Posted by Andrew Jenkins
I wanted to go ahead and pen some of this down- now- while it's fresh on my mind. I have been thinking about the fast... and, I'm sure more will come out at the big feast we have to celebrate and reflect and rejoice and move ahead. That feast, by the way, happens at the warehouse, on Wednesday evening, February 18th. We've pushed it off from the original planned date of January 25, b/c we had a few guys that would be continuing to fast, we weren't sure what all we could and couldn't do in Southtown's gym (original planned site of the feast), and it didn't make since to break a fast with a feast- that's a sure-fire way to have heartburn. So, we've moved it to 2/18. Plus, that will give everyone some time for hearty reflection on their fast- so that we can all share it together that evening.
Anyway, I wanted to pen what I've been thinking about the fast, thus far- of what we did well- and what we need to do better next time we fast together.
What we did well, this time:
1) I believe that teaching about fasting- before, and during the fast- helped tremendously. Many of you have said that you had not idea what fasting was, what to fast, why to fast, etc... before hand. I think that one of the reasons that so many of you were able to get onboard with this is because we had an open atmosphere of communication about this from the beginning.
2) Having some big changes going on- some clear things to fast about- was helpful, too. Clearly, everyone at TDC knows that we are embarking on this journey to do what only God can do. It is outright stupid to think that we can move a church into the community center of a housing community- and it work. And, for the church to actually grow during that transition (which it has!). It is dumb to think that we can put a church service within walking distance of anyone downtown, meaning that we will need at last 2-3 additional sites in the next 18 months. Already, doors are opening though. And, it is crazy to think that the pastors can hand off all of the ministry like Paul said to do in Ephesians 4, entrusting that the Holy Spirit will equip and lead the congregation to fulfill the vision that Jesus imparts to those leaders as they then "coach" and "equip" and "resource" the people. Yet, that is happening. Point is: I think we all saw that we had no hope but to fast and pray. That helped make this work.
3) Communicating openly about this was helpful, too. We talked about this frankly and deliberately, answering questions and talking about what God was doing... this was all very good. And, this extended beyond the sermon times.
4) Building this up each week was great. But... note number 4 below...
What we will do better, next time:
1) I have seen that we could have communicated better during the fast. Next time, I will plan to update the blog daily as to what we're seeing happen. This way, you will see "real time" results of the prayer/ fast.
2) I will give you more direction each day- i.e., "Today is Monday, January 26... Today we're praying for _____________. Here are some verses that are promises of what God says He will do regarding ________." And, the like.
3) I will also set aside more times for us to pray together- during the morning and/or evenings... So that we can get more "face time" during these times of fasting.
4) I wish that I had "ended" the fast more in the same manner that we began it, by making the ending a celebration and a big deal. We'll do that the 18th, of course. But, I wish I had done that, and spoke more of it, on Sunday. Don't get me wrong- I was extremely moved by what God did this weekend in our service. But, I do wonder if we should have taken the opportunity then to talk more about it, reflect, etc... without waiting until the 18th.
Overall, I'm extremely encouraged. I'm excited by the sheer numbers of people that joined in this effort in some tangible way. I'm also pumped that many of you tried this in various degrees of fasting- and felt free to do so, even communicating with others. That's important to do- that we all let each other walk together in the way that God is leading us corporately- and individually. And, there have been some major results from this fast.
I will be excited to hear from all of you on February 18!
FYI- the next big event, too big for us to do, is 4/4 (Day to Make a Difference) through 4/12 (Easter blow-out at Park Place). We're considering doing a week-long fast during that time. Would be interested in your input on this, as well!
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