I want to take you on a journey. What will Redeemer’s Way look like? Well what it will look like really depends a lot on those people that will come along on this journey. But here are some possibilities.
So sit back and picture it as if you are there. It is a Sunday morning. The service does not start for 30 more minutes, but people are beginning to gather. Of course there are smiling greeters at the door. Once inside the coffee, tea, and juice is flowing freely. Inside the sanctuary round tables and chairs fill the room. People laughing at one table, at another, friends are praying for each other. At another one someone is excitedly sharing something they learned that week from the word of God. Some are in suits, others in jeans and t-shirts. Some are cleaner than others. Oh yea there is plenty of biker leather to go around. Culturally the room is melting pot of all races and ages. Also inside are the underground greeters. No name tags, but they are on the lookout for new faces and missing faces.
Soon the worship leader steps up and gets everyone’s attention. Quickly the leader is in “the zone” as they enter the throne room of God. Then they remember where they are and they reach out to the congregation and begin to draw them in. Soon people begin to dance while others lay on the altar. But some just stand still in the moment.
In the nursery a baby is crying. The nursery minister is holding her close and begins to quietly pray in the spirit. Then she starts to sing before the Lord. Also in the room is the mother that has not slept for several nights because of the crying baby. The nursery minister holds the baby with one hand, and lays her hand on the mom. She begins to pray, she begins to prophesy. Soon the baby stops crying and even a smile comes across her face. The mother sits down in a near by rocker as it seems a weight has been lifted off of her shoulders.
In another room, the children are learning to worship and praise. The older children line up across the altar and the younger kids begin to come down for prayer. The children’s ministers move along the line teaching the older kids how to pray for them. Not only are they learning the word of God, they are being mentored to be ministers. Not just for the future but for today!
During the youth service a similar seen is taking place. Adults line the back of the room. Some are security, and others are intercessors providing spiritual security for the youth and the youth ministers as they work. If this takes place during a regular worship service there is a good chance there are more adults with the youth than in the “big” service.
Tuesday afternoon around 4:30 cars begin to drop off kids of all ages. It is homework time. Inside are teenagers, young adults, parents and teachers ready to tutor those who need help. Teachers will be at school and find a struggling child. I will be at Redeemer’s Way church this afternoon, why don’t you stop by and I can give you some extra help. Other kids that do not need help will beg to still come so they can work on their studies.
Before the school year started we invited the teachers and support staff of the nearby schools to a Saturday morning breakfast. We spent the morning edifying and building them up. We conclude with prayer and assigning an intercessor(s) to each teacher and support staff to cover them the entire year.
Saturday morning Brothers of the Covenant Motorcycle ministry arrive early on their Harleys. Soon teenagers and young adults on their sport bikes (Yamahas, Hondas, Suzukis) begin to pull up. The Brothers are conducting a biker clinic. They conduct a safety lesson, and then they teach how to do a bike tune up and basic maintenance. Finally they are invited to meet back again in two weeks to go on a ride together.
It is Friday night. A youth band is warming up. Once again coffee and sodas are flowing. The purpose tonight is to simply provide a safe place for teenagers to hang out. A safe place for positive peer pressure to flourish
One week during the summer we set up a big tent at one of the local trailer parks, or housing projects. We will take VBS to the community. The kids just need to step out their door. No transportation required.
Another Saturday morning Pastors from the surrounding area begin to show up. Baptist, Methodist, Presbyterian, Church of God etc. They will come tired and weary. We will feed them a great breakfast, teach them a great word then send them away with resources they can take back to their ministries.
Of course this list could go on. Because our members are involved in Rotary, Kiwanis Lion’s club, and other service clubs. We will be in the charity walks, school fundraisers, and community festivals. Whenever the community needs something, we get a phone call. We will be masters at networking and relationship building. We will be everywhere.