May 2019 was given over to God as a month of renewal, and so as I head off I wanted to note down some HUGE ENCOURAGEMENTS that have come from the month.
In no particular order…
- A hunger for Jesus our first love – We used Revelation 2:1-7 and Jesus’ words to the church in Ephesus to help us ‘reflect, repent and resume’ and many people talked about how it was good to remember WHY and FOR WHOM we do church! Many of us long that our participation in church is an overflow of our love for Jesus. Brilliant!
- Hearing from one another – God used the month for us to hear from each other, get to know one another better and understand more deeply each other’s passions, gifts and desires. I sense our community will be deeper and stronger because of Renew. Wonderful!
- 24 hours of prayer – many people said this was their highlight. Unhurried time together with God seeking his face. Praise God that as a community we want to pray. We will do more. Bring it on!
- Daily devotionals – so many people commented on how they appreciated these, want them to continue in the future and find better rhythms in their own life for prayer and bible study. God spoke to us and fed us from his word.
- A passion for mission – it was great to hear that there is a genuine desire for personal evangelism, and that we as a church find a channel where we can serve the city through mercy ministry.
- A desire for deeper discipleship – Life Groups came up again and again, people either appreciating the one they’re in or wanting to find and form a few close Christian friends with whom they can ‘go deep’ and pursue Jesus together. Hallelujah for such desire!
- Renew meetings – we had great attendance and more importantly participation and feedback. We’re going to discuss some of the feedback together as a leadership team in August.
- An appreciation that church is a second family – so many positive comments at the Renew meetings were to do with how CCC acts as family for so many people. Long may that continue… and grow!
What other things were you encouraged by?
When Leanne and I return from Sabbatical we will chat with the leadership team in August to think through ‘next steps’ and things we might need to change and improve on. But for now be encouraged and praise God for what he did through our month of Renew to connect us deeper to him, to one another and to the vision and values of the church.
If you have any further comments or feedback or want to contact the leadership team by way of follow up from Renew, please email renew@christcitychurch.ie.