Sundays:
9 & 10:45 a.m. - Christian Formation Classes & Worship Services
Why are we proposing this plan?
By Shannon Caughey
Why are we proposing this plan, especially the “second site” component? This question has come up in various forms several times. In truth, the answer has at least a couple dimensions. The space crunch we’re feeling at our current location—both worship service space and children’s classroom space—played a part. But what is far more compelling for me is the vision to really be an influencing church—a church that is seeing more and more people coming to Christ and making a far greater impact on our campus and community for the gospel. The “holy discontent” I’ve been experiencing for several years now is the sense that we’re not where God wants us to be in this regard. I believe God wants to change this at TCBC.
I recognize that simply launching a second site will not suddenly make us a thriving and influencing church. However, it’s a step toward being more outward-focused. If this proposal is in fact God’s plan for TCBC, and if we listen well to him in how we then go about establishing a second site, we have an opportunity to reach more people in more places. It will stretch us and force us to rethink how we go about ministry, but I think this is exactly the work God desires to do in our church. Why are we proposing this plan? For me, it comes down to sharing the heart of Jesus that we see in Luke 15—a deep concern for those who are currently outside his church and a willingness to take intentional steps to go after them.
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As we approach the issue of
As we approach the issue of whether or not we should be a multi-site church, I think it is important to focus on what the main purpose of pursuing a second site would be - reaching out to others, as Christ has called us to do. When I first thought about the Plan for Growth, the current space issues at our Lincoln/Michigan site were at the forefront of my mind. I knew about the space crunch in the children's ministry rooms, and saw the packed-out sanctuary in the second service. The multi-site church model didn't seem to really address those space issues as concretely as I thought it ought to. But as I think and pray about what God is calling TCBC to do, and reflect upon what He has been saying to us through our sermons, our vision discussions, and other teaching and sharing moments, I am grateful for the work that the Plan for Growth team has done in being open to God's direction. It would have been easier to just think inside the box, but encouraging us to think about how much we are trying to reach others for Christ, and whether or not we are willing to go to those who do not have a church in their midst, is an extremely valuable part that the Plan for Growth team has taken, regardless of the outcome of this discernment process. Thank you to the Plan for Growth team members for doing the groundwork to start this process, and for seeking after God's will as you went through your own process to bring the proposal to us.
To lay our cards on the
To lay our cards on the table, the Schultz family have been impressed (by the Spirit, we believe, we hope) to reach out to the oppressed and orphans in our community; giving of our time and money to places like the TIMES Center, Crisis Pregnancy and A Woman's Place. Our goal is to use our resources to help others, to love others as God loved us, even if it seems hopeless given the sheer numbers of those who need help. Know that even in this, we are struggling, we are challenged, and we ask God to straighten our walk.
I say this not because we wish to be proud, but rather, in the spirit of the call to discernment, say that we feel this is where God is calling us. Perhaps we are wrong, perhaps our sinful selves are causing static to the spiritual radio signals. Also, it is not my desire to cast judgement on others - perhaps God is calling some to expand the programs, the structure, the meeting place of those who attend TCBC in an effort to "reach more people in more places". I can tell you what I think, but not here in this medium.
I pray against the Spirit of Division. I pray that God use this potentially contentious issue to unite us, to draw us closer to Him, and as Scott Althaus has said, to "[seek] wisdom through humility and faith that reveals how to act on what has been discerned".
A strong "amen!" to your last
A strong "amen!" to your last paragraph, Charles! I am convinced that what God is doing as we consider potential plans for growth is as much about the process as it is about any final decisions we reach. The process has great potential to draw us closer to God and to one another. In fact, there is no need for this to be a "contentious issue" because it's all about growth in sharing God's heart. We know that God cares deeply about those who don't yet know Christ and who are currently outside of the church. We know that God cares deeply about the oppressed and the orphans, desiring that they experience hope in Christ as we demonstrate his love and compassion with ministry that addresses their physical needs and points them to Jesus. I'm excited about how these "plan for growth" conversations can cause us to examine the degree to which we as individuals and as a church together share God's heart. I know I'm being personally challenged in this! As we pay attention to what God's Spirit is doing in our midst, the process will result in a deeper unity around a desire to increasingly share God's heart. This will grow us as a church as much as the actual plans that are made as a result of the process.
I both agree and disagree.
I both agree and disagree. *grin* I also am excited about these conversations for the exact same reasons. Yet I am quite comfortable calling them contentious, and I do not have a problem with that. There is absolutely no reason why every single member (member of the Body of Christ) has to agree 100% on every single little thing - in fact, from what little experience I have, it seems that it is completely natural and healthy for there to be differences of opinion. It seems that the more we take on the harder, messier issues of life (which become obvious by the friction and sparks they generate), the better we allow ourselves to be confronted with our own, mundane decrepit nature and the awesome power of God's amazing work to salvage, restore and purify us. Not that this is easy by any means, nor does it happen overnight.
I am struck by the triune nature of the Almighty - three members united in one purpose with one mind, yet each distinct and serving different functions to accomplish that goal. With all the images of the modern-day church being the Body of Christ (not to mention the triune nature within each of us, the picture of Living Stones that comprise the "building" of the church, the members having many but different functions, the Bride and the Groom), one cannot help but to have the very concrete picture that God designed things this way.
So, ultimately, it seems like this focus on discernment is really an ongoing process (or should be *smile*) to figure out what God wants, what His Purpose and His Goal is.
First I should say I am
First I should say I am not expressing an opinion for or against the multi site option that has been discussed. My desire is to focus on Christ, recognizing Him as the Head of the Body, and seeking to know His will. I think this process of discernment is what Christ would have intended for us in seeking to know His will through prayer. Some of the words I heard during the sunday morning prayer time were "unity", "community", "patience", and "faith". All words that have meaning and significance for the church.
True unity is something that can only be achieved in the Spirit. Complete unity is possible and necessary when seeking to know His will for us. Members of the Body share One Spirit and the Spirit will not contradict itself. Christ will be faithful to reveal His will to us as we seek to understand His plans through prayer and the study of the Word. If we don't have unity in the Spirit how can we be sure this plan for growth is a clear directive from Christ? I am not sure that a majority or even a 90% vote is necessarily a clear directive. If we move forward without a clear directive then we have usurped Christ as the head of His Church. Our plans would not necessarily be doomed to failure, as Christ could allow us to have a measure of success, but it would lack the power that only can come from Him.
I would suggest that this process of discernment continue until we have unity in the Spirit and can confidently say Christ has revealed His will to all of us and not just a few. All members of the Body are equally important and each member has a responsibility in seeking to know His will through prayer and the study of His Word. If this process continues I would encorage all to participate. It may take another 30, 60, or 90 days, or even longer for Christ to reveal His will to us. It would take much patience and even greater faith but we would be rewarded in the end. As Shannon stated last sunday we are compelled to act out of obedience and how much more influence would we have if Christ is directing the parts.
Curious, what's the scoop?
Curious, what's the scoop? =) I heard through the grapevine that the "vote passed", but I also know it was not unanimous.
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