Connections at Roswell Street

Jason

The next “Test Sunday” has been scheduled!

Mark your calendars for September 21st. 

We have learned much from the first test Sunday.  Adjusting a few things from last time, we are anticipating September 21st to be a great experience.  Jason Sartain will be leading us through worshipping with music.  Kenn Kington will be leading us through Scripture.

On a different note…my wife and I just got back from attending the Marriage Tune-up Conference at Roswell Street. 

We had a great time.  We really enjoyed the different sessions.  We especially enjoyed talking with other couples that we do not usually get to see.

If you attended the conference, what did you take away? 

Jason

The three core values of the Connections ministry of Roswell Street is to Connect with God, Connect with Each Other, and to Connect with Our Culture.  I have been thinking lately about the many creative ways that as a church we can connect with our culture.  Of course, that starts with individuals desiring to connect with their culture.  One of my former pastors and mentors, Scott Sharman, sent me an email today that is pretty motivating.  I thought you may enjoy it…

The E-pistle of Scott Sharman, Senior Pastor of Alsbury Baptist Church, Burleson, Texas

Going to church can be hazardous to your health. 

In January of this year I had the privilege of traveling with four other men to Tanzania, Africa.  Our purpose was to lead a training seminar for pastors and church leaders.  Over four dozen Tanzanians gathered for the first such meeting ever conducted in their area.

We met for eight hours each day in a one-room church building that had neither running water nor electricity.  Shutters on about a half-dozen windows were opened and a cool breeze kept the room very comfortable.  I noticed the absence of screens or glass.  The shutters were held open with rocks wedged into hinges attached to window sills.

One afternoon a heavy fog rolled across the area.  A significant shower of rain began to fall.  The temperature dropped considerably and the once pleasant breeze soon became a chilly wind.  A yellow bird escaped the elements by flying in through an opened window and perched upon one of the rafters. 

The teaching and worship sessions continued through the afternoon and our feathered guest seemed to grow uneasy with the surroundings.  For several hours he flew from beam to beam, resting for mere seconds before taking flight again. 

As the afternoon drew to a close everyone left for the evening.  The shutters were closed and latched and the large wooden doors to the church were securely padlocked. A good meal and a night of rest would prepare us all for another day of our seminar. 

The following morning as we gathered again one of the speakers noticed the lifeless carcass of that yellow bird in the corner of the concrete floor.  It was a sad discovery but one that brought a sobering reminder.  Nobody was created to spend their life in a church.

The bird was created to fly in the heavens and nest in the trees, to gather seeds or insects and nurture another generation of winged creatures.  This bird journeyed into a church to seek comfort and safety but the failure to head back into the world proved disastrous.

The people of God go to church for similar reasons.  There we find safety and comfort during difficult and stormy days.  We are encouraged through the teaching of the Word and through our worship of God through music and prayer.  As joyful as the experience may be God does not intend for us to spend our lives in the church.

All who have experienced an intimate and personal relationship with Christ were brought to faith when someone reached out and made them aware of God’s love.  We, likewise, are to be an influence on the world around us; rejoicing with those who rejoice and grieving with those who grieve. 

It was never God’s intention that we spend our lives in the church and exclusively among Christians.  The Bible challenges us to live as agents of reconciliation, ambassadors of Christ who share his message with the world around us. 

Being part of a vibrant church is wonderful.  Sharing life together with like-minded people is certainly a joy.  Yet we fail to live the life God intends when we spend our days simply with other Christians.  We must seek to build meaningful relationships with those who have yet to discover the life we know in Christ. 

Going to church can be hazardous to your spiritual health.  Failing to remember that we must take the message of Jesus to those who have yet to believe will leave us empty and frustrated with our personal faith.  We were created to share with others what Jesus has done for us.

As wonderful as your church may be, you were not created to live your life there.   Take the love of Christ into the world in which you live.  Demonstrate his love through practical ministry to those who have yet to experience the life-changing power of Jesus.  In doing so you will experience a greater measure of the abundant life Jesus promised.

Scott Sharman

Pastor, Alsbury Baptist Church

Burleson, Texas

www.alsburybaptist.com 

We only have three more days until “Test Sunday”! 

Check out some pictures of the team pulling it together.