By Shannon Caughey

As a church family, we’re having good discussions about a potential Scott Park site. Legitimate questions are being asked. I appreciate the thoughtfulness with which people are approaching this decision. We’re doing exactly what we need to be doing: exploring this openly and honestly, and seeking God’s direction together.

Some themes continue to emerge in the discussions. Concern is expressed about whether it’s wise to take on the financial cost of pursuing a second site. Should we not instead focus on meeting the financial obligations of maintaining what we’re already doing? Also, some are asking whether we might put our current site at a disadvantage if we send out key leaders and a substantial group of people to a Scott Park site.

As I’ve reflected on these concerns, here’s what’s been on my heart: the way of Jesus’ kingdom.

In Jesus’ kingdom, abundance comes out of sacrifice. We receive the most when we give our very best. Security comes not as a result of holding tightly to what we have but rather being joyfully willing to give generously. Fullness of life comes when we surrender it all.

We see this again and again in Jesus’ teaching:

• “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will save it.” (Luke 9:23-24)
• “Any of you who does not give up everything he has cannot be my disciple.” (Luke 14:33)
•  “I tell you the truth, no one who has left home or wife or brothers or parents or children for the sake of the kingdom of God will fail to receive many times as much in this age and, in the age to come, eternal life.” (Luke 18:29-30)
• “I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds.” (John 12:24)

Paul, speaking about finances while giving a principle that applies more broadly, points to the way of Jesus’ kingdom:

• “Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.” (2 Cor. 9:6)

How then does this apply to our decisions about a potential second site? Could it be that if we were willing to give generously—even sacrificially—in an effort to reach people who don’t yet know Christ, we’d experience God’s provision in unexpected ways? Our natural inclination is to direct our financial and people resources inward when it feels like we’re facing scarcity. But the way of Jesus’ kingdom challenges us to do the exact opposite.

What are your thoughts on what it means to follow Jesus’ kingdom principles as we consider a Scott Park site?