I didn't really grow up going to church as a kid. We were the Easter Sunday and Christmas Eve type of family, and then I went to church camp when I was 12. I'm pretty sure around the campfire on that Wednesday night was truly where Jesus saved me and thus my heart was regenerated and inclined to want to know more about my Creator. So I started going to local youth groups in Maple Valley to try to find a fit. It wasn't until I was 17 that I really found a church that I felt God was really calling me to and thus began my journey to knowing God and what the Bible I had(that had collected dust on my shelf for years) was saying to me about Him. I grew spiritual and relational roots there. I was blessed to be able to have meaningful relationships with the pastors and their families and was privileged to serve there in multiple ministries. The 6 years that was spent and invested in there have been a part of my journey in beginning to know and understand God, His ways and His plan for me. Making that my home church was wonderful but nothing could have prepared me for the adventure God would take me on these last 2 years.
About 2 summers ago I felt that God was leading me in a new direction and it was time to move on from this church and the relationships I held so dear. As hard as it was for me to have to say good-bye to everything I knew about church, mentorship and ministry, there was far more that I had yet to be exposed to. I knew God needed to get me out of my comfort zone in order for me to further grow. What a scary thing! I had never had to set on my own to try and search for a new church when I didn't really know what I was looking for. I wasn't as prayerful as I should have been during this process, but God was so good to bring me to Doxa Community Church. It has been the most challenging years of my life. Growth is hard. It is something I am thankful for everyday and something I pray to continue to fight through. The hardest thing I have had to fight for recently is being evangelistic. I never really had the mindset of an evangelist. I knew I wanted people to know about Jesus and His little church in the Renton Highlands that has been used so much for my growth. The problem was, I just had no way of saying it without thinking I would come across sounding like an awkward, soap box standing, "turn or burn" annoyance. I know that is not the right way to tell people about a caring, graceful and loving God. Through much struggle of our church as a whole, it was revealed through one of our elders that we needed to create opportunities instead of just pray for them to show up. A difference between being a faithful christian and a faithful church planter is a faithful Christian seizes opportunities when they are presented to them. A faithful church planter seeks to create the opportunities by connecting and relating to people, forming relationships, and praying for soft, receptive hearts of those they will come into contact with to share the Gospel and point them to a community where they can further understand the sacrifice of Jesus and the ultimate glory that God enjoys of His creation as we seek to treasure Him above all things.
I would have never thought I'd be a part of a church plant. But God always has other plans for us doesn't He? Last weekend was Renton River Days and we had a little booth set up(which coincidentally was the first time 2 years ago that I saw the people with whom I'm now sharing life with, weird!). I am so thankful for the encouragement of my fellow Doxa family as we set out together to share with people about us and invite them to check out our service on Sundays.
I really can't get over the whirlwind that it was to see my church family be bold, connect with so many people and really fight to be better evangelists. I am hopeful for the fruit that will develop from this opportunity(including inviting Earl Thomas from the Seahawks![btw pre-season starts on sunday ABOUT TIME!] Good job Michael Posey! haha).
I am so blessed to be in this season of life. I take it for granted so often and when my emotions take me on a rollercoaster, I am often so quick how beautiful life really is. How when we find ourselves in places we never intended to, it is such a great example of God working in our lives. I love not knowing where I'm going to end up or who I'm going to meet. Life is an incredible blessing and adventure.
Here's to a bold adventure!
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