I was once told by a former Presiding Bishop that it wasn’t possible to bring together the haves and the have nots. You see, it has for the longest time been my deep running call in my heart to see this happen, even if it seems to be impossible. In San Francisco God gave me a little taste of the possibility near the end of my call there and it has only increased my appetite to see it manifest in my life time. The conversation I had with this former Presiding Bishop was many years ago but I still live it over in my mind often. It wasn’t until a few days ago when Dr. Robby Waddell came to Charlotte, walked into my house and prophesied into my life the very thing I needed to hear. You see, he was aware of this conversation because he was on that trip with me those many years ago. Dr. Robby told me that, “tomorrow will be the start of what you have always had in your heart.” He was speaking of my first core group meeting with those of South Charlotte. It was the conformation I needed.
I’m in the process of planting another church. The first one was in San Francisco. It became know as the hotdogchurch and was truly an inner city work. If fact it is still there growing under the leadership of Eric Gabourel. I spent most of my days (13 plus years) on the streets walking among the forgotten and it changed my life forever. Nothing was better than sitting on the street beside a homeless person, learning their story and their name, birthing a relationship. Many times after multiple conversations they would end up in church and from there many would give their lives to Christ.
Now, I find myself at the opposite end of that world. God is sending me those who have for the most part financial independence and security. One man told me, “I’ve never had to worry about money in my life. I don’t know what that feels like.” Many that are becoming part of my core group have never been involved in a compassion driven ministry outside of their own comfort zone and it’s in my heart to change all of that.
So where am I heading with all of this? I want to ask a question and get some feed back.
When I was first called to Charlotte it was to to West Charlotte. West Charlotte, to keep it simple, is a red zone, wherw We own property . There is a 45,000 sq ft building and almost 40 acres of land. The plan and the call is to turn a red zone into a green zone to the glory of God.
While we are raising the money for the building on our property God has opened a door in South Charlotte (The Haves) at the Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse to ‘Gather to Go.’
I’ve wondered for the longest time why God would not just send me somewhere in West Charlotte but the door has just never opened. It was while I was praying about this that God spoke into my heart the phrase, ‘Gathering to Go.’ Without going into long details it simple means I’m preparing those of another social standing to go into a world they can’t fully understand. But yet, God is leading them that way.
What are some of the barriers I need to be addressing as we gather to go?
Is it possible to bridge the haves with the have nots?
How should I be working with both communities?
Time: We are at least a year or more away from making it to West Charlotte.
Filed under: church planting, missional church
Steve:
Of necessity and by divine direction (at times me thinks it is divine humor!), I am a builder. What I felt while reading this is that God is using South Charlotte upon which to build a foundation for West Charlotte.
When I am building a house, the foundation takes time to lay out, engineer, and construct. All the right pieces have to be installed properly or it is disastrous, even if the flaws are not evident for a few years. I then have to wait on the foundation to cure properly before I start building walls.
However, while I have time between my actual labor, I am ordering materials and lining up workers for the next phase of construction. During this process, I am also making sure that my budget is on track and I will have the funds needed to complete the project. This is where I see you.
God is using SC to lay the foundation for WC and provide the funding to accomplish the vision he has given you. It is also providing you the time to prepare the way for the congregation he is building through your work now and the future.
Barriers? Teaching people money is a tool, nothing more, nothing less. I had an uncle (now with the Lord) who was very wealthy. He told me that those who say money won’t make you happy have never had money! It just won’t keep you happy. A poor person can be a slave to money just as easily as a rich person.
It is possible for people from different economic levels to worship together. In one church I had several millionaires, as well as people from a halfway house, worshipping God together.
Since God has opened the door in SC, I’d work it hard, but use the time also to plan for and develop future ministry in WC. Don’t be surprised if you end up with a church meeting at two locations at some point in the future.
Tell Robby I said hey the next time you talk to him. He’s a great guy.
Just my humble thoughts.
Keith
I did respond to this here, but for some reason it didn’t ping back properly:
http://www.vulcanhammer.org/?p=558
Steve, I am moved by this blog immensely! I remember when you started in San Francisco, as you know. I deeply and joyfully remember the Word God gave you when He spoke to your heart as you drove through the TL. : “If you reach these people (the poor and disenfranchised) first then I will give the harvest that I promised you.” I will never forget your first service, as you fell deeply in love with your “first” ministry; Your first sanctuary (The Holiday Inn) and of course your first congregation which you had to go out and wake up off the streets so they could make it to church. I know of the beauty of your relationship with San Francisco, and San Francisco will never be divorced from you. It is who you are.
Now I believe the Lord is forming the rest of that promise in your heart. The place where He has you, is right in step with His wonderful plan for your partnership with Him. I know a young man once who stated to me “If the council says no to my request I am going to build this church anyway right here in San Francisco!” I remember you shared with me the “Have and Have Not’s” scenario.” We both laughed and knew that was not right. Come on man, Jesus came and He was a “Have” and He came to you and me, the “Have Not’s” and He walked with us. Hey I am still a hippie! I just got saved that’s all. I like the mixture; it makes for wonderful conversation in prayer and also the right atmosphere for His miraculous ways to sustain life. God loves to mix it up! Even in the south!
Here are the answers to your questions: I hope they minster to you!
(1) Barriers are part of why we do what we do! Pride, and fear should be addressed and know that this understanding of the mixture is spiritual not carnal. It is a God thing and people need to know that from the get go! You know when you walk the streets in the jungle fear cannot be part of the equation! Only compassion and care for those left to die on the road to Jericho.
(2) Simply this, He is the bridge hold His hand and theirs.
(3) Prayerfully and with a determined heart to combine talents and sociological characteristics to worship and grow together. Have a goal that has some “gorilla glue” to keep it intact.
(4) What is time: But to redeem!
Steve,
You’re move and ministry to the marginalized in San Francisco inspired me to be a church planter. I’ll always remember your story shared in a Lee Chapel service in the 90′s. In 2000, we planted a church in Humboldt Park in Chicago inspired significantly by the Hot Dog Church in San Francisco.
Thank you.
Speaking of that, its funny how that once I got to Chicago, I gravitated to some really cool old guy named Dennis Adams. In retrospect, I see God’s hand in a situation I’ve never fully understood.
Keith: When you said, “God is using SC to lay the foundation for WC” I almost lost my mind. I love it brother. God has been speaking that into me from almost the start. Thanks for all the words and great advice. Being a contractor myself I can truly see the foundation illustration you brought up. Great words! If you have anymore throw them my way.
Dennis: What else can I say but God bless the best friend I have in the world. You have believed in me from the very start of my church planting call. You have always had the right words from God for me. You understand me and know my heart. Thanks for being the only one in the State Council that day many years ago to believe in me. I miss you big guy. (After all that mush I kind of feel like a girl…LOL)
Travis: Dude! I never knew all of that. Thanks for the vote of confidence. I’m so glad our lives have crossed. I look forward to the many years of ministry we have ahead of us. Change is possible and I’m blessed to know you are part of leading the way. We are on to something big here and I know the Lord is leading us. Long live MISSIONALCOG and may it cause a change that is so desperately needed.
Steve, I think the others have posted a lot of great thoughts and some strong encouragement. I only add my encouragement and vote of confidence. Everything that the Lord does is significant. But I suspect that His work through you and the Salt Mine in Charlotte is something special. Keep on! You’re a true pioneer, and you’re work is making room for many others.
Travis, that’s great that you have that history with Dennis. It’s a small world after all. I’ve never felt more welcomed into a person’s life and home than with Dennis Adams. And he’s like that with everyone he meets.