What’s an old timer like me, (Bob Evans) a pastor of an established church (comin’ up on our 125 year anniversary) doin’ hangin’ out with a bunch of young gun church planters on a site like this? A couple good reasons (maybe 3) come to mind.
- I really like these guys. I like spending time with them. Church planters typically (read guys like Mark and Jeff) model a kind of whole-hearted commitment to the mission of Jesus that both refreshes and challenges my soul. I need that refreshment and I need the challenge as well. It stimulates me and encourages me to dream big dreams and attempt great things for God.
- These guys are doin’ powerful kingdom work and they need and deserve our (existing church pastors) support. They are reaching souls and seeing lives transformed by the power of God. This is what we’ve always wanted and prayed for in our communities! We all know the difficult work of revitalization takes a long time (I’ve been working here in Brainerd for 12 years and we’re just beginning to find our way back to life). While we labor to gently reconfigure our existing ministries toward fruitfulness and effectiveness lots of people are being born and lots of people are dying without Christ. Church planting works! Hallelujah!
- I forgot the third reason…Oh yeah…Mark asked me to contribute to this site. That’s important because he has repeatedly told me that our relationship (we’re friends) has been a significant factor in getting his church off to a successful start in this town and that makes me happy. We both think that our relationship makes God happy too. We want every church planter to find a friend in the Pastor’s Study at the local existing church. That would mean a whole lot of happiness, eh?
