Block Party
We just finished a tremendous weekend of ministry here in downtown Everett. We had a pastor from a potential partner church visit us from Texas, a college-age family member from Austin, and we got Ashleigh back, this time as Intern Ashleigh! She will be living with us through the summer and helping us to further God's kingdom here in Everett.
Our big focus of time and attention was advertising for and executing a block party right on my street. We were much more intentional about it than we were last August. This time we printed 500 door hangers and canvassed our neighborhood to advertise the event. Since we had extra help and a lot of kids, the task was pretty easy. Over two days we got all of them put on doors and waited for the event to come, not knowing if anyone would show up.
Intern Ashleigh with one of the boy's friends.
On Saturday at 5:00 after an hour and a half of exhausting setup, we were ready to go. Guests started to trickle in from all directions, and before long we had a ton of people on our street. We took advantage of it by asking them to fill out a survey regarding their opinions on what problems there are in our community and how a new church could help out. We also continually announced our coming events including our new Gathering which will happen next Saturday at 5:30.
Since we had enough help, Amanda and I and Steve and Janine got to spend time circulating and talking to people. We were really joyful to connect with people from all walks of life, most of whom are not currently connected to a church. They gave us their thoughts on what problems exist in north Everett, and a whole bunch of them expressed interest in coming to our Gathering next weekend. The recurring question we got was "do I have to dress up for this thing?" I love that question, and was quick to say that, no, they don't need to dress up. I'll be wearing jeans and a t-shirt. We're just going to learn about Jesus and try to do the things He commanded us to do.
This apparently is tradition now. The epic struggle of Paul vs. everyone else. Their goal: destruction.
We had neighbors who thanked us repeatedly for putting this on, but probably the thing that energized us the most was the number of people who want to attend and who want to help out! We had someone volunteer to play guitar during our Gathering if we just have sheet music available, and others have offered to help us out with Kid's Club. The survey results were really insightful too, as we had many great ideas on how to do ministry in this community which included outreach for families in poverty all the way to outreach for ex-convicts that are in the community. I think God really is stirring some hearts here!
When everything was cleaned up after the busy night, I was exhausted and overwhelmed by the grace of God. Finally I'm beginning to see a clearer picture of what He has brought us here to do. Finally things make a little bit of sense. I'm not certain that Purpose Church will stand the test of time, because many new churches do not. But what I do know is that we are exactly where the Father wants us to be for this season of life. And His expectation of me is simply to love Him and love people. He's not a taskmaster or a tough boss. He's the Father that loves me even when I stumble or doubt, and He will love me regardless of what happens with Purpose Church. In that I can rest.
What is your purpose?
If I were to ask you what your purpose in life is, what would you say?Would you tell me about your accomplishments, your goals, your dreams, or your plans? Would you tell me how you were born to lead people, or that you are born to serve others, or that you are born to have an impact.
On the surface these things all sound very positive and very good. But as with everything, when you look beneath the surface you see that all of these things are just a decoration painted on a tomb. You can spend your entire life serving others or leading or achieving much, and still lose your very soul.
I've been challenged over the last few weeks with this very question. We decided as a church to put the "what is your purpose?" question on t-shirts and wear them around town this summer. If I'm going to have the question on my shirt, I'd better have a pretty good answer prepared!
Jesus said his purpose was to give his sheep "a rich and satisfying life." (John 10:9-11) The purpose of Satan is to "kill and steal and destroy."
So after a lot of thought I finally came to it. I'm not here to plan a ton of events, preach the truth to thousands of people, or even to have the best family ever. I'm also not here to "save" thousands of people from their sins as they commit their lives to Jesus. Don't get me wrong: all of these things are important and good, but they aren't the reason God put me here on this earth. Not at all. It is the Holy Spirit's work to save souls, and you could argue it is His work in me to do the rest of the things in that list as well.
My purpose is simply to point to Jesus Christ in my words and in my actions. Everyday, and in every way, whether I am at work, at home, driving, preaching, talking to a friend, talking to an enemy, or conversing with my kids. That is the thing I'm here on earth to do.
What is your purpose?
