We’re coming off a couple of great interactions with pastors and people at young church plants. Early last week, I had the opportunity to grab coffee with Troy Campbell, who pastors New Life in the middle of the Crossroads District in downtown Kansas City. Troy told me about his church planting journey and gave me a tour of the remarkable loft-like space currently being developed for New Life on the fourth floor of an office building.
New Life already has its share of stories, as they’ve served in one of KC’s worst neighborhoods, seen people come to Jesus, and essentially worked and prayed their way into the ideal new location, despite the sky-high costs of real estate downtown. I deeply appreciated Troy’s willingness to share his experience (and prayers) with a young buck he doesn’t know from Adam.
Then, this past weekend, Lindsay and I enjoyed a similar experience, as we packed up Asher (travels well), dropped off Aidan at his grandparents’ (travels like a caged Rottweiler), and drove north to Ottumwa, Iowa. A couple months ago, Marty Schmidt, who pastors a young church plant in Ottumwa, had asked me if I’d think about coming to preach at thebridge. When I asked Marty what had possessed him to invite me, he said it was more of a Holy Spirit thing, at which point I clearly couldn’t say no.
Kidding aside, it was an almost surreal opportunity to go preach at a growing church, talk with Marty and others (thanks Brandon and Johna!) about their stories, and get a good look at what these Christians are doing in Ottumwa, which is the drug capital of Iowa, an urban/suburban hybrid city where the two sides of the tracks are pretty clearly marked. Once again, I was amazed at the generosity and graciousness of Marty and others in welcoming us, praying for us, and investing in us during the time we were there.
These types of meetings remind me what an alien, illogical things the faith, hope, and love of Jesus are. Apart from the gospel and grace of Christ, there’s no reason for busy, established leaders to take the time to pour into a dude they’ve never met before. As well, only Jesus makes a lasting difference in neighborhoods riddled with drugs and guns.
Experiences like these will help form our vision as we move forward. As I talked with Lindsay about the last week, we were refreshed by the rare goodness of grace, as people who have been loved against all odds by God extend that same love generously to people they hardly know.
We want to see the same grace of Jesus take root as we serve Kansas City.
(If you missed it, here’s our first update.)
Ariel, Not sure if you remember me…I’m a friend of Daniel’s from his St. Louis adventure last year. I know of the church and went to college with Marty (although he was a few years ahead of me, we have many many common friends). What a small world!! Amanda
Hey Amanda, sure I remember you. (Daniel just got back from China, btw.) It’s crazy how people are interconnected, and clearly more than coincidence. When we showed up in Ottumwa, I was surprised to meet a good number of people with Kansas City connections…I probably shouldn’t have been.
I think its good to hear that God is already at work guiding you towards your new church plant. I’d say He’s laying the seeds in good soil. Just let them grow a while and see what wonders He has in store for you.
I knew you’d have an awesome time, great to hear man!
@ Lanz, thanks for the good word. I agree, the experiences we’re having now are helping to shape our vision for down the road.
@ Lon, thanks dude! You clearly speak from experience.