Homecoming Challenge

Yesterday Joanna and I made our much anticipated return to First Woodstock. To avoid being dishonest I will admit it was very emotional and difficult for me. I deeply love and miss both Pastor Johnny and our First Woodstock family and yesterday reminded me of how special that place is for us. At the lowest point in our life God used this church to help restore my walk with Christ, my marriage, and my ministry. They radiate the love of Christ and in my opinion it is the most God glorifying, Jesus loving, obedient church around and lead by one of the top two most spiritual men I know (the other dude is my father-in-law. Les, proves that you don't have to be pastor of a mega-church to seek excellence and live in total obedience to Christ).

The Challenge
Anyway, yesterday was great and our homecoming was not just emotional and encouraging it was CHALLENGING! In the context of quoting a church planter's statement about church planting being all about location amongst a demographic composed of affluent urban people Pastor Johnny offered this word that I have been dealing with for some time.

Am I willing to go anywhere in the ministry, serve anywhere God wants, live obediently regardless of the location and trust in God's provision and grace?

My answer to that question broke my heart. The reality is I have made statements in recent days about not being open to a certain church plant because of its location. God forgive me for this and may You work a new my life and give me a spirit of obedience and trust in your full provision and sovereignty.

Where are you?
Now, to wrap this up I want to say two things. First, I'm not leaving Grace. God has placed Joanna and I there and we are extremely happy and grateful that God has placed us there. I love my job more than any job I have ever had. I love the people, I love the staff, I love the students! Contrary to many assumptions we ARE HERE TO STAY until God moves us. Secondly, I want to pass this challenge on. Where do you stand? Are you willing to go anywhere, do anything, give up anything in order to glorify God in your obedience?