Day 15: May 19Scripture: Hebrew 3:1-6 Jesus is God’s promise of “all things new.” The fulfillment of God’s covenant of faithfulness, Jesus offers his followers the invitation to be holy partners in a heavenly calling that has sacred possibilities. As partners in a heavenly calling we live in the promise of all things new. We witness to hope. How is your life witnessing to hope? How are persons in your church witnessing to “all things new” as partners in a heavenly calling? David Bonney is appointed as senior pastor of St. Mark’s on the Richmond District. On September 16 and 23, 2007, he used the “Called to Step Outside” DVD that was provided at Annual Conference in St. Mark’s three Sunday morning worship services as he preached about not only opening the doors of the church but stepping outside of the church building. David then lived out his sermon through the following message that was shared with the congregation in the church newsletter: From a Pastor’s Point of View
I have decided to make a point. You know we pastors, once we make up our minds to make-a-point, it can be a real spectacle! On Monday, September 24th through Friday, September 28th I will go on STRIKE! Oh, I am hardly a disgruntled pastor! I am going to take a week to focus on praying for and with our community; focusing on those who are living broken and alienated from the Lord. I will attend no meetings. I will hold no office hours. I will be “camped” along side Lucks Lane, right in front of the church. I will have signs inviting people to stop for prayer and conversations about faith. I will also be progressive: I will be walking the neighborhoods and local shops to give prayerful witness to faith in Jesus Christ. In other words, in the spirit of John Wesley, I am taking the Gospel to the streets! Why am I doing this? As I begin my second year as pastor of St. Mark’s Church I have found our community of faith a wonderful place to live out the Christian experience. I am personally burdened over the large number of people who live within a short drive of our church who are the least, last and lost. It is to these I wish to draw prayerful attention; those who need Jesus Christ and his community of faith. Will you pray for me the week I am on “strike?” Peace, When I spoke with David about this venture in faith, he told me that people in 27 different vehicles had stopped and asked for prayer. These were people whom David had not met previously. David had visited at 300 homes either speaking in person or leaving a note with a gift of bread. Some of these people now are worshiping at St. Mark’s. David said his next step is to get some of the congregation to step outside with him as partners in a heavenly calling when he goes on strike again. How are you living in the promise of all things new? Marc Brown |