Called by God? Part 2: Service

Just last week I gathered with several other young families and singles to further explore the potential of moving across the country to help start a new church in the Phoenix Valley. As a Pastor, I felt compelled to share with them what my mission Professor once shared with me when I was at a crossroads, of decision trying to determine my calling. He said, “Calling is more about a process then it is an event.”
So often we look for the magical and mystical experiential event to confirm our calling! Most are shocked to learn that the Bible doesn't emphasize this special, mystical calling to "The Ministry" or particular job or person.

Scripture References: Called to a Service:
•The word “Call” appears 296 times in scripture, twice it refers to missions/ministry
•Paul & Barnabas are set apart for ministry, made known by the Holy Spirit (Acts 13:2).
•Paul, Timothy and Luke receive a call to go to Macedonia (Acts 16:10).

The kind of "call"that is more often found in the Bible is more so an opportunity. In my study through scripture, I see people taking opportunities given to them, or responding to an invitation to help, or advance the Kingdom of God. Take for example, Jesus’ disciples. They were invited into something, by someone to serve. Or consider Nehemiah who received word about Jerusalem’s walls being broken down. He saw opportunity to serve and he took it! Or David who stepped up to slay a giant, when no one else would! Or what about Esther found her calling by seeing a need and decided to be brave and use her influence to save her people.

God’s call should often includes 5 things:
1.Community- a community can confirm ones gifts & new potential for a new ministry
2.Commission- Awareness- an understanding of the Great Commission Mt 28:19, Acts 1:8
3.Concern- concern for a city, people, or service should be in place
4.Conviction- in time ones concern should grow into a deeper conviction.

The Seven Stages of Church Planting

This is a process that has been developed from Fellowship Associates. It's simply one way to look at the season and life of a church plant. My hope is to share this with others to encourage and educate and inform our ministry partners. Here are the Seven stages!

1.Preparing, 2.Gathering, 3.Evaluating, 4.Launching, 5.Developing,
6.Influencing and 7.Reproducing.

Right now Imago Dei is in the preparing stage. I (Ryan) am working hard to do four things in the preparing stage. 1) Communicate Clear Vision, Find Competent Leaders, Gather Committed People, Raise the Financial Support needed for the first year. We have already identified a worship team, and youth and children coordinator. We are currently looking for Communities Pastor, and Operational Pastor, along with many other families that would move into the city to take up jobs and serve in the church.

Please connect with our social media to help spread the word about our church plant coming to Phoenix.