Emmaus Church

I love to plan.  I like to be prepared.  I enjoy projecting into the future.  I enjoy imagining the trajectory of my life and the life of Emmaus.  But God loves to frustrate our plans. 

On the one hand, you will find those who like to view God like a vending machine.  If you deposit (pray) the right coinage (say or do the right things), you’ll get your ordered prize (predictable outcome).  I think this makes God way to predictable and boring.  We hate to be put in a camp or boxed up….I can’t imagine God does either.  So, at the end of the day in our own little world, we rob God of volition…a basic trait to all things alive.  The ability to choose is fundamental to all living creatures.

What does this have to do with church planting?  Well, first, God’s unpredictability reminds us that we are not in control.  When I think I’ve got the next step for Emmaus projected, God throws a wrench into the plan.  He let’s me know He’s in control.  Second, God’s volition reminds me that He actually WANTS me to trust him.  If I have it all figured out, then there’s no need for him.  And finally, God’s ability to choose for Himself reminds us that living the Christian life cannot be relegated to mere principles or antedotes.  He did, does, and always will want to be treated like an emotional God.  In planting Emmaus, I can make mistakes, not do the right thing at the right time, or say the right thing.  But, having his favor on us is exceedingly important.  Living under the umbrella of his protection and the facet of his blessing is where I want to be. 

We will still make our plans for our launch in the first quarter of 09, but, we are open to his timing, his placement, and his plans at every corner…..even if it embarrasses me.