And the band played on

I was recently received an invitation to meet with Jonathan Falwell. He was coming to town and wanted to talk with some pastors about some thoughts he had about Danville. I was hesitant at first but thought better and decided to go.

The gist of the meeting was that their (Thomas Roads Baptist and Southern Baptist Conservatives of Virginia) studies indicate that 70% of Danville is unchurched. Jonathan Falwell and team believe that God may want them to plant a satellite of Thomas Roads in Danville. The purpose of the meeting was to share the idea with other pastors in the area who had shown and interest in church planting.

I really respect Falwell's approach and he and the team that came with him were very gracious and definitely showed excitement over what God might do here. Indeed any seeking the well being of Danville is a good thing.

There were about 20 or more pastors there at the luncheon. The conversation was open and honest. Some expressed concern about loosing members. Some said there was no need for another church in Danville. All expressed great concern for those who are lost in Danville.

I put in my two cents worth. I will not go into that here other than to say I was a bit negative. If you want the full story email me.

What I will put here is this: I think the focus was all wrong. Danville does not need another Sunday morning social club or boxed event. We don't need more of the same. My contention is that what is needed is for the church to be the church. No more consumer Christianity, no more market share battles, no more NO MORE religious obligations.

And that is just the beginning. The whole thing was wrong on so many levels. I was so frustrated at the whole process. Gathered there were good and godly men whom God is using. And yet this was the wrong discussion. Why not discuss how we as leaders were going to stop competing and start working together? Why not pray out our differences with the Spirit present to direct us? Why not share our concerns for the community and together seek God for His solutions? Why not redefine our definition of church that does not involve narrow cultural expressions?

I am not sure why the Lord had me there but I am glad He did. In the end I had to look at myself and ask do I love Him? Is Jesus my life my all? So I will begin to ask Him again "what do you want for Danville". I will pray over the things that I have previously complained about. I will ask Him to reset my focus on what is truly important.

So will Thomas Roads Baptist plant a "church" here? What do you think?

And the band played on and on....