While each of the first few Sundays have been amazing, this past Sunday was perhaps the best. Time will reveal the true impact that was made yesterday, but I believe yesterday may have been just as important if not more important than our launch service. Here's why...
Through the first 3 weeks, it kind of felt like our launch team was one group and everyone else was another group. There was a sense of separation, which I'm sure is only normal during the first few weeks of a church, but yesterday helped bring these two groups of people together. We had a total of over 80 people stay for our lunch, and over 30 people decided to get involved on a volunteer team. Four weeks ago, we had about 30 people committed and involved in the vision of The Overflow. Now, that number has doubled! You may be thinking, all you care about is numbers, and I'll say, that's right because behind each number is a person who can lead other people towards Christ as they are encouraged and supported through our church. The more the better! I believe God is preparing to dramatically expand His influence across this city through The Overflow!
We also had our highest attendance since our launch service, but honestly, I'm more excited about the excitement that is building within the church. People are catching onto the vision, ready to get involved, and as Jesus Himself said (Matthew 16:18), "The gates of hell will not prevail."
RECAP
Part 3 of our series, "Confessions of an Imperfect Church," was a challenge for every follower of Christ to truly examine their beliefs and make sure they live in such a way that reflects their beliefs. Generally speaking, we've often failed to live out our beliefs, and we've been passionate about things that aren't even biblical truths.
Worship set was...
-Solution (Hillsong)
-Christ is Risen (Matt Maher)
-Stronger (Hillsong)
-From the Inside Out (Hillsong)
Message...
You can watch the video of the message and read the weekly devotional thoughts on our website by Tuesday afternoon.
Confessions of an Imperfect Church #3
CONFESSION: We've allowed our traditions and preferences to take priority over our beliefs.
Matthew 23:1-12, 25-26
Matthew 11:28-30
Following Jesus is not an earned opportunity; it's a humble response to an undeserved gift.
-At some point along the way, we began placing non-essential topics (worship styles, clothing, etc) in the category of essential. In other words, many people are unable to see what we really believe because we are more passionate about things that really don't matter.
-As a church, we use contemporary music and a relaxed setting inregards to dress. However, these are not essentials for us as a church. We don't think our preferences in these areas make us better than any other church.
-The church needs to make sure that we don't reduce following Jesus to simply being a morally good person, having a job, and getting an education. Church leaders and Christians need to quit bragging about their morally good choices and start showing the world how a perfect God is transforming our imperfections into something good!
-To some degree, we're all hypocrites, but what we say we believe should compel us to act.
-The inward reality (who we really are) will eventually break through any outward front that we may put up. Our desire is that when this happens, people will see God's love overflowing out of us, not because of what we've done, but because of what Jesus has done for us.
-If we aren't careful, our passion for our preferences and traditions will push people away from Jesus before we ever have the opportunity to share what we "truly" believe.
COMMITMENT: God's Word will help us distinguish between our preferences and our beliefs.
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