The Spirit and Rich and Chad

Welcome to the our new blog environment – it’s as new to me as it may be to you – we’re interactive now!  I expect it will be fun to have more ongoing dialogue about the things I write here…so don’t be shy to jump in…

This blog will be a bit scattered since I have a few things to toss out.  First, I wanted to comment on the service this past weekend.  There was something special going on.  We certainly depend heavily on the Spirit of God showing up each week to do his work with the Scripture we dig into and with the words that are spoken (Is 55:11 ..so is my word that goes out from my mouth:  It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire  and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.), but this week His presence was more palpable than what I am typically aware. Many of you responded to a heightened awareness of His presence as well by coming forward for prayer. I trust that your step of faith was met with comfort for your soul. Following Jesus isn’t always as smooth and predictable as we sometimes prefer it to be, but it is rewarding in the end.

Next, I wanted to invite you to hear two special speakers that will bring the message in the next to weeks at Vista. The first is a wonderful friend of mine – Rich Johnson.  Rich is a pastor at Heritage Christian Church leading a church plant team with a vision to build a multi-ethnic church on the outer city limits of Columbus.  Their hope is to partner with the diverse demographic in the North Linden area and engage some of the social justice issues that impact us all.  When he speaks on the 14th, he’ll be focusing on Luke 11:42, “…but you neglect justice and the love of God.”

The second is a new and respected friend and Vista attender – Chad Brennan. Chad is an expert on Multi-ethnic ministries. He consults churches with unique opportunities and aspirations to engage the diversity around them, churches that are interested in planting or starting churches with a multi-ethnic value, and anyone else who has a heart to reach beyond their own boundaries and comfort zones.  Chad will open your eyes to the often unnoticed opportunities we have as we continue to trust God to lead his church…  When someone with Chad’s ministry background lands at Vista, I can’t help wonder what God may be up to?  (1 Cor 12:18 But in fact God has arranged the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be.) I encourage you to attend and allow both of these men to challenge you and to broaden your perspective of God’s heart for justice and diversity.

And finally, a cool thought from a 10-year old. “Daddy, you know how you’re always concerned about how long church goes?  It’s only two hours out of our whole week…”   Well put son, thanks.