By Darrel Proffitt, Lead Pastor
Exciting Times
As mentioned in the message on the weekend of January 18-19, we at COTHA are being called to be “all in.” The author Mark Batterson reminds us that being “all in,” requires us to rethink our tendency to seek an easy, comfortable life. He writes “when did we start believing that God wants to send us to safe places to do easy things? That faithfulness is holding the fort? That playing it safe is safe? That there is any greater privilege than sacrifice? That radical is anything but normal?” If we are to give a radical response to a radical Gospel, God can use us in a radical way.
Batterson reminds us “Jesus didn’t die to make us safe. He died to make us dangerous.” To be used by God in a way that makes a kingdom difference is to live a life that not only makes a difference but also helps us connect to God in a new and powerful way. A Church committed to leaving the Gospel at the deepest level changes everything.
Our Church is growing. We continue to attract people who want to go deeper. That is exciting. A growing church is not without challenges. While the number of members who pledge is growing, we still have many people who don’t. Our challenge is to help all our members understand that stewardship is a basic habit of a disciple. We will get there but there are things that we have to do as we adjust to the reality of this growing understanding. We will continue to challenge people that stewardship is more than just a financial pledge to the ministry of the local church. It is also a matter of giving back to God our gifts and talents as well as our time.
It is invigorating to see so many new people who show up on the weekends. It is exciting to see new members of the various ministries. These are exciting times. As we respond more and more into being a place where people are all in we will see the truth in Batterson’s words when he reminds us that “faithfulness is not holding the fort. It’s storming the gates of Hell.” Let’s do that together and watch how God will move among us. I’m all in. Are you?
Exciting Times
As mentioned in the message on the weekend of January 18-19, we at COTHA are being called to be “all in.” The author Mark Batterson reminds us that being “all in,” requires us to rethink our tendency to seek an easy, comfortable life. He writes “when did we start believing that God wants to send us to safe places to do easy things? That faithfulness is holding the fort? That playing it safe is safe? That there is any greater privilege than sacrifice? That radical is anything but normal?” If we are to give a radical response to a radical Gospel, God can use us in a radical way.
Batterson reminds us “Jesus didn’t die to make us safe. He died to make us dangerous.” To be used by God in a way that makes a kingdom difference is to live a life that not only makes a difference but also helps us connect to God in a new and powerful way. A Church committed to leaving the Gospel at the deepest level changes everything.
Our Church is growing. We continue to attract people who want to go deeper. That is exciting. A growing church is not without challenges. While the number of members who pledge is growing, we still have many people who don’t. Our challenge is to help all our members understand that stewardship is a basic habit of a disciple. We will get there but there are things that we have to do as we adjust to the reality of this growing understanding. We will continue to challenge people that stewardship is more than just a financial pledge to the ministry of the local church. It is also a matter of giving back to God our gifts and talents as well as our time.
It is invigorating to see so many new people who show up on the weekends. It is exciting to see new members of the various ministries. These are exciting times. As we respond more and more into being a place where people are all in we will see the truth in Batterson’s words when he reminds us that “faithfulness is not holding the fort. It’s storming the gates of Hell.” Let’s do that together and watch how God will move among us. I’m all in. Are you?
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