Tim Keller, a theologian, author, and pastor of Redeemer
Presbyterian Church in New York City, New York, was once asked why there was a
need to plant more churches? His response was quite emphatic: Because most churches become relaxed
after reaching the 7-10 year mark.
When a person or organization becomes comfortable, the willingness to
“step out of the boat” becomes lessened.
The risk they once had has now all but disappeared. Stagnation rears it’s ugly head, and
growth doesn’t seem to be as important as it once was. Every church, organization, or mission
starts with humble beginnings. And
to survive, you are willing to risk most anything for the sake of the dream,
for the sake of the mission.
Failure isn’t an option.
Then a tipping point occurs, and either you sink or swim. Those that have had the fortune to swim
teach others to swim, and traction happens, which leads to excitement, which
leads to growth, which leads to assets.
Assets are a double-edged sword.
On one side, they are good, they are a sign of perseverance. But on the other side, they can be what
holds you back from all God wants you to become. Anyone that has experienced taking nothing to something
knows this all to well, but the majority of us choose not to admit it. We hold onto dear life the “child” God
granted us sometime back, and we are not willing to take any chances if losing
it! The second tipping point has
begun, and death will one day be the outcome. More churches are closing their doors now, than ever in
history. For the sake of Christ,
we need more planting.
But let’s not be to critical. Can’t the same be said regarding our own lives? We are born with dreams, and when we
are young, we’ll do most anything to live out those desires. Yet somewhere along the way, maybe it
was a father or mother, or close friend, that told you, (with well intentions)
“It’s time to grow up and take responsibility of your life.” They talked to you about topics like
retirement, family, and the countless challenges life will bring if you don’t follow
the proper steps, steps that provide security. Security isn’t a bad thing. Who doesn’t enjoy the comfort of a home, family, employment,
and a holiday thrown in every once in awhile. Good health is also a part of being secure. Here in Uganda security is something
one thinks about daily, especially in the nighttime hours! But if I spent every waking moment (or
sleeping) obsessed with security, God wouldn’t have birthed FNC Academy, at
least not through Wendy, myself and the countless souls who continue to make this
mission come to life daily. If
security was top priority, Abraham would have missed out on being the ultimate
father, Moses would have missed his burning bush moment, David would have
missed becoming King, Peter would have missed walking on water, and Jesus would
have missed out on becoming the savior of the world. God gives each of us moments. Some of us get stuck in them. Then there are those who grab them, and hold on for dear
life because God’s assignments are way bigger than they are. As of late, God has been challenging me
to continue to step out of the boat, to leave what has become “comfortable”,
and go where he has already gone, particularly in FNC’s area of growth.
FNC is celebrating 5 years, and the school has entered its’
fourth year. We now have the
awesome responsibility of 170 students and 32 staff. Space is becoming not just an issue it’s becoming a fact
that can’t be ignored. Lord knows
we have been through tough and gracious times. We’ve seen God work.
He’s moved mountains and He’s led us to still waters. Risk taking has been threaded through
our DNA. Mistakes have been made
and lessons learned; God continues to receive the glory. Here’s why…none of us were ever
equipped for this…none of us! Which
means only one thing, God has done it, not us and not you, just God. But in order for us to allow God to
continue to receive the glory, we have to continue to take risks. Otherwise, the glory begins to go to
our heads. God doesn’t bless
such.
The more I read about the
Hero’s of the Faith, the more I see a continuous death to self, and an ever
growing desire to become closer to the Messiah. For me, they’re not just Hero’s of the Faith, they’re more
like Faithful Hero’s. One may be
able to step out on faith once, but continuing to step out is an entirely
different matter. Perseverance is
a key element, no doubt…but being faithful, God fearing, ever loving, and
obedient children will produce fruit beyond our hearts’ desire. When God created me, when He created
you, he didn’t set up an assembly line.
We weren’t all made to be Maytag’s. He hand crafted each of us, like a one of a kind
painting. Each of us have been
given an assignment. At the
moment, God has placed me in the middle of Africa loving on a bunch of students
and leading out the best I know how.
It’s a humbling experience, and at the same time awesome. Humbling because I still have no idea
how we got here and awesome because I get to wake up each morning and literally
say, “OK God, you’ve got to take this one, cause I’m in no place to
handle.” Worry and the fear of
failure drives most people to do what they do, whether good or bad. From a guy who still has no idea what
he’s doing, failure has defined a lot of my life. Do I ever become concerned? Sure. Does it consume my thoughts? Not any more. After all, at the end of the day, God’s
got this thing. And the moment He
doesn’t, then I’ve certainly got some worrying to do.
