As Lara Beth and I were in the very beginning stages of this transition, I had a conversation with a friend that included a line that literally changed the course of my life. I had no idea where it would take us, but I knew it was significant the second he said it.
My friend was on his way back from vacation with his family. My family was on the road to visit a city where we thought God may call us to plant a church. We'd been playing phone tag and finally caught each other. I asked, "How was your vacation?" He said, "It was great, but I can't wait to get back to the city I love."
My friend is a pastor. God called him to the city where he pastors a little over two years ago to plant a church that is literally shaking the entire city. His church is doing what it is doing because God birthed a love for the city in this pastor's heart.
As soon as we got off the phone, I told Lara Beth what he said. I knew that we would know which city God had called us to by how much love we had for it. Church or no church. Success or failure. Good and bad. We had to love the city where God had called us, not just the idea of a big, cool church.
Never in a million years would I have guessed that God would call us to Columbia, yet it makes so much sense. And, in the short time that we have been in this transition, God has birthed a fast growing love for this city in our hearts.
There are plenty of reasons to not love Columbia. It's hot...VERY hot. It's diverse - over 50% of the population in Northeast Columbia is not white (I love it!). It's got some issues - some have reported that Northeast Columbia has the fastest growing gang population in the country; 70% unchurched; racism, the confederate flag, Southern traditions...all things we will battle to advance the gospel in Columbia.
But it starts with love. God loves Columbia, SC. He loves the people here. And He desperately wants them to connect with Him and live out the mission he has for them.
And I can say with all integrity...He's given this pastor an unquenchable love for this city. Last night, as I was leaving the event where I preached, someone asked, "where are you going now?" To which, I replied, "Going back to the city I love."
Thank you, Jesus for calling us to this city that you love and putting your love in our hearts. May that love translate into a powerful movement that you use to reach thousands in this city that need you. May this love drive us to our knees in brokenness over gangs, hate, arrogance, and selfishness. Use this love to call us to action. To say, with you, "not in my city." Jesus, change this city for your glory. Amen.
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