The BIG Day? Not Really.

By the title, you may assume that I am not excited about this coming Sunday, October 10th which is our very first public service for RCC. But this would be incorrect. I am, actually very excited. Personally, I have been getting ready for this for most of my 20 years in full time ministry. The timing of it all seems very right.

My title is a reaction to much of the mentality that exist out there in the church planting world. There are many teachings and books and trainings on getting that first day as perfect as possible and on getting large gatherings for the launch. There is as much encouraged pressure and preparations as a royal wedding day. I never really got the emphasis. If my ego was so fragile that I needed to see big numbers in order for me to feel good about the launch, I probably should not be a pastor.

The reality for us is, although this is our first public service, Reading City Church has already existed as a group of people getting ready in my basement these last few months. What happens on the 10th is simply the next phase of our purpose as we meet, love, serve and grow with more people. In addition to this, Reading City Church is not a church that is disconnected from a rich and diverse church history. While RCC is specifically a new church, we simply are a new growth out of an idea that Jesus had himself for His people on earth and since has existed for over 2,000 years.

Lastly, I do not view the 10th as a destination. It is the next step in a new journey that I pray will lasts for many years. My excitement is not for a date or the fact that I am now a lead pastor or that we meeting in a theater or any number of things that people may think would excite me. I am excited because we are starting to bring together people that normally would not have been together, to know and grow in the giver of all life and to serve the city of Reading for His namesake. I am excited to see lives healed and relationships restored as they come to really know Jesus. I am excited for people to learn anew what this life is really about and what their place is in it. I am excited to worship together, to learn together, to grow as one and to reach out with His passion. I am excited that Reading City Church, as a group of people, will now have a small part to play in church history and my prayer is that God finds us faithful in drawing all glory to Him.