Mission Possible
As I neared the finish of this book, I received an email from a lady who had been attending our church for some time. It’s not uncommon for me to receive a note from someone expressing appreciation for something they have experienced through our ministry. But, this letter was particularly gratifying. As you read it, consider how this family has “walked” the spiritual pathway over a year:
Dear Pastor David,
I wanted to write to you to show my appreciation and how blessed my family is to have found Central Bible Church. My husband, Kyle, and I, along with our 2 year-old son, starting attending Central Bible Church in February 2015 and could not believe how easy it was to connect in our new church. My husband and I grew up with different church backgrounds: He grew up in a traditional small-town Church of Christ and I grew up in a home where we didn’t go to church and only knew about Jesus from sporadically attending church with friends. I didn’t think we would find a church that would meet what we were both needed. After visiting several different churches in the area, it only took one visit to know that Central Bible Church was perfect for us.
We joined a Sunday morning Community Group Bible Study where we were welcomed with open arms to an amazing group of people. When we learned about evening Home Groups, we didn’t think we would be able to find a group that had the same crazy schedule as we did, was in our region of the city and that could meet on weekends. God answered our prayers with a couple who invited us to their Home Group not far from where we lived that met on Sunday nights. I joined the “Bible in a Year” Bible Study and, even though I started six months late, I was welcomed like a longtime friend. The women in my group were so open and guided me with my daily reading and helped me understand God's Word. I can now say I have read half of the Bible! Some may not think of it as a great accomplishment, but to me it was something I never imagined I could do. God showed me I had the patience and commitment to read His Word and I have continued reading the "first half" of my Bible and determined to finish the rest. Kyle joined the "A Man and His Design" Bible Study and was so encouraged by the message it brought.
God has blessed us in so many ways since we have joined the church. We have met many amazing people who are now close friends. One of those friends encouraged me to get baptized at the church baptism service in October. This was something I had struggled with for years since becoming a Christian in high school. I frequently felt like I was missing something, but wasn’t sure what I should do. The whole month of October, I felt God telling me to do it and I am so glad I listened to Him and to my friend. My relationship with God this year has been the best it’s ever been and I hope as my family and I continue to grow our relationship with God, it will be at Central Bible Church.
With all of the blessing God has given us this year, we were able to give back more than ever. God gave us the opportunity to bless others by sponsoring a Compassion International child, filling shoeboxes for Samaritan’s Purse’s Operation Christmas Child and adopting a child from the Angel Tree at Christmas. Last year, we struggled financially and we expected this year would be the same. But at every struggle, God was there. Even last night, my husband said that God truly carried us financially this year.
This year has been one of the greatest years for my family. I thank God every day for guiding us to our church. I thank you and your staff for creating a church environment that spreads God’s Word the way He intended and is so giving to communities no matter how far away they are. I look forward for the year 2016 and what God has in store for both my family and Central Bible Church.
Blessings,
Amanda Bray
Hopefully, you were able to follow Amanda’s journey as she and her family followed the spiritual pathway plotted for her through the ministries of our church. First, she was able to connect with others in meaningful relationships found in our Community Groups and Home Groups (BELONG). They discovered friends which whom they could do life together.
Next, Amanda and Kyle began to enjoy life transformation (BECOME) through Bible studies, among many things. Their hearts and minds and lives were changed as they studied God’s Word. As Amanda grew in her personal love for the Lord, she was finally led to be obedient in baptism.
Finally, the Brays learned to go BEYOND. They surrendered their financial offerings to the Lord and got personally involved in sponsoring an impoverished child somewhere in the world and providing Christmas gifts for local children in need. Even better, they are looking for more in the year ahead.
This is just one example of how the spiritual pathway looks in real life. Each person’s journey will be as unique as they are. But, each journey will find expressions of connection, transformation and mission.
Finish the Race
A story of remarkable resolve unfolded in the 1968 Olympics in Mexico City. Tanzanian runner, John Stephen Akhwari, was almost halfway through the marathon race when his body began to cramp up. Pressing on, he jockeyed for course position and was hit, tumbling to the track and dislocating his knee. But the runner wouldn’t quit. As the sun set in Mexico and spectators left the stadium, Akhwari crossed the finish line in last place, a full hour behind the Ethiopian winner. As he finished, a cheer rose from the small crowd and television reporters gathered around the African, wondering why he persevered when there was no hope of winning. Akhwari’s response was unforgettable: “My country did not send me 5,000 miles to start the race; they sent me 5,000 miles to finish the race."
As a Christian, my goal is to finish the calling God has on my life. I am inspired by the Apostle Paul who, on his third missionary journey, was in a hurry to reach Jerusalem. He knew that there would be obstacles and distractions that would get in the way of his mission. But, he was undeterred in reaching the goal. He states, However, I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the gospel of God’s grace Acts 20:24). He knew that God had not sent him to start, but to finish the race.
Paul’s “mission statement” in this verse highlights several characteristics of a missional disciple that keep them running the race. First, missional disciples are surrendered to God’s purposes. They consider their own life “worth nothing” to themselves. In Philippians 3:7, Paul wrote, “But, whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ.” He had surrendered himself fully to Jesus and His plans. A missional disciple is God-centered, not self-centered. They are everasking, “What is the Lord’s will?” and “Will God be glorified in my decision?” Unlike the leader who is constantly trying to save their life, build their ministry, or magnify their reputation, the missional disciple is most fulfilled in giving their life away. In them, the words of Jesus prove true: “For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it” (Matthew 16:25).
Second, missional disciples are single-minded in God’s calling. They are eager to “finish the race and complete the task” they have been given. I ran a half-marathon several years ago through the city streets of Dallas, Texas. Along the race route, I passed coffee shops and water stations, both offering something for my thirst. But, only the water stations set up by the event organizers served the purpose of keeping me running. If I had stopped at a coffee shop, I would have become distracted from finishing the race.
Everything a disciple encounters in life is either moving them further down the track or getting them sidetracked from their goal. This includes the books they read, the way they spend their free time, the relationships they cultivate, the responsibilities they assume and the things they buy. Everything either helps them reach their destination of serving God or becomes a distraction to that end.
Amy Carmichael was a missionary to India for 55 years. Her work among young girls forced into Hindu temple prostitution is immeasurable. When she considered the possibility of retiring, she wrote, “The vows of God are upon me. I may not stay to play with shadows or pluck earthly flowers, till my work I have done and rendered up account." She believed that she should never detour from the race she was running until she crossed the finish line.
Finally, missional disciples are moved by grace. Paul knew firsthand the impact of God’s grace upon his life and he wished to share “amazing grace” with others. The ministry leader isn’t compelled by duty or personal ambition. Having experienced God’s grace personally, they wish for others to encounter the kindness of God which forgives and sets people free.
So, my friends, continue to return to God’s overflowing well of grace. Recall who you were and who you are, all because of grace. Remember God’s calling on your life—not because you were exceptionally qualified, but because our exceptional God uses flawed servants. Rejoice that your significance isn’t based on any success you manage in ministry, but based on Jesus’ completed work on your behalf. And, reflect on the possibility that the same grace that changed you can change anyone else in your world. May grace inspire your heart and motivate you to finish the race God has given to you!