of more than one

by Rick Horton - January 2001

As we approach our one-year marker, every one of us would unanimously agree that what we are becoming has far surpassed our wildest dreams. What started out as a simple picture of one gathering of believers has turned into a multi-faceted unfinished mural of people at different points in their journeys connecting with God and others in several locations - we have called them House Churches. They are beautiful! People loving other people, because of what Jesus is doing in their hearts. There is eating and sharing, laughing and crying, praying and singing and most importantly there is a picture of Jesus. It is a picture of Jesus in imperfect people who have simply chosen to follow His lead. Many have seen it and it is changing and has changed their life eternally. It is more than one church; we are a growing collection of churches.

Truthfully, today we are not certain of what will happen next. This last year has been one of the greatest adventures, with more spills and thrills than we could begin to describe. At each turn, there has been an overwhelming sense of God's provision and guidance, and where we are heading none of us can take any credit. Like the decisions to follow Jesus around here, people are experiencing what Christ is doing in those around them and they make a profession of faith. Now the words they use are fun and full of color because we forgot to tell them what to say, still from death to life several have come and are coming. Jesus said, "No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws them." (John 6:44) so we don't get any of the credit either. What we do get around here is the chance to live and it is fun. This living is happening in several places and at several times. This is that plan that God has placed out for us. All we have to do is keep listening.