Occupy and the church...

Recently the news media has been buzzing with stories about the Occupy groups all around the country.  Amazingly when they interview individuals from these groups there seems to be no unity of purpose.  One wants to boycott big business, another is upset at a court ruling in the area, and Wall Street seems to get it's hits as well.  This morning while listening to the news about how the mayor of Atlanta cleared Woodruff park last night by arresting 50+ people, it got me thinking about the church.

Below are several of my thoughts:

1. What if the people in the church, members who claim to be fully devoted Christ followers would Occupy the church.  Unfortunately most only attend.  At Fellowship Church we encourage all partners to participate in the ministry by serving.  Those who are involved in the Occupy movement are taking ownership and willing to give up their time to make their voices heard.

Where are you Occupying at Fellowship?  What specific role do you play in the ministry to those who are far from God?  God created you with gifts that only you can use as a partner of Fellowship and we need you, to provide an environment for people to follow Jesus.  Will you consider Occupying with us?

2. The Occupy movement has been all about others joining what started on Wall Street.  The church should be a place that is so passionate about Jesus it should be contagious.  When others see the amazing life change that God can do in your life if you let Him, they will be curious and it will open doors for you to invite them to join.

On November 6th we are encouraging all partners of Fellowship to invite others to attend.  I have been struggling over the message for that day and this morning I believe God shared with me a special message that will be a challenge to us all.  Please, Please, Please invite someone for Nov. 6th.  I can't begin to tell you how important that day is for the future of Fellowship.

3. The core of Occupy was willing to go to jail for what they believed.  I choose not to go into my beliefs about the Occupy movement at this time, suffice it to say I am not with them, however I do honor them for standing up for what they believe.  Last night in Atlanta at least 50 people were so committed to it that they were arrested and face criminal charges for standing firm.  While I do not believe God would be pleased with us breaking laws to make our point, I do believe we should be more bold in our faith.  In fact to be bold in our faith does not require breaking any laws, but it does require breaking some social norms.

Does the work of Jesus in your life warrant being different so others will see Jesus?  Is your love for Jesus greater than you love for this world?  I am praying that Fellowship becomes a place where the unlovable are loved and they began to become so different in Christ that it causes a stir in our community.  One that encourages others to check out what we are doing at FC.

My burden:

Over the last several weeks God has been allowing me to struggle and be burdened for Fellowship.  Are we accomplishing what God wants for Fellowship Church?  Am I doing all I can to be right with God as I lead Fellowship Church?  How can I better prepare for Sunday's and the messages God is birthing for you each week at FC?  What is the missing link for us to grow and be a healthy Bible Church?

I invite you to join me in praying daily for Fellowship Church.  Not just a quick two minute, "God bless FC, Amen", but a cry out to God for his favor and blessing.  If God does not move at FC then we are wasting our time and God's time.  I don't know about you but I want to be right where God wants me and no where else.  I want to be pleasing to Him and to be lifting Jesus name up for others to see.  I am begging God for life change, for souls to be saved and repentance to be seen.

Pray with me, seek with me, fast with me and let's see God move.