the storied jesus

exploring the Jesus of the Story.
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Urban Churches.

I've become accustom to certain things that I never would have thought possible when I was a kid. One of these things has become church planting. About two years ago, I was a part of a core launch team, that planted a church in Bridesburg, Philly. The church is called ReaLife Church and it is in a great community with much need of the Gospel. The plant was orchestrated by my brother-in-law Rob, and while being inter-denominational, it holds the Acts 29 label (1 of 3 total in Philadelphia) which is a church planting network of which 200 churches are currently involved with. All this to say: I love church planting. Right now I'm wrestling with the Lord about planting someday, but I just love listening to, following and praying for church planters. It is a noble call, one of which takes a lot of time, energy, money and Holy Spirit. But it's awesome.

The picture here is of a church building in West Oak Lane. It is currently for sale and I drive by it several times a week. I don't know the story behind the church and why they are leaving (or where they are going for that matter), but what an awesome opportunity to re-plant a church while keeping a light in the neighborhood. I never used to think on this level, but lately God has burdened me with the city I used to nearly hate. Check out these stats for this section of Philly. Amazing.  Low-income, higher crime rate, much needed Gospel. Let's get in there! I know it's dangerous, but as someone once said, "how can you pull souls from the flames of hell if you're not willing to go in after them."

Romans 10:15

Posted December 30, 2008