength and in our own time. This is acceptable and even applauded in the church’s eyes when it comes to overseas missions - these things take time, right? Yet when we’re seeking to reach people in our own neighborhoods by planting churches within the states, it’s often expected that growth or “results” are seen more quickly. This should not be. Our vision for church planting takes time, patience, perseverance, endurance, prayer, like-minded people, resources, finances, and tons of grace. We are seeing God’s presence and power here in Greensburg as He continues to generously provide for 4TheCity Church.
I would like to introduce you to Ryan and Caitlin Kelley’s story - how their lives have intertwined with ours and how they have been impacted by the presence and power of God through 4TheCity Church:
"Dear Partners,
My wife and I are very excited to share the love that Jesus is pouring out over the city of Greensburg. As residents, we are in tune with the hurt and despair that many citizens experience without anything or anyone to put their hope in. I grew up here, and I know the hearts of many people walking around searching for a greater love, much like I was. I also know that Jesus has zoned in on the city of Greensburg and is looking to perform a miraculous change in the hearts and minds of those who so desperately desire something more than what this Earth has to offer.
Five months ago, I was introduced to Scott and Kevin through a mutual friend and began to learn about the church plant movement that all of you are currently supporting. My soul ignited and I ran home to tell my wife all about the possibilities of what Jesus was going to do through His people. At the time, we were “de-churched” and truly looking for a community of Jesus-loving friends who cared about the community the same way we did. It is truly beautiful to see how Jesus works, as He paired us up with a group that has become family to us.
Flash forward to today, and my wife and I are experiencing true joy through being a part of the core team at 4TheCity Church while bearing witness to the heart change among local people. Relationships are being formed, neighbors are being served, and most importantly, the Gospel is being spread.
As a couple, my wife and I are not only experiencing the love of Jesus daily through bible study and fellowship but we are also being equipped with the tools to advance the gospel to all areas of Greensburg and beyond.
Your love, gifts, prayers, and encouragement could not be more appreciated as we seek to follow Christ on a mission to bring the word of God to a people that He loves so dearly.
We are excited to be on-mission with each one of you and we appreciate your continued prayer and support. It is an exciting time to be a part of 4TheCity as Jesus continues to call out to the lost.
Lovingly,
 ---Ryan and Caitlin Kelley"
And this is why we’re here in Greensburg. To God be the glory, forever and ever amen!
Please continue to pray for the following:
- That God would call a few more people, who are serious about the gospel and reaching those who don’t know Jesus yet, to Greensburg.
- That God would bring more people into our lives who are generous givers and will give sacrificially each month to help support this mission of church planting in Greensburg.
- Open doors, windows, cracks, and crevices for the gospel to penetrate.
- People with whom we're sharing our lives and the gospel: Michael, Elana, Matt, Jesse, Nikki, Jennifer, Mark, Ethan, Gwen, Michael, Nya, Shawn, Danni, Tommy, John, Rachel, Tim, Cathy, Marian, Jack, Bob, Kay, Barbara, Becky, Nick, Toni, Ellie, Kendra, Janet, Mary, Carol, Zach, Alex, Ron, Karen, Terri, Sterling, Eric, Anita, Lori, Matt, Marry, Dawn, Adriana, Morgan, Corbin, and Mary
- Our first location.
- Our worship team to develop.
- Delight in Christ to increase.
- Unity and Holiness
- A Church Planting Movement
Please continue to pray and give as we share and show the transforming power of the gospel in Greensburg!
Gospel On...
- Pastor Scott
|
