Transition, Soccer and the Goal

The shift from pastoral ministry into the new roles of missionary-evangelist and chaplain is happening fast! In the transition I joined a soccer team with a number of men from Grace Harbor and some Latinos who have also been a part of our church . . . Puerto de Gracia. We had our first game on Sunday and it was a excellent! There was this great moment in the game when the opposing team had a penalty kick against us. I ran in to help form ‘the wall’ to block the kick. At that moment, as we covered critical parts of our body, the realization came, “I could really get hurt here.” It was thrilling! We were willing to risk bodily injury for a greater cause! The good news is that we blocked it and nobody was hurt. Even more exciting than blocking a penalty kick was the opportunity to score a goal. I personally didn’t even get a shot on goal, but the excitement was there as I got close.
My longing as a follower of Christ is that we go on the offensive. Yes, there are things we must stand for and ‘block’, but we must be moving towards the other goal. The goal of Christ-likeness, the goal of loving God, loving neighbor, not merely with words, but with action; and the goal of seeking the lost and making disciples of all nations! The world knows what the church is against much more than they know what we are for. This should not be. They cannot understand what we’re against unless and until they know . . . Who we are for and what we are for!
Let’s not allow people to think we’re about this cause or that cause. Let them see a people who are compelled by the love of God in Christ to serve and proclaim. Paul shares with the church in Philippi about the value of all of his former accomplishments, titles and status. We must learn from his example:

What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ . . .” (Philippians 3:8)

I ask for your prayers and support as we move forward to make this new ministry a reality. I have been meeting with a few churches, families and individuals and am very encouraged by a willingness to partner with me. We’re at about 20% of our monthly pledges, but have also received some special gifts that will help us get going. July will be a month of transition, support raising, evangelism and discipleship!

If you have not checked out the new website, take a look: http://www.lifeinhisname.net/

In Jesus' great love,

Greg West