Stunned. Dream Bigger.

A successful urban farm in Detroit.

Six months ago, we felt the Lord impress a question into our hearts.  The question goes something like this:   

"Can we turn an abandoned property in the Jackson Neighborhood into an urban farm which can produce enough fruits and vegetables for 920 homes in the Jackson Neighborhood?" 

I've shared this question with many people over the last number of months with mixed responses.  We see many people's eyes glaze over because it sounds idealistic and unrealistic.  Others….especially non-Christians are intrigued that a Christian or a church would think that food insecurity and healthy eating are "spiritual" issues which merit a church's attention.

Yet, there have been some who have applauded, encouraged, and asked us to continue to press deeper into our question and seek solutions.  Some of these visionaries have even pledged to donate to the purchase of an abandoned property and another recently agreed to help us work out the correct zoning required.

And yet…sometimes we doubt.  Did God really put this question into our hearts?  Is this really a realistic dream?

It was in the midst of doubt that we had a conversation today with a neighbor who lives directly across the street.

"Hi! When did you move into the neighborhood?  She smiled and quickly responded, "Oh, a month ago."  We inquired further, "Why did you move here?"  She thought for a moment, her eyes glancing to the ceiling before returning to us, said, "It's strange, my partner and I are from Los Angeles but we felt compelled here."  It was that word, "compelled" that caught my attention.  "Are you Christians?" I asked.  "No" she said.  Our conversation changed to the topic of what compels us.  We shared our hope of turning an abandoned property into something that can feed and bless our neighborhood. We saw her eyes light up.  She said, "That's exactly what my partner is currently researching!  It's his passion and dream.  In fact, he is already working with some guys in Fresno who are doing it.  We should do dinner and talk more!"

We were stunned. They live right across the street.

…Blog readers.   Dream big dreams….because there may be someone out there who has dreamt your dream long before you and knows how to turn dreams into reality.

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A simple exchange

a typical California sunset.

Our neighbor said to us, "So, you've come here to start a church, huh? Where's your building?"

"We don't have a building," I said timidly. 

He seemed perplexed…and searched for a question he perceived wouldn't come across as dumb.  He asked, "So, what kind of church is it?"

"It's a church for people who don't like church!" Heidi said

He looked surprised.  It was like he had never considered churches were open to people who weren't Christians. 

He smiled, saying, "That sounds like my kinda church!  I think I'd like that."

There are 920 homes in the neighborhood and we are praying for every family they represent.  It's takes 8 miles (12 km) to walk every block of our neighborhood.  We pray for every home as we walk, run, or drive.   We are praying that that Jesus would assemble a group of people in the neighborhood to seek it's renewal and we are praying that Jesus would transform people's lives -- spiritually, emotionally, intellectually, relationally, physically, and economically. 

We want to be a neighborhood focused church that preaches Jesus and addresses our neighbors practical needs -- we'll start in a home and grow into a school.  We dream of church full of neighbors all working together to seek the renewal of the neighborhood and city we love -- Jesus focused, mission focused, Spirit led.  

Lord, build your neighborhood Church.

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And speaking of your community's DNA.... (Part II)

And if you are wondering what kind of DNA your community has (read post from earlier this morning)...and you are realizing that the DNA of your group is the Do Nothing At all type, then keep reading.

This type of community DNA manifests in spiritual amnesia.  This often results in the group losing its ability to rememeber what its vision is (or better said, what God's vision for it is).

If your community has spiritual amnesia and has lost its sense of purpose and vision....can I suggest three practical things you as a leader can do:

1.  Speak the truth --Your community needs a leader who articulates the reality.
2.  Share the truth -- Remind them often of what God's vision for them is.
3.  Show the truth -- Invite others to serve with you in everything you do as a leader.  Be the example your community needs.

Spiritual amnesia is temporary only when treated.   

Your community's DNA is....

Are you part of a Christian community like a Bible study or church group?  If so, here's something to consider.

Every Christian community has a DNA.  Its DNA shapes how people relate to one another, how they interact with the people Jesus has commissioned them to serve.

The problem is some communities' DNA stands for Do Nothing At all.  What ends up happening is that 80 percent of your community becomes spiritual consumers (getting spiritually fat), while 20 percent serves (getting spiritually fit).  Is this your community?

But, a community's DNA which is being shaped by Jesus and motivated by the messages of the gospels will slowly shift (hip hip hooray!)  It will come to stand for Disciples Need Action.  You will find that people are no longer content with sitting on their hands but are beginning to itch for more intensity in worship and service.

Which DNA does your community have?