rants of a beggar

21 “When a strong man, fully armed, guards his own house, his possessions are undisturbed.22 “But when someone stronger than he attacks him and overpowers him, he takes away from him all his armor on which he had relied and distributes his plunder. Luke 11

So often we find men bound and enslaved on the floor of their own homes.
Tangled by arrogance, selfishness, idolatry, deception, pornography, alcoholism, violence, and fear. Bearing the chains marred with the flesh and blood of their fathers.

Homes unattended, left open to be ravished by the whims and currents of this world. Pressed on every side, leaving families broken and shattered.

As men lay dead.. lying on the floor of their own home.
Helpless and without influence.

Dead Men = Dead Families = Dead Communities

When it comes to people one thing is for certain..
We are frail creatures, when not rooted or connected together..

Without relationships we are but a passing shadow..
It is the people and community around us,
that stitch us into the seam of life..

If Christ purchased the church with his blood..
Why are we not willing to live and die for the people around us?

Our investment in the body comes from Christ and his investment in us..
Yet our consumer mentality creates a notion that our church is for us..
Rather us living and dieing for the church..  Yes, the church is not perfect..
But it is for that reason that we need each other to grow..

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.