Lately at our church, we have heard multiple times statements like the following: “I would invite my friends and neighbors to church, but they won’t come to Garden Grove.” And I’m right there with you; I shared last Sunday where God was convicting me on my own sin and selfishness lately, as the building search and being in a temporary facility outside of our ideal location have been frustrating.
But like everything God has ever convicted me of, it was a good challenge for me, because it’s opened my eyes, beyond what I think should be happening, to focus on what God’s doing right now.
Location is just the excuse
So please allow me pass on to you the challenge to not let our location hinder our mission. Because really, location is just the excuse—one of many we can use to avoid the call for all of us as disciples to be bold on mission—and it’s not one that’s unique to Orange County, nor is it one that holds up for very long.
We’ve launched six Community Groups in the past month, at least four people put their faith in Jesus in the last month, almost 70% of our church is in community, over 50 people are in our membership class—and we’re praying that we’ll baptize another 12 people! If God can do all of that—which he can and is—then location is going to be the last thing that slows him down! Who wouldn’t want to be in a community where know a God is changing hearts like that? And he’s doing this everywhere.
Don’t wait—invite
Even if, despite you talking to people about Jesus and telling them all he is doing in our church, they are reluctant to make the short drive on Sunday morning, you can still invite them to your Community Group. With over 60% of our local church in community together, that is where the life of our church is happening, and with over 25 groups around the OC area there is a group near them. Invite them to experience Jesus’ gospel in a smaller community first so that they can then come and experience it in your gathered community.
Whether you’re in Orange County or Tacoma or Everett or Bellevue or Portland or anywhere else—location isn’t the actual hold-up. Neither is fear of opposition, lack of money, or fear of rejection. If God can move mountains, then our only task is to repent of our fear, trust him, and tell him that we’re ready and willing for whatever he wants to do through our church body.
Pray today
- Join me in praying today for the following:
- Thank God for who he is and the redemption he has worked for you and in you.
- Thank God for all he is doing in our young church.
- Pray for more people to step up to lead and shepherd our people well.
- Pray for more conversions and more people to put their faith in Jesus and pass from death to life.
- Pray for whom you specifically need to pursue and for boldness to share the gospel with this Easter.
I love you and am excited to be on mission with you this Easter season.
