Letting Jesus Lead

I'll tie my previous post to something phenomenal Jesus has been orchestrating. First, I'm at a very large, busy, active church in the Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex (RHCC). Our membership is numbered in the thousands. We have an impressive campus; a broad diversity of ministries; I get to rub elbows with and serve with an incredibly devoted staff; I'm surrounded by fellow members who love to serve and who possess strong, missional hearts; our church is led by courageous and visionary elders; and we have a preacher who consistently challenges us with messages designed to draw us deeper into what it means to follow Jesus.

Yes, RHCC is a progressive church. We're also joy-filled, passionate about Jesus, and amazed by grace. By this world's standards, this also happens to be a very wealthy church. And, to be honest, on any given Sunday, you wouldn't look out across our assembly and see the obviously hungry, sick, homeless, diseased, or down-and-out.

It's not that they're in any way unwelcome. They're just noticeably not with us. Which brings me to Jimmy Dorrell reminder:

Intentional efforts in local congregations must be made to reconnect the rich and the poor; the black, white, and brown; those educated in the university; and those educated on the streets. Only then can we learn the lessons that this God of the little people wants us to know (Trolls & Truth, p. 29).

Two words really get my attention. Dorrell mentions "intentional efforts." In others words, Dorrell urges churches, like RHCC, to act on purpose and by design to reconnect the rich and the poor, the healthy and the chronically sick, the strong and the weak, the homeowners and the homeless.

Why? Because "only then can we learn the lessons that this God of the little people wants us to know."

So this is really on my heart. I know it's where Jesus is wanting to take RHCC. I began a couple of months ago to pray about it. (I'm grateful to Bill New and Allen Tappe for encouraging me to pray like this and wait for God's answer.)

"Jesus, you lead. Show us the way. Show us where you've be preparing in advance the good works for us to do. Reveal to us where to go so we can join you in what you're doing,"

When I was invited last July to join the staff at RHCC, I knew the church wanted to make more direct contact with the community. The staff had read the book, The Externally Focused Church by Rick Rusaw and Eric Swanson.

After praying for Jesus to lead us, I googled "externally focused church." One link led me to the Irving Bible Church and this specific page that listed where their church is making intentional efforts to serve those in the community living with HIV/AIDS.

I sat in front of the computer screen and prayed, "Jesus, it would be a stretch for many of us to directly minster to those struggling with AIDS and serve them in the way of Jesus. If that's where you want to lead us, give me a clear sign."

I continued to pray for several days about it. And one Saturday morning Jesus gave me a strong sign.

Between 300-350 members of RHCC had gathered in one area of our building for a special Bible study. Before it started, we had coffee and rolls. The place was packed. I went through the line and looked for a seat. I only found one, so I walked up and asked if I could join. They said yes. I sat down and introduced myself around the table. Finally I turned to the person on my left.

"Hello, I'm Rusty Peterman."

She replied, "Hello, I'm Anna Griffith."

I asked Anna what she did.

"You wouldn't believe me if I told you," she said with a grin.

I said, "Try me."

"I go over to Africa several times each year to work with the AIDS population."

I leaned forward in my chair and asked, "Anna, how did you get started doing that." Afterall, it's not everyday you meet someone who has that on a "To Do" list.

Here's what she told me: "I did my Doctor of Ministry and a study of AIDS several years back."

"What was your thesis?"

Anna answered, "The Implementation of An AIDS Ministry Within the Local Congregation."

I was all ears by then. "Anna, Jesus wanted me to meet you this morning. We need to get together soon."

We did. And next time I'll share with you where Jesus is leading us at a place called Samaritan House.