The email below from Peg Batcheller illustrates prevenience - God motivating this woman to call Peg. This lady believed that if their house church "leader" left that the church could no longer function. (Sounds like traditional church thinking!) I love that Peg and Richard have been captured by a whole different way of thinking and are teaching it to many. The new paradigm is that every believer is truly a priest and that every household is a church. And, from those households, the Kingdom begins to flow into every neighborhood.
Way to go, Peg! We pray that the Lord will motivate many more calls just like this one.
Tell us your story of God taking the initiative.
John
I received a call from a woman who has been in a house church setting with a few others for the past few years. Their "leader" had to move out of town, so they were wondering if there were other HCs they could 'join' to continue receiving teaching. When I shared my heart about each household becoming a 'vital family of Jesus within close access of each neighborhood', she came alive again with a refreshed hope of revitalizing her group of friends. We'll be getting together soon, and I'm sure God will do a new and refreshing work in their circle of friends. Coincidentally, my ex-husband & I attended their house church gathering about 6 years ago, and she remembers me. It will be interesting to see how God has worked in my life over the years, and to see how God has been preparing them as well.
We are the middle of a big change from Guadalajara Mexico to rural Texas--at least short term. In this discussion on prevenience I sense God's reminder that this story is his...that he is unfolding it and that there are coworkers and friends waiting up ahead. My task is faithfulness in the now and attentiveness to notice where God is working as we arrive in Texas. Thanks for the encouraging stories.
ReplyDeleteChadd,
ReplyDeleteWe'll be praying for you and your family as you make the adjustment. It seems you have learned so much in hearing from the Lord, and that will help you tremendously. The cultural change will be a shift for you, for sure. Keep us informed of how you are doing.
Albuquerque or Clovis, NM, aren't that far away. Maybe we'll have a small regional get together once you get settled. We look forward to meeting you face to face sometime.
Blessings to you, brother.
Well done in encouraging her to persevere! Praying the God will use you to mentor/support/encourage her so she can flourish where she is!
ReplyDeleteWe had our MRT meeting last night. God has brought at our group together preveniently. It is so cool how he has connected all of us. 2 guys moved to our area to plant organic churches. Jim has been planting home churches in Killeen for years. I was a traditional church planter and feel led to plant organic missional communities. Gimel is a church planter in Copperas Cove. Lacey was a pastor and worship leader who feels called to join with us in planting. We are praying and listening as to what God has for us together. Keep us in your prayers and we will keep you posted about what God is up to in Central Texas
ReplyDeleteChadd, Your post made me think of Mt. 6:34 in The Message: "Give your entire attention to what God is doing right now, and don't get worked up about what may or may not happen tomorrow." This seems particularly relevant with all of the transitions you and your family are going through. Thanks for taking time to check in!
ReplyDeleteToday's post routed to this message box. I am impressed with Peg saying, ". . . I needed to respond, and to commit myself to working alongside him and others."
ReplyDeleteThat is a beautiful picture of God drawing us together for his kingdom purposes. I feel the same way Peg.