Family and Movement
Family
Over the last year or so I have wrestled deeply with questions about who we are as the people of God. Are we missionaries? Are we servants? Are we Family? Friends? Who are we? Who are we first and foremost? How does prioritization of identity impact the rest of who we are, not to mention what we do. Because who we are drives what we do. But who we are comes from what we look at. Or the way it’s been said for years now is “you become what you behold.”
Where I have landed through much prayer and experience is that we are family first. I especially mean this for Capitol City Church and how we want to function. While it is true that brotherhood is formed in the trenches in places such as the military, my experience has been more along the lines that when we lock in as family (read: stubbornly love one another) and move at the speed of friendship (Thanks Jon) overflow of Sonship and Daughterhood is mission.
Another word that God has been using to help me understand mission is movement.
Movement
Mission. Multiplication. Movement. Discipleship. Evangelism. These can all be buzzwords for followers of Jesus. What I see Jesus calling us to is stubborn devotion to one another as family that results in movement. We go together where Jesus has gone before us. We follow Jesus into the ordinary things of life to declare and demonstrate the extraordinary gospel. We aren’t made to stay insular. We aren’t made to become ingrown. We aren’t algae ridden ponds that are hard to get into (because they are a little gross), but rather refreshing rivers carrying life downstream in the current of God’s grace.
Movement looks like personal devotion to following Jesus in the united spiritual family of God’s church. Movement is participation with Jesus in the gospel of grace just like Ananias participated in Saul’s conversion (Acts 9:10-19). Movement is killing our own sin by inviting Jesus into every nook and cranny of our lives. Movement if seeking the calling that Jesus has put on your life right here and now, and saying “yes” to working with him to usher in the Kingdom. Movement is prayer and fasting. Movement is planting the gospel. Movement is inviting those who are far from Jesus into discovery in his word over front porch conversation. Movement is baptizing new believers in bath tubs. Movement is little spiritual families (churches?) emerging from living rooms. Movement is serving the local school. Movement is loving our homeless neighbors by making sure they are known, seen, heard, and loved. Movement happens when we form true family.
Other Troublemaking Activities…
Since our last update we have…
Finished a 40 day Lenten prayer initiative with four other churches.
Celebrated Good Friday for the first time as a community by working through a table liturgy over the Lord’s Supper. Truly one of the most powerful moments for our family.
Worshipped on Easter with two other churches in a public park about a mile from our home. There were a number of people far from Jesus present and a beautiful collision of 3 communities in celebration of the Risen Christ.
Completed round 1 of our Missionary Pathway Training, and are inviting people into round 2 as we speak. This is a space to spark missionary identity in the lives of everyday followers of Jesus.
Blessed our local elementary school in a couple of big ways. One was by championing Teacher Appreciation Week as a member of the PTA by serving coffee to all of the staff in the school. The second was also made possible by being a member of the PTA. We discovered a need for a robust supply closet for teachers to draw resources from rather than their own wallets and Cap City was able to kickstart this closet by donating a plethora of their top 10 most needed items. They were truly grateful and we are hopeful that it is the beginning of communicating how much we really do care for them.
Started two new discovery bible studies with hopes of two more beginning in the coming month.
Sent out a member of Cap City to follow Jesus in CA.
Locked arms with other church and business leaders over a two-day retreat to dig into how we as Sons and Daughters seek the transformation of our city together as people from places of business, government, church world, and cultural influence.
Prayer / Practical Needs
Our Family
Unity, joy, and healthy bodies through the winter (KEEP PRAYING).
Healthy work / life balance in the transitioning of multiple jobs and roles in vocation.
DCIS at Fairmont Elementary School
Staff and Administration
Inroads that are paved with love by us being a blessing.
People far from Jesus:
Ciara, Chandler, Jon, Caleb, Greg, Dana, Tuan, Amy, Mike, Avery, John, Ramsey, Walter, and so so many more.
Sig and Kevin. Amanda and Charles.
Our Church
We want to open a permanent 24/7 prayer room in our city. This takes prayer and money. Pray for the place to show up, and if you want to help fund this place let me know.
Emerging leaders, united as one body, disciple-makers to be exposed and called, gifts and callings to be identified.
Deliverance (action) taken by our people as we follow Jesus.
Practically
We are hoping to have a few members of Cap City move into the neighborhood this summer / fall. One big barrier to entry is paying the deposit + first month’s rent up front. If anyone would like to give toward this cause please reach out.
Ally needs a new iPhone: donations accepted ;)
