EMC Obstacles

During our last Discipleship for Leadership as we talked about leaders being resilient we took a few minutes to ask the question, "what are the unique obstacles that we face at emc?" Here's a few that were listed:

-We're portable. Have to set this thing up every week. It was great that someone commented that being portable to them seemed to be the reason why we reach so many unchurched people. Seems like that became the consensus of the room which is cool because it shows that because they are proactive about the vision of emc they are resilient to that present obstacle. Not only resilient, but saw the best amongst the worst. Thanks guys you rock!

-Time: we have a lot of young families and living in this region taxes everyones resources of time. Someone commented that this has made us purposeful in what we do as a church and has helped keep us focused.

-There were several more, but I'll finish with this one. Finances:
Man that's huge. Because the greatest percentage of emc-ers were either unchurched, church burnt, or just de-churched their awareness to give or discipline to do so is not developed yet. I will take the blame for that because I really haven't taught much on giving. The last thing you want is for people who have seen the TV evangelists beg for money and think that's what it's all about to come to church and have money preached every week at them only cementing for them the stereotype that they expected.

Now every person that gives 10% of their income or more will till you that it's not out of a heart of compulsion that they give. We do it because it is worship to God, and it's a commitment that says we trust God with our finances and welfare. In doing so God truly does take care of you. My life has been an example of this from 19 years old until now.

The obstacle of finances is difficult, but as one person suggested it has made us frugal, creative, and disciplined in that we think through everything when money is being spent. That's a good thing. What's difficult is that we do need to lead this group of people newly passionate about God into trusting Him with their finances. Most if they have it they want to give it. I don't say any of this as a condemnation on them because most when looking at their finances will say just like Amie and I..."we don't have it". Truth of the matter we don't have it, it's all His anyways and what He has allowed into my hands I will trust Him with it. I look forward to seeing many begin to trust him with this. Why? Because first and foremost it will get them past some of the obstacles that they have faced with their finances. God will bless obedience ever time. Secondly, together as a body the embassy metro church family will see the obstacle of finances overcome as we scale this mountain that has the potential to block us from God's best for our lives, church, and community.

What ever obstacles you are facing be resilient, be obedient, be proactive and watch as the power of God and his provision for your situation causes you to get past the obstacles you face in life.