;)
;)
The passion is to reach seeking, searching people: both Christians and non-Christians. The passion is to gather such people who long to be in a transformational relationship with Jesus into a faith community where broken hearts and lives can be healed and men and women can be trained and equipped to be the people of God's design.
But how does that work? What are the mechanics?
;)
Gathering the unchurched begins making connections. In our post-Christendom world, there is a need for Christians to change their assumptions about how the world perceives them. Among other things, this means moving from thinking in terms of power and strength to humility and weakness.
Many have discovered the way of the cross to be the best way of evangelism because people more readily identify with the weaknesses of others than with their strengths.
The assumption then is that connecting with people begins with forming a relationship with them. The assumption is that God is already at work in people's lives. He doesn't need a Christian to save anyone; He is perfectly capable of "saving" whomever He chooses. But Christians can be Gospel missionaries that seek to discover where God is powerfully at work in others' lives and join with him there, in that place, and in that work.
;)
Thus, connecting with people is the first mechanic of the passion for church planting. It leads to the second: discovery. When Christians connect with unbelievers in relationally authentic ways, not seeking to hide their weaknesses, but living out Gospel truth in the midst of life with spiritually open people, things happen.
;)
Discoveries of God's power and grace take place. Not only are Christians poised to discover more about the God they love and serve in the lives of others--the least expected, least likely places--but non-Christians can find a place to experience and discover God's power in their life, mediated through real-life relationships and connections with genuine Christians.;)
Connections lead to discoveries. Discoveries lead to changed lives, which in turn impact the individual, the famliy, the community, and ultimately the world.
This is God's way with human beings. As each of us are changed, we are equipped and enabled to change and impact others.
Connect. Discover. Impact. These are the mechanics of the passion at GCCP.
