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.
Yes! I hope that your church plant is within driving distance of Warrington, PA!!! I have sons who live there and I SO hope that they will be able to attend your church!!! Blessings to you!
Posted by: Patresa Premick | January 29, 2010 at 05:15 PM
Hey Brad exited that we'll have another co-laborer in the Philly fields! Once you get out here we'll have to reconnect.
Posted by: John | January 29, 2010 at 08:09 PM
Good stuff friend! And the city has a Greek name... lol
Posted by: Tony Sebastian | February 02, 2010 at 05:30 AM