Church family,

"Whether we eat or drink, we do it for the glory of God."

I'm writing this from an event at the North American Mission Board with the Send Network, and I can't help but share with you what's stirring in me. Every time I'm somewhere like this, the same thing happens. I look around at what God is doing across this network of churches and planters, and I get this deep ache that I wish all of you could be here to experience it too. I so badly want you to see what I'm seeing, hearing what I am hearing, and feeling what I am feeling this week. I literally say it every single time I go somewhere that breaks me out of the small pocket of our nation that we live.

Here in Mount Pleasant, we work hard for the sake of the gospel. And when you're in the daily work and weekly rhythms, it's easy to have blinders on. The ordinary rhythms and the near things start to crowd out the bigger mission God has called us to. Weeks like this begin to pull the blinders off and remind me why we do any of it. Our purpose leads somewhere. YOUR purpose leads somewhere. It leads to the ultimate goal of contributing to the kingdom by making disciples and planting churches. That's the measure of success and the goal set before us as we look at the only command in the Great Commission (Matthew 28). 

And I am saying all of this, because I don't want us to forget where we've come from. Our church once had fewer people in the whole building on a Sunday than we now have kids in our kids ministry. God took a dying church and made it a multiplying one. That is not a small thing, and should be something that we are constantly reminded of. That is God doing what He said He would do - build His church.

So here's what I'm asking of you between now and Sunday. Connect with someone else from outside our church, sit down, and talk about what God has done in your life as part of what He has done in replanting this church. Then, if you have been with us less than two years find someone who has been here for longer. Talk about all the things God has done. And let's all recommit to the mission and stick with it. Finally, pray with me. Pray that it would be our great delight to serve Christ and make Him known.

Fuel has been thrown on the fire that God has shut up in my bones, and I want that fire to spread to every man and woman who is in this work alongside me. Let's go. Grateful to be your pastor. Love you, fam. Keep your eyes on Jesus. You are sent!

Grace & peace,

TW

3 John 2