When we began to consider taking the Campus Pastor role for Bay West Church, going on 2 years ago, God really began to speak to me about some things. I became very disinterested in just being "another church" in a city. That's not a problem really, because every church needs to be who they are and what they are and collectively, the Lord works through His body (or bodies, if you think local churches). I'm cool with that, but for some reason, I became disinterested in it. Through the time, I felt that we at least needed to think on a little bit larger scale.
I shared with our Community Impact Team my vision for us in Palm Bay. How can we effect the city? What goodness can we bring to it? I believe that we've got to think a little larger than the boundaries of our meeting place. Then, as we discover this, how do we make unapologetically clear, without bragging or arrogance, that Christ is the reason for whatever the goodness is. Because He loves us, in gratitude to Him, we try to make Palm Bay a better place...securing more opportunities to point to His greatness.
I began to think...does this mean that we partner with civic organizations? Does this mean that we randomly give out kindness in small acts? Does this mean that we tackle a need and see if we can make a dent in it? Do we try to join with those who are looking to unite the church of God in a more citywide sense and really try to take on some of the problems in Palm Bay? Do we invest in other churches and church/campus starts? I believe the answer may be "yes" to all of them...but we must approach our opportunities with wisdom. I personally believe that if we lift up the name of Christ, He will draw all men to Him...in doing so, I don't think we'll have to "do a sales job", per se at all. It's also NOT about Bay West. We could flourish or fade, but our focus must remain constant. Our existence in not paramount, but our obedience is.
I heard a quote from Charles Stanley once that was particularly thought provoking. He was in a particular situation and was asked if he thought he'd "win". His response was something like this: If I win, I win. If I lose, I win. I'm just supposed to trust God to follow Him with my actions and trust Him for the outcome. As we look ahead, I'm trying to be as open to the Lord about what we need to do...I am very sensitive about saying things like "surely the Lord wouldn't have us..." because those statements are often made to find a reason to escape doing something that is too hard.
Personally, I believe in the power of Christ to change a heart, a city, a county, a state, a country and a world... I'd like to be a part of that...starting here in Palm Bay.
Please pray for our leadership here that as we look to find what God would have us do to follow Him. Whether we last 3 years or 30 years or 300 years, the direction that I feel the Lord leading is toward one that will make a lasting difference. Those directions usually lead to the necessary places, but the sobering part is found in realizing that the necessary places are not always the most risk-free places or the easiest or the most well-travelled ones. be ready.
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