No Fear
As an over-50 type member of the church, I am always fascinated by the younger generation that wears “No Fear” on their T-shirts. I am not sure of all the implications of the expression, or even where it came from. However, in light of One Life, I think it is an appropriate expression to be used. If we are brutally honest with ourselves, all of us fear change. For the last three plus years, we at Immanuel have experienced a lot of change.
Now we have introduced a new motto: “One Life, No Limits.” We have talked about it. We have sent literature out about it. We have a website and blog. We have had meetings with more to come. We are talking about future change, and some may be a little apprehensive. But as I consider the T-shirt expression “No Fear,” we indeed at Immanuel have nothing to fear.
Buildings and modifications are always expensive, but we certainly see the benefits. For example, we spent a lot of money to add the Terrace Rooms to our church complex. Now every time I am down there, I think to myself, “How did we minister without them?” Likewise, when the new atrium is completed, I suspect that we will look back and say, “How did we get along without this?” Buildings are tools of ministry. We fear the cost, but the blessings will be long-term.
We are now talking about multi-site campuses and community life, and some might be afraid that we are going to force them to do something they do not want to do. But there is nothing to fear. Multi-site campuses are only for those who want to participate in that ministry. More so, they are for people who do not even attend Immanuel right now. They are for the people we are trying to reach. Likewise, as we develop community life, those in the target communities will be encouraged to participate. For some, this may be a stretch, for others, it may even be a barrier. However, it will be voluntary. Once initiated, we honestly think we will be inundated with requests to start up community life in neighborhoods throughout the area. It will be exciting. It will be effective. But it will be voluntary. No fear.
One Life is the mechanism by which we accomplish these worthy goals of an updated building, future multi-site worship, community outreach and a global endowment. The price is great, but the legacy will be greater. Come be a part. No fear.
George Lawrence
IBC Elder