St. Patrick: The Church Planter

Before St. Patrick’s Day was about drinking green beer and brawling Irishmen it was in celebration for a pioneer of the Christian faith. I have come to appreciate St. Patrick because of the book that my team and I have read, George Hunter’s Celtic Way of Evangelism. Patrick grew up in what is now northeast England in the late fourth/early fifth century. When Patrick was 16 he was taken into slavery. However while in slavery he became a devout Christian who reached his captors. After his traumatic experience Patrick trained for the priesthood. England became the setting were he served the parish faithfully for many years. One night, Patrick experienced a dream that would change his life. At age forty-eight Patrick interpreted his dream as a calling to spread the Gospel to the Celtic peoples of Ireland. Pope Celestine commissioned Patrick as history’s first missionary bishop. In 432 A.D. tradition tells us he arrived in Ireland with an entourage of Christian workers to help him in this task. What was the big deal about Irish Celtics? Well the biggest obstacle was the way they were perceived. They were thought of as “barbarians.” The issue for many was it is impossible to “civilize” a people such as the Irish Celtics. However Patrick didn’t look to evangelize a people simply to civilize them. Prior to Patrick the Church viewed these Celtic peoples as impossible to reach. The reason why Romans thought of the Celtic peoples as “barbarians” was because they thought highly of themselves. Anybody who wasn’t Roman was considered a “barbarian!” History tells us that 700 churches were planted from Patrick’s mission, and he ordained 1000 priests.

I believe today Christianity is a hard “sale” to somebody who thinks they have it all. It is difficult for people to find a true faith in a nation that is plenteous with all sorts of resources. Despite the difficulty we must trust that God is working in the hearts and lives of his people before we even arrive on the scene. Just because the task is difficult doesn’t mean we should stop trying to do the very thing Jesus called us to do. My verse as of late has been Joshua 1:9, “This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” If we trust that God is with us and goes before us then we must not view reaching certain people as impossible. I ask myself, “has anybody ever given up on me?” I have come to the realization that we can’t give up on others because we might not be able to see the work God is doing in a person.

A Congregation Reproducing Congregations

Yesterday was one of the best days I have experienced in a long time. My boy Ryan Standish, a guy from our church plant was baptized and made a commitment to follow Jesus. Later on that evening Ryan Ellis, Ryan Standish, Andrew Scholemer and myself hooked up with another crew in Cincy. We went to experience the 14 stations of the Cross but with a more artsy feel behind it. It was a powerful experience for all of us. Ryan Ellis admitted that he did not know what exactly to expect. As we were driving back to Kentucky we decided to grab a bite to eat. So as we were sitting at Subway I looked at the three guys and told them that I will pray all three would plant churches that would plant churches. They were excited at the possibilities that God could bring to us. At every meeting and gathering we have for the church plant I want to emphasis that we are a congregation that will reproduce congregations all over the state of KY, the whole U.S., and around the world. I am not merely content with having a large church but having one that is willing to send people out to start over and expand the Kingdom of God.

Don't be surprised when prayer works!

Probably six months ago a few of us were praying for some needs with the church plant.  One of the particular needs is for a youth leader who knows how to skateboard.  The prayer maybe answered.  My friend has put me in touch with a skate boarding pro who attends Asbury College.  We are going to talk about him putting on clinics at the park.  It amazing how things are coming together.  Please pray for a possible launch service in early October!

Not So Small World

I met Ralph over a year ago at the Bluegrass Festival that we had at The Rock. We hit it off immediately. We lost touch for a while until I saw him at Woodland Park a few weeks ago. I got his number and invited him to the community dinners. Ralph could not make it to the dinners because of the bad weather we have been getting. Yesterday Aaron called me to go pick up the boys from school because he was running behind in Cincinnati. I am always thrilled to hang out with the “little men” because they are off the hook. When I went to pick John and Joe up I was greeted by Ralph who was picking up his niece and nephew from Arlington school. We were able to connect and plan a time to get together for lunch.

One Big Party

Ryan Standish (vesailles) told me that I reminded him of a friend. I asked him who I reminded him off and he said his friend Duke who use to throw three day rave parties.  I asked him why and he said it is because I throw parties (he's talking about Friday night dinners) and care about him. I think Jesus and the disciples were associated with throwing parties because wherever they went was fun times.

Ryan is one of the three people that was convinced I was an undercover cop.  He is stinkin hilarious.

Following His Steps

I have always enjoyed praying while on long car rides.  It's something I actually look forward to.  Prior to praying I listen to my NLT on CD.  I was praying about this weekend but then was prompted to pray for the rest of my day today.  Shortly after praying I received a phone call from a guy I met in the gym over a year ago.  Muhammad and I talked about getting coffee together but I had failed to hear back from him after I tried calling a few times a couple of weeks ago.  Out of the blue he decided to call me.  We are having coffee tomorrow morning and I ask that you all would keep us in your prayers.

I got a late start in the gym this evening.  I hate lifting at night because Ryan and I have gotten so use to training in the mornings.  As I was finishing up my leg workout I struck up a conversation with a young African American man by the name of Rob.  I told Rob I was starting a church.  He thought that it was pretty cool.  I asked him if he attended anywhere regularly but said he did not.  For some reason I told him I was training for a bodybuilding show.  Come to find out he is very interested in getting involved with the sport.  I told him that I could give him some pointers to get started since I am a beginner myself.  Rob was excited and gave me his phone number.  I love meeting people in the gym!  When I tell them I'm a pastor they think I'm not telling the truth.  In fact I have had to convince a few new friends that I was not an undercover cop as they suspectedJ

This evening I was taking Rocky out to the bathroom when my neighbor asked me what breed he was.  I told her Rocky was a boxer and that he loves people…all people even if they don't like him.  Anyway as she was petting him I told her about the community dinners at my house.  She thought it was a good idea and said that she would have to stop by sometime but for the next couple of weeks she was going to New York.  I told her that I was from New York and she was surprised.  It turns out she use to live a few hours from me in Western New York. 

Shawn Received Christ!

Today after prayer service I rolled with Lacy to Common Grounds and we were planning on going to the park to do some tag team evangelism.  Lacy said she wanted to tag along with me on days she has off which will work out better in reaching out to girls.  Anyway I got a phone call from Shawn saying how he couldn't meet tomorrow but that he could meet today.  So Lacy and I met him up at Starbucks.  I told lacy at Common Grounds that today was going to be the day that Shawn would accept Jesus.  We get to Starbucks and Shawn begins to tell about the changes he wants to make in his life.  After a few minutes I asked Shawn if he was ready to accept Jesus.  Shawn said, "I am ready to do that, I have been ready for a while to make changes in my life.  I want to be an example for my wife and kids."  I asked Shawn if he wanted to pray outside the Starbucks parking lot.  He enthusiastically said yes!  There we were in the Starbucks parking lot and Shawn asked Jesus to come into his heart.  I will be meeting with Shawn on a weekly basis to do a bible study in his home.  Please pray for more conversions and people that would be willing to disciple others. Thanks be to God!