B E H I N D / T H E / B A R

This week as we’ve gathered to pray into the vision God is giving RiverChurch for our future, we have talked about the people / region to whom we’ve been called, and the message we are to take to them.   We’ve prayed into the efforts of moving the operations of our church into the heart of our city.  Our family is excited about our new opportunity to live in the heart of our city as well.  We’ve prayed into the specific location where God is leading us to, and we’ve prayed into the dreams He’s given us to accomplish in that location.  Last night we talked about how we would go to accomplish His call upon us as a congregation.  Here’s a little of what I shared with our people:

How Will We Go?

“Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil.” – Eccl. 4:9

“For where two or three are gathered in my name, there I am among them.” – Matt. 18:20

“After this the Lord appointed 72 others and sent them on ahead of him, two by two. . . ”  Luke 10:1

The Bible has a lot to say about groups of people.  Especially what can be accomplished when more than one person or entity come together to accomplish kingdom purposes.  I am convinced that we were never intended to do life alone.  From the beginning, God has said that it was not good for man to be alone.  That applies in so many areas of life.

In my time of ministry, I have seen my fair share of territorialism in the larger body of Christ.   This awkward competition far too often arises between co-laborers with one another, and far too often we seen other people in the similar ministry as us as threats to us, and the kingdoms we secretly hope to build.  I’m convinced that there really is no time for such elementary thinking within the body of Christ.  We must work together to advance His kingdom.  We cannot see a brother or sister as competition.  Jesus even said in Mark 9:40 “that the one who is not against us is for us.”

That’s why we are joining forces with other ministries that are kingdom minded, to advance the message of the faith, hope, and love that we have been commissioned to carry.  In the months and years ahead we look forward with great anticipation to working with organizations like Young Life Clubs, specifically Young Life College.  As we prepare to move into our new location downtown, we will be sharing ministry space with the Young Life College offices that will allow them to carry out their daily operations, but to also provide a place where they can host a weekly gathering for students at UTC.  Additionally, as future phases of ministry open for us, we will partner with organizations like Second Life Chattanooga, to fight human trafficking.  the Partnership for Families and Children, Mustard Tree Ministries, and others that God will show us.

Additionally, we are opening our doors on Saturday Nights for other churches, ministries and organizations to join us in reaching out in our community.  Whether it is through the ministry of music, sharing a meal with us on Saturday nights, or whatever way God shows us that we can partner, we will welcome the opportunity to work with others to spread the good news of the Gospel.  Look, we didn’t invent the Gospel, we’ve just been called to share it with the world.  We will not even pretend to think we can do any of this by ourselves.  So our hand is opened, and we believe God will bring like minded people to walk with us.

Prayer Points:

– That we can truly be an example of unity among believers in the Body of Christ in Chattanooga.

– For Young Life Clubs, Young Life College, and Second Life of Chattanooga that God will prosper these organizations to bring new life to people in their circles of influence.

– For other churches, and ministries to join us as we share this message of faith, hope and love.