BLeach

Revolutionary Rabble

 

Preparing to move to Philly has inspired me to read more about the American Revolution and Continental Congress.  I'm finding a lot of parallels, and inspiration, for what God is calling our church planting team to accomplish in the place where freedom was born.

I'll continuing blogging about some of the stories, but one initial observation really stands out.  The revolutionaries who met in Philadelphia and led the Patriots were an unlikely group.

They were young.

• George Washington was 43
• John Hancock was 39
• John Adams was 40
• Thomas Jefferson was 32
• Nathaniel Greene was 33

They were rough.  In some of his private communications, Washington described the Continental Army as the "raw materials" for a real army.

They had few resources.  When Washington was appointed by the Continental Congress to lead the army, and found out how much gunpowder was available to his troops, he didn't speak a word for 30 minutes!

They were prone to self doubt.  Reflecting on his colleagues at Philadelphia, John Adams wrote in his diary, "I muse, I mope, I ruminate. We have not men fit for the times. We are deficient in genius, education, in travel, fortune--in everything. I feel unutterable anxiety."

Reminds me of another young, rough, under-resourced group of 12 disciples charged with the task of carrying the gospel message to the "ends of the earth."

What our founders did have however, was unwavering commitment to what they called, "the great cause."  They were courageous men who seized an opportunity.

In a few months another group of young leaders will make their way to Philadelphia. I won't presume to compare us with Washington and his men. But I do believe deeply in our even "greater cause." And I dream that God will enable us to set in motion a movement that will one day set thousands of people free.

The Year of Strong Foundations

Last January I started a new tradition of naming the upcoming year.  It's a prophetic activity that involves capturing the activity of God in my life and expressing it in a simple, memorable way.  It's a point of focus; a reference point to pray over and move toward as the year progresses.  Last year I felt God leading me to name 2009 the Year of Exceeding Joy.  It turned out to be an important confession for me on many levels.

After reflecting and praying over the activity of God in my heart the past few weeks, I've decided to name 2010 the Year of Strong Foundations.  

Leah and I are laying the foundation for our family.  This is our third year of marriage.  Gabby will turn one this year.  In addition, I'm working on the start of several things this year:

• The relocation of my family to Philadelphia
• A new church in Philly
• A new church planting network in Philly
• An urban based ministry training school
• Many new friendships and partnerships

I'll only be able to lay the foundation for my family and ministry once.  If it's done incorrectly, it will be painful and messy to deconstruct things later in order to fix a broken foundation.

Foundations are tricky because they're invisible.  It will be easy to observe the structure of our church as it eventually takes shape (testimonies, gatherings, outreaches, websites).  But it's the foundational elements (spiritual disciplines, values, character) that will determine the ultimate endurance and durability of life and ministry.

For me, this means I want to go deep inside my heart and prioritize the development of my inner life.  I want to focus personally on Bible study, meditation, prayer, fasting, and generosity.  I want to pastor my family and build a spiritual foundation in our home.  And I want to prioritize discipleship in our launch team as it forms.

Bottom line: This year I want to dig deep so that next year we can reach wide.

Some Recon Reflections

Just wrapped up a full day of exploring Philadelphia.  Exhausted and excited!  My mind is spinning, so maybe a few reflections will help me process some of it.

This week is the first time I've visited Philly with Leah.  Since she's much more intuitive than me, I couldn't wait to gauge her reactions to being in the city.  As we closed in on the skyline yesterday her heart skipped a beat.  I could actually see the energy in her face.  Of course, we've both felt a variety of emotions since then, but that first feeling gave us both a faith boost.

Every time I come to Philly I feel like I'm with the original 12 spies running recon in the Promised Land. The challenge is to keep our eyes on the size of the fruit instead of the size of the giants.  We're not ignoring the giants (cost, housing, crime, parking, education), we're just not obsessing over them or letting them dictate our outlook.  Instead, we're gripped by the size of the fruit; namely the hundreds of thousands of people who are ripe for a move of God.

Finally visited Pat's and Geno's.  I actually tried some of both.  I don't want to be stuck with this assessment forever, but here's my initial evaluation.  Pat's is the cheesesteak for me.

While Philly still feels far from home, Leah and I love the vibe.  The history, the brick roads, the old houses, the neighborhoods overflowing with character, they all cause us to look at each other and smile.  We get to live here!

We're realizing more and more the value of relationships.  Today we spent time with an incredible young family that moved to the city six months ago.  It felt great to connect with some new friends here in the city.

We want to honor the men and women of God who are giving their lives to advancing the Kingdom in Philadelphia.  Tonight we had dinner with a couple who are leading one of the oldest churches in the city. Really enjoyed hearing their story, asking questions, and realizing that God has been very active in this city for a long time.

God gave us a healthy dose of divine irony and made it really windy in Philly this week.  That should give you a good laugh if you've been following our story these past few months.  We've got the message!

I know these thoughts are raw.  Thanks for reading, caring, and hopefully praying.  It's always an adventure to follow the Holy Spirit! 

The Move Wore Her Out

The Week in Rewind

 

Today I'm enjoying the end of a busy week in which I found no time to blog.  But it was significant.  So just in case my grandkids ever wonder what I was doing the third week of January 2009, here's a quick review.

• Leah and I celebrated our 2nd wedding anniversary by packing our house and loading the U-haul. We kept smiling at each other throughout the day saying, "Happy Anniversary!"
• After 2 years of marriage, I can't express how grateful I am to be married to a woman with the courage to uproot our lives in obedience to God's call.
• The goodbyes this week were brutal.  It started on Sunday with a special farewell service and lunch at COTK, and ended Wednesday morning when we pulled the truck out of the driveway of my parent's house.  Really, really tough.
• On Wednesday afternoon we pulled into my in-law's house in Pittsburgh where we'll be living for the next four months on our way to live permanently in Philly.  I'll blog next week about our partnership with Allison Park Church in Pittsburgh.
• Spent Wednesday and Thursday unpacking.  I've never been more grateful for Leah's organizational streak!
• Yesterday we drove into DC to spend the weekend with Leah's sister and brother-in-law.
• Today we're headed to the capitol and then to National Community Church to attend their Saturday night service at Ebenezers.
• Tomorrow will be a very unusual Sunday for me.  A late brunch, and then the NFL conference championship games.  Gotta admit--I'm looking forward to it :)
• On Monday we're headed to Philly to spend a few more days praying, exploring, and learning more about the city.  It will be great to meet some more people and introduce Leah to some of the neighborhoods I explored in December.

Leadership Conviction::A Tribute to Martin Luther King

I've admired Martin Luther King ever since I read his story about five years ago.  Conviction is a rare trait in our poll-driven country.  But the kind of leadership that leaves a legacy doesn't depend on a majority vote.  It's driven by holy discontent, fueled by injustice, and steered by a vision of the day things change. 

Conviction starts with a dream, but it's proven by personal sacrifice.  That's probably why Dr. King accomplished more by dying than he did in living.  The bullet that stopped his heart launched his movement.

Nothing has more power to rally people around a cause than conviction.  People will hear it in their leader's words, but they'll catch it when their leader pays a price. 

I'm grateful for articulate leaders who can communicate important dreams.  I'm even more thankful for the courageous ones who still believe when they're done talking.

Just a Few Reminders

Therefore I intend always to remind you of these qualities, though you know them and are established in the truth that you have. I think it right, as long as I am in this body, to stir you up by way of reminder (2 Peter 1.12-13).

Peter wrote these words, from a Roman prison, just before his martyrdom that Jesus predicted years before. As he said goodbye to these disciples, and thought about the truths in which he longed for them to be established, he came to this realization. I don't really have anything new to say. The things that are paramount; the grand themes that are most important; I've already communicated them to you many times.

Yesterday I preached a farewell message to COTK. The title: Just a Few Reminders. As I was preparing the message, I pulled out my calculator and calendar to try and figure out how many sermons I've preached since starting our church. After counting Sunday morning services, plus the Sunday night and Wednesday night services we used to have, and then subtracting guest speakers, and adding in special events, I came up with a rough estimate of 806.

Then I started to read through my sermon file.

I've preached through a lot of topics: spiritual gifts, end times, depression, dreams, discouragement, disaster (9.11 and Katrina), conflict resolution, sex (especially during the series just before my wedding ):, prayer, dangerous prayers, fasting, Bible study, prejudice and racism, evangelism, singleness, decision making, spiritual growth, spiritual disciplines, busyness, sabbath, goal setting, giving and stewardship, family, marriage, dating, divorce, parenting, missions, worship, church planting, the Spirit-filled life, the voice of God, leadership, spiritual community and spiritual warfare.

I've preached through all of our major doctrines several times: the deity of Christ, the humanity of Christ, sin, salvation, the authority of Scripture, healing, communion and baptism, the nature of the church, the gifts of the Holy Spirit.

I've preached through the attitudes of victorious Christian living: faith, love, hope, and joy.

I've preached on the cross more times than I can count.

I've done sermons together with small group campaigns: 40 days of purpose, 40 days of passion, revelations, conversations with Jesus, Neos, I am Jonah, and Epic.

I've preached on a host of Bible characters: Gideon, Abraham, Daniel, Paul, Peter, Jonah, Joshua, Moses, Noah, Herod, Esther, Mary, Joseph (the father of Jesus), Joseph (the son of Jacob), angels, Gamaliel, Pilate, Deborah, Nebuchadnezzar, Abigail, Sarah, Hezekiah, Korah, Dathan, Abiram, David, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Esau, Adam, and Eve.

I've talked about Jesus a lot: His majesty! His exaltation! His humility! His sacrifice! His triumph! His second coming! His ongoing presence! His victory!

I've talked about His Father a lot: God as Father, God as Spirit, God as Son, the names of God, the attributes of God, the Triune God, the love of God, the discipline of God, the power of God, the presence of God.

I've preached things that should never have been said. Once I accidentally implied that my neighbor had spent time in my bedroom. Another time I preached an entire sermon on death while unknowingly referring to the grim REEFER. And then there was the message last year when I compared my wedding to a crucifixion.

Oops.

I've tried to illustrate the Scripture. I've carried around suitcases and carried around people. I've ripped my clothes, dressed in fatigues, and painted one of our interns. I even filled one sermon with country music songs to illustrate the parable of the prodigal son (don't ask):

I've preached through entire books: James, Hebrews, Philemon, Exodus, Acts, Ezekiel, Jonah, Song of Solomon, and Philippians.

And as I thought about sermon #807, I came to the same conclusion as Peter. I really don't have anything new to say.

So I decided to go out the same way I came in. I preached the five points that outlined our first five week sermon series. I preached the five points we cover in every membership class. I preached what has hopefully become the culture and DNA of our church. I preached the values that I hope our church recalls when they think of me.

• Prayer can do anything God can do (Prayer)!
• We exist for the welfare of our city (Outreach)!
• Jesus deserves center stage (Worship)!
• Discipleship is progress (Education)!
• The church should look like heaven (Reconciliation)!

Church of the King, I pray you continue to own these truths. Live them every week. And be the church Jesus called us to be!

The Church that Charged Hell with a 22 Year Old

This Sunday I'll preach my farewell message to COTK. It will mark the end of an incredible season. I moved back to Metro Detroit in 2001 as a 22 year old, single kid. Together with six friends from school we launched COTK. When I look back at the last decade, I'm humbled by what God let me be a part of.

Here are just a few of the things I feel very thankful for from my time at COTK.

Changed Lives: There's no other way to start this list. I thank God for every life that was changed by the gospel, through the ministry of COTK. One of the pictures I'll be taking with me is a stunning piece of graphic art designed by one of the new believers I had the privilege of baptizing in water. He designed it shortly after committing to Christ, and included my silhouette against the backdrop of three crosses on the side of our church building. To me it represents God's grace that allows me to serve the Church.

Kingdom Alliances: We've had the privilege of partnering with dozens of great churches and organizations to serve Metro Detroit. I'm grateful for the friendships and opportunities to work together. Additionally, we've been blessed by dozens of churches who supported us with finances and prayer as we established COTK. So thankful for them.

Community Impact: I appreciate the opportunities we've had to influence and serve our community through relationships and events. I look forward to seeing this continue to compound for COTK in the next few years.

Diversity: Since our first core group meetings in 2000, we've prayed, longed, and worked toward the vision of developing a blended church in Metro Detroit. I'm amazed at the different kinds of people that have experienced community at COTK. It's so appealing and attractive--and I love it!

The Oaks: We had the joy of sending The Oaks in the spring of 2006. So proud of Chris and Nicki Bradshaw, and all that their leaders have accomplished. Today The Oaks continues to make a significant impact in one of the most unique mission fields in our city.

Resurrection and Life: That same year we were able to partner with a new church plant for West African Immigrants in our city. David Okai is one of my heroes! Resurrection and Life continues to impact West Africans all over Metro Detroit.

Setbacks: This might seem like an odd one to include on the list, and I probably wouldn't have included at the time of each setback. But with the benefit of hindsight, I'm thankful for every failed event, difficult conversation, tight financial month,  God used them to draw me to Himself, strengthen the resolve of our leaders, and build my emotional endurance.

Interns and Leaders: We've had about 30 interns since starting the church. Many of them are still involved in church plants today. It's terrific watching them grow, get married, plant churches, pursue their call and impact people.

A Staff of Life-LongFriends: For me, the icing on the cake has been experiencing all of this together with my best friends. In particular, I thank God for the Sullivans and the Galindos. Tal and Gwen have been with us since the beginning, and will do a great job leading the church forward. Eddie has been a friend since high school. So proud of the man of God he's become. JT and I have been ministering together since College. I'm truly grateful to say that our staff has been my closest friends.

Grace: I don't even know how to communicate how young and inexperienced I was when we started COTK. I counseled married couples without having a clue about marriage. I preached sermons that I don't even agree with anymore. But the people of COTK loved me, prayed for me, encouraged me, and jumped off cliffs with me.

Fortunately I met Leah three years ago and immediately became a better pastor! So glad that we got to experience COTK together the last few years.

It's all so much more than I deserve.

To all of you who have shared in this journey, from the bottom of my heart, Thank You!

How Philemon is Impacting my Preparations to Plant a Church

I've always loved Paul's short letter to Philemon. Today I heard a simple message from Byron Klaus that rekindled my appreciation for it.

The story of Philemon and Onesimus, his runaway slave, is one of the most powerful pictures of gospel transformation in the New Testament.

First, it speaks to the ability of the gospel to transform an individual. I don't know if there's a more vivid portrait of "personal salvation" anywhere then the before and after picture of Onesimus. The gospel changes him from useless to useful; from slave to brother.

Second, the story speaks to the ability of the gospel to transform social systems. In the first century, 1/3 of the Roman population were slaves. Slaves weren't even in a human category. They were considered property. Slave masters like Philemon would use them as assets to enrich their own lives. In regard to the dignity of the human being, slavery was diabolical. And Paul tells Philemon that the gospel moves a person from "piece of property" to "dignified brother." Amazing.

Sin strips dignity from people by causing them to embrace self destructive behavior. People hurt others and hurt themselves. And we'll encounter the examples of this as we make our home in Philadelphia. But the gospel changes things in concrete ways. People are changed by Jesus at a fundamental level. They live differently. They treat people differently. And places are changed as a result. 

Today, Philemon put two aspects of our church planting call back into perspective for me.

The Motive for Planting this Church: I want to see a community of believers embody the gospel in such a way that transformation happens as personally as the salvation of Onesimus and as thoroughly as the city of Philadelphia.

The Means for Planting this Church: I know from personal experience that church planting is hard work. But I'm not under some delusion that I have what it takes to see anyone or anything transformed. The gospel has to do the work. Change won't come by human effort or slick names or record setting fundraising. I'm staking the success of this thing on the simple power of the gospel. I want to be overwhelmed again by the truth that the cross works. 

Philly or Bust!

You all guessed it!  It's Philadelphia or bust for the Leach family!

I don't know if I've ever felt God's leading any clearer in my life than I have during the past few months.  When God shifted the winds in our lives three months ago, we weren't sure where we would end up.  During the following weeks we experienced God's grace in such a dramatic way, guiding us to a city that has quickly gripped our hearts.

Last month I visited Philly for the first time in my life.  For two days I drove the streets, studied neighborhoods, talked with leaders, prayed, and dreamed.  I left with a burden that won't let go, and a sense of destiny.  I honestly feel like God has used the last 31 years of my life to prepare me for this opportunity.

Our dream is simple.  We hope to plant churches, establish a ministry school, serve the city, and inspire transformation in people's lives!  We feel like Philadelphia is a gateway to several East Coast cities.  Would love to see God bless us with something that could be reproduced!

By the way, thanks for playing along this week by figuring out my easy clues!  Carlo Serrano was the winner.  Congrats pastor!  I'll be emailing you for your address and sending you a copy of The 360 Degree Leader by John Maxwell.

Thanks for your interest in our journey.  Would sure appreciate your prayers!  Lots of challenges ahead, but we can't wait to get started!