ManChurch Columbus Kickoff Postponed

After a great deal of prayer and consultation, we have decided to postpone the kick-off of the ManChurch event that was scheduled for March 1, 2007.

Although we [our team] have made great strides in preparing for the men of Columbus, I do not believe we are truly ready for what I believe is the next great move of God among the seekers, the hurting, or the disenfranchised in our area. Our role has and will continue to be a mentor or spiritual guide to those who may have given up church, so that means we must be “healed to heal” (in the words of my pastor). Personally, I have overcome many obstacles and mental weights that over time have conditioned me, primed, and prepared me in many ways, but also in many ways I too am unprepared. That is why we as a team must be willing to submit and commit ourselves not only to this event, but to each other in a whole new way.

What I am finding out in my old age is that the words of Paul hand written an eon ago are still true:

“1If I speak in the tongues[a] of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. 2If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. 3If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, [b] but have not love, I gain nothing” (I Corinthians 13).

We limit this chapter to speak only to the romantic or marriage relationship, but I believe it is meant to resound with us on a much deeper level. In essence Paul is saying to us that we can have all the talents, gifts, or even a faith that can move mountains, but all is lost without the power of love. Love is the endorphin that stirs our very DNA to move us into acts of compassion for others. Love is not a feeling; it is a spirit that produces power for effectiveness in ministry and in life. Love is not just an agenda—it is THE agenda! The tenet remains true, it is more blessed to give than to receive. Because of past hurts and disappointments, I have waited to receive love, too unsure about the reaction or even the agenda of others. I have been lost pursuing an agenda that has left me lost, calloused, and scared. Because of the intervention of my wife and my brothers, I have been loved, renewed, and wanting to love again!

So my question to you becomes, ‘do you have love enough to touch the untouchable, to seek out the undesirables, and to champion the cause of Christ, or is ManChurch or any other ministry activity something to do as we chase our own selfish agendas?’ I need to know your answer—and I must be able to answer that question for myself—if we are going to move forward and present a ministry alternative to the City of Columbus.

As our mission states in Luke 22:31-32: “…Satan has asked to sift you[a] as wheat. 32But I have prayed for you, … that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers." Just as you have prayed for me, I continue to pray for you that once your footing is secure, you can strengthen your brothers!

Think about it...and give me your comments.