Midweek Connection
*** It never ceases to amaze us as we watch God bring people together to fulfill His purpose and promises for a community. Long before ministries like Urban Life came on the scene, the Lord was already responding to people who were crying out to HIM for deliverance and healing in their families. This ministry is simply one of His responses. Even now, as we observe our nation getting more and more corrupt, there are countless souls yearning for the love and peace that we have found in Christ Jesus.
Right now, we are in a season in which the Lord is beckoning us out of our personal limitations and boundaries. At the same time, He is calling us into a new level of intimacy with Him. In this Year of the Open Door, God is calling us closer to Him so that we can turn our eyes away from the empty enticements and intimidation of this world. We can't thrive if we long for the same things the world longs for. We can't overcome if we are fearful about the future.
So we believe that's the reason the Lord is leading us in such a strategic way. We must admit that we, too, are moving out of our comfort zone. We had grown accustomed to certain styles and methods in church over the last 30 years. But now the Lord is directing us to do things that almost feels like sacrilege according to our church background and experience.
Whoever heard of a ministry in which the pastor sits on a stool and simply talks while using a PowerPoint presentation? Whoever heard of a ministry where the people sing along with video worship clips? Whoever heard of a ministry where its Sunday gatherings are not on a predictable weekly regiment and program? Whoever heard of a ministry that sets up an internet church in order to accommodate the work schedules of its members? Whoever heard of a ministry that gives its families a Sunday off, so they can be together or just to have a day of rest? Whoever heard of ministry that dedicates the first Sunday of each month for nothing but worship, prayer and spontaneous exhortation? Whoever heard of a ministry that has no long term plan other than just to remain open for God to do whatever HE wants to do with it? Whoever heard of such a thing?
Yes, this is the kind of church that you are attending and the kind of church family we have been called to lead. We will do things that will break traditions. We will say things that will challenge your understanding of the Word of God. We will stretch you until you no longer attend church only to receive a blessing, but you will be excited about how God is going to use you to bless others each and every day. This new approach to ministry is not the result of another church marketing strategy or the newest fad to grow a big ministry. We're not trying to build a great ministry. We're trying to build people and families who will do great things for God.
You will receive emotional, mental, physical and spiritual healing as you grow in grace and in the knowledge of Jesus Christ. You will do things that you never knew you could do. You will speak with authority that you never knew was within you. You will see God change your attitude and transform your thinking. You will watch God provide for you and protect your family. Even in the midst of life's disappointments, you will know the peace that goes beyond your understanding. You will know joy that extends beyond your present circumstances.
We can hardly wait to get together again this Sunday just so we can see, hear and experience more of God's presence, power and purpose for our families and our future.
We're overcomers, doing the unthinkable!
