We are about to embark on the greatest journey – the journey of being Transformed by God. Transformation is something that only God can do, but it takes our surrender to Him. It is an amazing thing to place your all into God’s hands. I feel as though the past eight years of ministry at Maranatha Christian Fellowship have been preparing us for this moment – the moment to surrender all for His purpose.
On November 12th the Leaders of Maranatha met to hear about where God is leading Maranatha Christian Fellowship and to share their thoughts and feelings. It was an incredible time of hope, inspiration, and prayer. God is doing a new thing in us and these changes need to be internal as well as external. The external changes are a change of name. Maranatha will become “The Dwelling Place Community Church”. Ephesians 2:22 “Being built together into a dwelling of God in the Spirit.” This name speaks to the dwelling we are to be for God’s Spirit and to the dwelling place we are to be for people who are not walking with God.
We also need to align everything we are doing with the vision and mission God gives us. Presently our location will not accommodate the vision we see for The Dwelling Place. We will be exploring a new location and potential selling of our present property. This would allow us to operate debt free. Our Mission has to be more focused on people who are not walking with God. We need to refocus the things we do to reach them. We have to make disciples and followers of Jesus.
On November 19th and 20th the majority of our present church attenders came together to hear what had been discusses by our Pastors and Leaders. This was an awesome time. There seemed to be excitement by everyone over the plans, both the older Adults as well as the young and College age. A great since of confirmation, peace and unity fell on us as we prayed at our Monday night meeting. There was also a feeling of old things being broken off and a release of God’s purpose. It was said that we could be 80 church attenders or 80 church planters. I like the sound of the latter.
The most exciting thing to me as a Pastor right now is the excitement about each of us embracing the changes God wants to do in us individually. Personal Change. Christlikeness. Passion for Jesus. Love for each other. Desire to share with unbelievers the transforming life of Jesus.
Inspired vision…..Godspeed…..Bless you John and thanks to your congregation for the kind and welcoming Spirit.