One of the most significant and challenging questions facing any new church plant is, where will the people come from? God has given us an incredible vision for planting churches in neighborhoods and communities around the city of Orlando. Karissa and I are humbled and grateful that God has called us and would allow us to play a small role in what he is going to accomplish in this city! However, we cannot do it alone.
Who will join the church?
I found myself asking that question again and again to the point that it was almost overwhelming. I spent three days fasting and praying that God would stir the hearts of people to come alongside us to launch Eastside Christian Church.
At the time I was reading through the book of Exodus when I felt God had prompted me to fast. It was no coincidence that during those three days I would read the story of Moses building the Tabernacle where God had stirred the hearts of his people and called them by name.
When Moses came down from Mount Sinai God gave him the instructions to build the Tabernacle. He provided a vision for Moses to build what would become God’s first dwelling place among his people. The vision was extravagant, curtains made of the finest fabric more than forty feet in length, an ornate ark overlaid in gold, a bronze alter and washing basin and so much more. You can read more in Exodus 24-30.
I have to think Moses was both honored and overwhelmed. He had the the exciting opportunity to construct God’s dwelling place but he could not do it alone. However, that was never God’s intention. He had called specific people by name and equipped them with every skill and resource to see the vision through to completion.
The LORD said to Moses, “See, I have called by name Bezalel the son of Uri, son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah, and I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with ability and intelligence, with knowledge and all craftsmanship…and behold, I have appointed with him Oholiab, the son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan. And I have given to all able men ability, that they may make all that I have commanded you. (Exodus 31:1–3, 6 ESV)
God had called specific people and equipped them with the skills to come alongside Moses and build the Tabernacle. Bezalel and Oholiab played such a significant role that their names ended up in the Bible.
Those who couldn’t participate in the construction were able to share in the vision by contributing resources.
And they came, everyone whose heart stirred him, and everyone whose spirit moved him, and brought the LORD's contribution to be used for the tent of meeting, and for all its service, and for the holy garments. (Exodus 35:21 ESV)
Together, God’s people were able to accomplish immeasurably more.
...for the material they had was sufficient to do all the work, and more. (Exodus 36:7 ESV)
It’s a powerful story of God’s provision. If God has called you and given you a vision, he will provide the people and resources to see it through to completion for his glory.
While we aren’t building an Old Testament Tabernacle, we are creating a place for God’s presence to dwell, the church. With a vision to plant churches in neighborhoods and communities around the city of Orlando we cannot do it alone.
We believe that God still calls individuals by name and stirs hearts to contribute. If you believe God has called you by name and would like to find out more about how you can partner with us to build his church, Karissa and I would love to talk with you!