A Sleepy Church or Sleeping Giant? Bethel Methodist Church is a small, aging congregation struggling to grow and bring in younger families and youth.  Sunday attendance would average just around 100.  It’s glory days were well over a decade behind them.  Gray hairs filled the pews and youth and children were scant.  Pastor was probably … More Divine Summons 18

Partners in the Work of the Gospel Anyone who has been involved with church ministry knows that ecumenical efforts are difficult to pull off.  While local churches in smaller communities like to talk about mutual respect for and general partnership with neighboring churches in serving the community, rarely do you see them coming together for … More Divine Summons 25

I Have Many People in this City Once again God spoke most clearly to me through the story of Acts.  I recalled the story of Paul’s time in Corinth where he too run up against obstacles and began to doubt himself and his mission. For all we know, Paul may have gone on his own … More Divine Summons 24

Loneliness is a Bitter Friend My story so far has been one of significant loneliness.  The two years of college (2000-2002) following my deep inward shift of faith from my encounter with the Book of Acts were the loneliest of my life.  There is a loneliness far worse than the lack of friends.  It’s the … More Divine Summons 23

Chapter 5 I Have Many People in this Town “One night the Lord spoke to Paul in a vision: “Do not be afraid; keep on speaking, do not be silent. For I am with you, and no one is going to attack and harm you, because I have many people in this city.” So Paul … More Divine Summons 22

“They Met In Their Homes” We spent the duration of the first school year meeting together with our small motley crew.  One significant move we did make, and would become a hallmark of the Revolution, is we moved our gatherings out of the church and into our home. I felt that the church building carried … More Divine Summons 21