GRACE, 

As I write this, it's 9/11. One of the things I remember most about that horrible day was the perspective my life had in the days that followed. Whether it was 911, or the COVID crisis, there are moments in life where you gain perspective. A lot of the things that seem important no longer are, and you gain clarity for the things that really matter.

Over this Exiles series, we have talked about four basic ideas that EXILES must have. The first is seeing the world through the lens of the exile. Second, we must know our story. Third, we never forget our primary agenda. And fourth, we never lose hope for home.

That third one is resonating in my heart this morning. With perspective, there comes a focus on our primary agenda, a focus on what really matters. As a church, we have a primary agenda, and that is to bring as many people into an obedient, loving relationship with Jesus Christ as we possibly can. That's why we say, “Everyone needs Jesus, and everyone is our responsibility.”

As you know, we have core values that help us live out this primary agenda, and the core values are knowing, growing, giving, serving, and praising. This whole process moves people from Christian infancy to Christian maturity or from church guests to someone who is living out their primary agenda. This is usually referred to as a discipleship process.

This discipleship process is something that we are constantly evaluating and thinking about. And, although the process may change from time to time, the end goal is always the same: to move people into a deep, meaningful relationship with Jesus. That's the end game, the primary agenda. Katie Neel is leading a team right now that is prayerfully reviewing our approach to this whole process. And, as He has so many times in the past, I have no doubt God will work through Katie to continue to strengthen our efforts. 

But, what I have found over the years is that it’s much easier to move people through a process when people want to be moved. Whether it’s people, cows, horses, goats, elephants, or really anything, it’s easier to move an object that desires movement. Try getting a teenage boy out of bed, and you will see what I am saying. 

So, my point is this: Are you seeking to be discipled? Are you seeking to grow? Are you practicing spiritual disciplines? What is your primary reason for coming to this church – or any church? Is your heart open to trying new things? Is your heart open to a new, deeper season in your faith journey? We can create all the processes in the world, but at the end of the day, those who want to be fed will be the ones who eat. 

This whole EXILE series has been about opening our hearts and minds. Are you open to more? Are you moving toward Christ? Has your relationship become stale? Are you settling for Christian infancy when God has called you to grow? These are questions that must be decided in your heart. We can’t process your commitment to a primary purpose. That must be decided in you. I have found that those who seek find. Those who knock find open doors. 

I would challenge you today to start doing privately what we hope for corporately. Join me in praying for our primary agenda. I am about to start a series on the Gospel of Luke. Open the word; read it. Allow God to speak to you. Seek people out on Sunday as a host; don’t just show up as a guest. Re-engage in your primary agenda. God is doing something here, and we are blessed to be part of it. My team is working hard to create processes, spaces, and places where people can be fully engaged. But, you don’t need anyone to tell you where to go to start moving. 

Matthew 7:7-8: “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.”

Greater Things,

Tommy