I can’t tell you how good it feels to be able to say that out loud. You see, there’s some history behind that announcement. I didn’t have that revelation last night.
God called me to plant a church in January of 2012.
So, what took so long? That’s the story I hope to unpack for the next several weeks. We have been on a long road that God has used to shape our family. The truth is that this decision has been years in the making. Looking back, we can see that God has been in the middle of every transition in our life, directing us toward this place of surrender. While we are sad to leave the wonderful people of Indian Springs, we couldn’t be more excited to pursue the call that God has placed on our life!
So why are we so certain of this call to plant a church?
1. We know that God called us. Although He didn’t speak in an audible voice, it was as clear as any voice I’ve heard before. The peace and excitement that flooded my heart in that moment were as undeniable as the call. I have no doubt that God has led us to this very moment for this very purpose!
2. We know that God is with us. Throughout the Bible, we see stories of God asking common, uneducated men (couldn’t be more accurate in this case) to “go.” He sent people to establish nations, to go to war, to preach to a nation, to walk around cities for 7 days, and to go to the Gentiles to preach the grace of God. In every situation, there was a level of discomfort involved. In Abraham’s case, for example, he didn’t know exactly where they would end up, but God asked Him to start moving before they knew every step. We feel that tension. But we know that God is with us. When God commissioned Joshua to take over for Moses, God made it clear that Joshua was to be strong and courageous, for the LORD was with him! If God is for us, who can be against us!
3. We know that God has equipped us and will continue to do so. When God calls you to do something, he promises to send you with His presence and His power. This is why we’re so confident in what He’s called us to do; because He isn’t going to leave us to our own devices. We believe that every good thing that happens as a result of this church will be due to our roots in our Heavenly Father! This is His work, not ours.
Having gone to college at Liberty University, I heard Jerry Falwell repeatedly ask the student body the following question:
“What would you do for God if you knew you wouldn’t fail?”
We know that God is sending us! Please don’t mistake my confidence in God for personal arrogance. I know that this task is impossible without God. It’s a darn good thing that nothing is impossible WITH God! He has already confirmed His call in us in many ways. Maybe the most exciting thing is that we’ve been able to share the vision of this church with a few people, and the response has been overwhelming! We already have people who want to partner with us to make the vision a reality! God is good!
So, we’re planting a church in Columbus, Ohio! Lord willing, we ship out this fall. We definitely hope you’ll pray for us as we are risking everything to follow God in this. We are confident that He will bring this work to fruition, and we know that He has not left us without a strong family of believers to have our backs!
Here we go!