People have been asking: What will this church be like? Well, Jesus builds the church, the New Testament defines the purposes of a church and within those parameters, let me give you an idea about Life Change Community Church (coming to Calabasas, CA and surrounding region in January 2010)!
To design and develop a church that effectively reaches the lost, post-modern heart, we don't begin with a church that is designed for mature Christians. Like the Kentucky hunter once said, "You can't chase two rabbits at a time." So, we either reallllly hope to be effective in reaching unreached people for the new life Jesus offers...OR...we just hope people in other churches will move to ours. NO! We truly hope to effectively communicate the message of life change to those not yet reached.
Churches for the already "churched" exist in abundance. And it's my belief, the kingdom is not best served by just a better version of that (church 3.0).
From the parking, to the ushers, to the heart beat of song lyrics and sermon, those far from God will hear and understand the gospel through their cultural ears---because we will speak their language.
Paul, a writer in the New Testament, said it like this: "To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all men so that by all possible means I might save some." 1 Cor. 9:22
A paraphrase of the Apostle Paul is: "And when in Calabasas, become like the Calabasans, so that many will be reached"
The burning vision in my heart is spiritual seekers attending weekend services in abundance; that my story, and the story of many like me, will offer hope of a fresh start with God; that seekers will attend small groups (through the week, all over this region) with a few believers for relationship building and for the process of disciple making.
This is the stuff of great conversation and a glimpse of what is to come....stay tuned!