Boy, we church folks break up badly, don’t we? I have some friends who recently left their denomination to start a new church. They’ve been faithfully serving for 10+ years as church staff and giving it their all. The only reason they left to start something new was because their denominational structure would not allow them to start a new work in an area with a higher population of the demographic their ministry style is most likely to reach. Why? Because that’s somebody’s else’s turf. Yep. Another church of the same denomination, who, by the way, probably hasn’t had 5 people come to Christ in the last 10 years, is already in that area. So, because you have a decades-old church with less than 100 in attendance, they are not allowed by their denomination to go and exercise their call and talents to potentially reach thousands, which the existing church has clearly demonstrated aren’t worth their time.
Why do districts and “turf” defined by humans outweigh reaching people with the news of what God’s done through Christ? It’s so sad that it happens. It literally happens every day in church world. Someone called and equipped to introduce people to God isn’t allowed to because they won’t “play ball”, pay their dues (literally) and pander to the insider Christians. Even worse, is the venom that is churned up when the pioneer says, “I’m sorry. I have to go because God has called me to reach people.” Personal attacks, slander, lies and conjecture are stirred up. No mention of the dutiful service that’s been put in for years simply to help people meet God. Nope. Suddenly, this person is clearly not as “holy and God-fearing as we are”. Could it be that their very fear of ignoring His call to go compels them to? Do we, as the “professional Christians” really want to stand in the way of that?
I sure don’t. I don’t think there’s scarcity at all in God’s kingdom. New leaders, new works, new resources - I can’t imagine the joy God gets in providing those. I am so thankful for the early century church splits and plants that resulted in me getting to hear the Good News a hemisphere away from where it all began. Thanks to you church leaders who have that Kingdom-mindset and know that God is constantly re-inventing, birthing new visions, and calling people to go. If you’re in the other boat and resisting a new work, what are you afraid of?
Hi, I'm Scott and this is my bio attempt. God has a sense of humor... I work at a church. That's not the path I figured coming out of grad school, but when He called, thankfully I didn't try to win a battle of merits between my plan and His. So, how'd that play out? Well, in 2001 I left commercial real estate and went on staff at North Point Community Church in Alpharetta, GA. This place captured my heart the first time I walked in the doors. God, thanks for letting me do this for as long as you let me do it!
Good Post. I agree that we shouldn’t let turf wars or our own thinking stand in the way of Gods work through others. We do need systems for organization and optimization but we need to be flexible because we have the responsibility to put Gods direction above our systems.
You’re right Jamie. We have to play our part to be organized and prepared, but I love the good examples we’ve been able to see when folks have been called to a new thing and the response has been, “How can we help?”. That’s believing in a God who’s big, generous and capable beyond our imagination. Enjoyed your blog too.
tank -
GREAT post! you write like you talk…and that’s a good thing! God’s given you tremendous wisdom and i’m glad you’re sharing it in the blogosphere.
for whatever it’s worth, my respect for north point has always been high. it got a lot higher during the 20 months or so that we partnered together. but, it has skyrocketed in the 3 months after our move into this new season of God’s work in our lives. you guys have been incredible and it only serves to reveal the kingdom-heart that exists at npmi. it exists because of kingdom-leadership and people like you.
It’s worth a lot Jay! Want to be sure we’re walking the talk. I’m excited about the wins ahead for you and your desire to help people see Him for who He really is. Keep me up to date on the Columbia efforts.
Tank, I experienced what you wrote about first hand for years having served as a pastor in a denomination that got upset with me going to help plant a church in one of their church’s “backyard”. We don’t want their members. There are over a million people in our city and not even 500K attend church. I think there is room for an environment that is conducive to leading people into a growing relationship with Jesus. The whole turf war is sad.
Hey Tank,
As a part of the church community you are speaking of, just wanted to say a great big “Thank you” publicly for the support and love that you and the North Point people have shown us over the last months and years. You know I’ve said it before, but I am so excited to be partnered with an amazing group of people who want to honestly seek God and help people into a growing relationship with Jesus, and who are able to offer amazing support along the way.
Great blog, and I look forward to reading more! Talk to you soon.
Surprised? Great blog! We have a pastor at a near by church that resigned and has started a small church called “Overflow” here in town. He is ministering to people who would never step foot in a traditional church. Our church is helping him with $, supplies, physical labor, and of course, with us being Southern Baptist, cooking food and taking it for them to have their own “dinner on the grounds” He sings with a Christian rock band and plays the drums also. Keep up the good work! Love L