Date: 6 Jan 2010 Comments: 8 so far
As you all know, it has been almost three years since Susanne and I accepted God’s call on our lives to start a new work in Florence, SC. As we prayerfully began this process we were both energized and enthusiastic about what God had in store for us. After much prayer, testing of our faith, and examining our gifts and skills, Revolution Church was born in September of 2008.
We had a vision to make disciples and “be the church” in our community. God honored that dream, and we have seen 13 people come to Christ, 11 baptisms, and 17 make renewed commitments to Jesus and pledge to make a difference in our city. We’ve reached out to schools, neighborhoods, and other ministries in our community. In the last 15-18 months, we’ve seen God show up and show out in many ways.
As I reflect upon these things, it gives me a great sense of purpose in knowing that God can use a flawed human being like me to assist in furthering his Kingdom. It also makes what I am about to announce very difficult.
Revolution Church held its last meeting tonight, January 6, 2010.
The Bible is very clear that we are to love Christ with all our heart, our soul, our mind, and our strength… after this to love our neighbor as ourselves. It also gives many examples of leadership that can only be successful if priorities are in the correct order. (I am thinking of Moses, King David, and Peter to name a few…) The formula for a successful ministry, more importantly a full and abundant life, is as follows: Jesus first, family second and church/ministry third. I must admit to you that for almost a year now, this has not been the case in my life. God has shown me that I cannot be the man that He has called me to be until I get my priorities in order.
Susanne and I have worked very hard, too hard really, to make sure the ministry of Revolution would be successful. We have neglected our health, in many instances our marriage, and our parenting responsibilities to see Revolution grow. This is not biblical.
We know that God is not finished with us, and that there is much ministry left to do, but we feel ill equipped to continue the ministry of Revolution Church. Though it is hard to let go, we will be forever grateful for the real revolution that God performed in our own hearts and lives through this process. We have been forever changed by this call, and we have learned a lot in the journey. Our small core has been through a lot together, and we pray that as we fervently seek Him in the coming days, weeks, and months that God will show us, each one, the paths that he would have us walk.
We are clinging to the hope found in Jeremiah 29:11
“For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a HOPE and a FUTURE”.
Susanne and I would like to ask you now to please be respectful of this decision and bathe our family in your prayers. There is much healing, revival, and restoration to be done. We will be “unplugging” for a while so that we can just be quiet before the Lord, cling to Jesus, and take some time to love on each other and our children.
Thank you all for being faithful followers/supporters/prayer warriors in this process. We love and appreciate each one of you more than you could ever know.