Church in The Wild Pt. 2
I remember when I first started working at Legacy ABQ 16 and a half years ago. Back then we did not have all the resources we do today. Being adaptable and creative was essential to effectively grow a ministry. For the youth ministry, we would go around the church, scavenge equipment that wasn’t being used or broken, apply a little TLC and use it to our benefit. On many occasions, we would even use equipment in a manner it was not intended to be used for a purpose it was not purposed for. If you’ve ever done youth ministry you know what I’m talking about.
It was creative problem-solving. We had to do the same thing in the main service in the creative departments. We would be tasked to do an amazing Christmas Production with a limited budget. We had to make a “Ruth’s Chris” steak on a “McDonald’s” budget. And you know what? We pulled off some amazing things. Our 2011 Christmas production is one that people still talk about to this day.
The lack of resources, but having to produce at the highest level possible regardless of resources, made us have to think outside the box. We didn’t always have the answers, but we figured it out. The best thing about it was the knowledge we were gaining. We were learning so much! It was growth and the best kind of growth. It built in us this “Church in The Wild” mindset that you don’t need the perfect set of circumstances to get started or achieve something great. If you wait for the perfect circumstances, the right season, enough money, or whatever it is you are waiting on, you will never get started. It is true that if you’re faithful with the little things you can be trusted with the big things (referencing the parable of the talents). But you’ve got to start! Do not hide it in the ground!
I gratefully take this “Church in The Wild” mentality with me into this new season. I believe everything I have learned up to now has brought me to this moment. It has been beautifully orchestrated by God.
Circumstances can change in an instant, but our circumstances do not determine our abilities or what we do with them. Philippians 4:11-13 (NLT) comes to mind, “11 Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have. 12 I know how to live on almost nothing or with everything. I have learned the secret of living in every situation, whether it is with a full stomach or empty, with plenty or little. 13 For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.” No matter your circumstances you can endure and accomplish God’s call on your life because it is Christ who gives you strength.
Two weeks ago, it looked like we may have found a location, but that did not work out. But that changes nothing. I believe there is a location out there that God has for us. We will have service on Jan. 8th whether it’s in my living room with 2 or 10 people, or in whatever location God has for us, but we will have service. Because the location, sound system, or the lights are not the experience. Jesus is the experience. He is what matters.
This is “Church in the Wild”, and it will always be the church in the wild whether we have 1 person or 10,000, because we will always be reaching for new heights to reach as many people as possible with the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
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