Journey Church

"How do we measure success?," Rick had asked us as we sat in the back part of the Coffee Vine off of Rainbow Drive in Gadsden. It was a loaded, albeit important question. I've been known and labeled as an opinionated person, and I have strong opinions on this topic. Our experiences shape us, and too often my experience in various locations with various different leaders in Christian and non-Christian circles has taught me very simply that Success = numbers.

Especially in a church. If you don't believe that, throw an event at your church and pay careful attention to the first question that you will be asked. You know the one - "How many people were there?" And at this point, we can acknowledge the four fingers (or the three fingers and thumb, for the technical readers out there) pointed directly back at us: it's the same question we ask. How many people were at worship on Sunday? How many were in Sunday School? How many did you baptize? HOW MANY?

Bret and I looked at each other, and I quickly answered Rick, "I don't think it's numbers at all." I went on to share my heart about success. When I travel to churches and preach the Gospel, do I want to see hundreds and thousands come to Jesus? Of course. If I don't, was it unsuccessful? Of course not! Success is obedience. Success is glorifying Jesus through my life.

Will numbers come? I have no idea. Will we do everything we can to reach as many as possible? I certainly hope so, or else we've lost sight of the reason we're here.

My friend, Chris, once said referencing a church, "I have friends on staff at this certain church. And it is a machine. It takes a lot of money, a lot of manpower, and a lot of time to keep that thing running. But if you build it, then you have to sustain it. But if God builds it - you just get to hang on and enjoy the ride."

I shared this statement with the guys and said, "Success in my mind is when we are obedient and God is glorified. It's when God is pleased with our meager offerings to Him. Was God pleased with our worship gathering? Was He made much of? Have we demonstrated real love toward Him in our lives first and this morning? Are we growing in truth and grace?"

I don't know if that is right, but it sure sounds right. How do we measure that this is happening? I think when people are balanced - when they are full of grace and truth. When repentance is happening, and lives are changing. When love is being shown. When people are neither legalistic, nor lawless, but stand in the middle where Jesus is - "Neither do I condemn you (grace)," Jesus said to the woman caught in adultery, "...now go and sin no more (truth)."

Too often the church is one or the other and not both. Grace without truth is lawlessness and an abandonment of the pursuit of God. It is an "I'm ok" stamp on my life that says, "I no longer desire to change."

Legalism occurs when truth without grace is emphasized. It is a performance-based Christianity that will leave you looking Pharisitical or burning out altogether because you finally realized that "I just can't do it."

Both are completely un-Biblical and anti-Christ. No, balance is what is needed. Much love mixed with much truth mixed with much love. It is God's kindness that leads us to repentance, and there is much truth in kindness!

I desire to be a part of a church that is balanced in grace and truth, and I wholeheartedly believe that Journey Church will be such a place. I love what the name entails - each of us are on a journey. Some people have yet to begin their journey with God, and some have fallen away altogether - lost sheep whom the Shepherd is pursuing even now. Some people have been hurt or burned; some are making excuses because of these horrible wounds that have been inflicted on them - and that is a tragedy. A tragedy that wounds were dealt, but even more so that these wounds are now used as a reason to hide.

Remember, wounded friends - it is "by His wounds we are healed." As long as you draw breath, the story has not ended! You are on a journey. Some are walking in the Spirit. Some are dealing with bondage. Some are lukewarm. All of us, though, are on a journey that is far bigger, greater, and more important than any of  us could imagine.

We have good news - God has set His heart on Jacksonville, and I am extremely humbled to be a part of it as He has birthed this burden inside of me as well as Rick, Bigun, and Bret. What a privilege....what a responsibility....how exciting!

On January 27, 2008 we will begin meeting together to hear from God through His Word concerning plans to reach Jacksonville, Calhoun County and beyond. I'm not sure how many people will be there, but I am excited to report that I am anticipating meeting with Jesus this Sunday - even as I am excited to be meeting with Him tomorrow and the next day. I am pumped to be under the leadership of a man of God like Rick who is anointed to preach God's Word. I am so glad to be under Bigun's leadership in worship, as I know that he has no desire to make his name great, but to lead us to worship God in Spirit and truth.

I encourage you to please pray for us - especially Rick as he has stepped out on faith with 3 mouths to feed. We know that God will provide miraculously for him, and his steps indicate that despite the nervousness and worry that sometimes come with such a leap of faith - Rick believes Jesus will provide too.

At 4:00 p.m., on Jacksonville Square at the Java Jolt this Sunday we will begin our journey as a church body and family of believers. Thank you for your support and prayers.

If you have any questions, feel free to contact me at jamey@trydying.org. I would love to hear from you. Peace...


-Jamey