rants of a beggar

It has long been my God given agenda to create or cultivate Community centered on Christ.

My heart is compelled by Community. Community is where lives are transformed and rendered anew. It’s where the TEACHINGS of Gods word meets the application into daily life. It’s where the Spirit of God manifest and showcases itself to the world. It is the CITY on a Hill, or a light shining into darkness. It is what God first created when He formed MAN and WOMAN. It was the only reason why Christ died and it is the only way for His Kingdom to come.

I am living this out today first and foremost by BEING in community. The Church is comprised of the PEOPLE not the banner or logo of its establishment.. but the blood and tears shared in the brokenness of man. I belong to a community I call the Forge.. which is a band of misfit, Christ driven, over-achievers with a desire to live out AUTHENTIC faith.

I have also had the privilege of  forming a leadership development group in my church called Roots.  The focus and intention of Roots, is to equip men to equip others. (2 Tim 2:2). By focusing on discipling MEN, you create a catalyst of change within the Family, which subsequently revives the COMMUNITY that harbor them.

I have been so blessed with the experience and tools God has equipped me with to fulfill this Calling placed on my life. Even to the extent of being recently engaged to a beautiful woman, in which I will be able to share community with in the home.

MY entire being is wrapped into this..
It’s who God made me.. It’s why I’m here.. & It’s what I’m all about.

God has been burning this vision of Acts 20:28 on my heart..

During my time as an intern on a Church planting team.. I was able to experience shepherding and discipleship in its purest form. It was understood by the church, that these were responsibilities of everyone. Not just a specific leader or elder, rather each member was expected to look out for one another, and speak in love thru fellowship with the body.

It was amazing to say the least.. I fell so deeply in love with the Church, that I vowed then to be one of the “dirty” workers. The servant that has to get his hands dirty and be ready to act when no one else will.. Thats my heart.. I am a servant to the bride, on behalf of the Bridegroom.

So now, I fast forward to my church of 250+ regular attendees. We have a Pastor, but he is not able to care to the flock as one should. Judging simply by numbers it isnt “impossible” but still unlikely that he can do so in an effective manner. Yet the issue is still their..

People come and go, but who are they? Who knows their names? Who is caring for the couple that recently separated? or the navy wife that just sent her husband off over seas?
These are questions that cant be answered due to lack of knowledge…

As I pray about this, my heart begins to ache… Ive been crying out, that God press His heart for His people onto mine. I want to feel the pain he feels, and experience the joy as well..

So with that said, I have set out to find a few good men. I have been praying to God to lead me to people with the heart for people. I want to meet in a small group structure with the purpose and intent to mobilize leaders to help shepherd the flock.

Tonite was our first meeting. I challenged both men that met, that our purpose is to be “sheep dogs”. A sheep dog is obedient to the Shepherd and acts only on His commands. The role of a sheep dog is to help flock and gather the sheep and lead them to follow the Good Shepherd which is Christ.

I am psyched about this.. and eager to see where this takes us.. but one thing is for certain..

A “Sheep Dog” ministry has begun. And as long as we meet I will challenge everyone that attends to get serious about the Church and shepherd the Community God has placed us in.