Praying for transformation

Hey Friends and Family of TCC,

Last summer our pastoral team spent some time together praying, listening to God and talking about our church and our responsibility to lead our church to fulfill its mission to lead as many people as possible into a growing relationship with Jesus Christ. At the end of that time away, we sensed God giving us a clear direction – to encourage His people to engage in their individual piece of what God is doing in us and to engage corporately in what God is doing through our church.

Folks, you’ve heard me say again and again over the years that Jesus Christ and His church are the hope of the world. If we truly believe that, then, honestly, it really should be observable in our actions. One action of engagement that surprises me – and it’s not just Twin Cities – is how many people attend church so irregularly. In fact, the latest study shows that twice, and in some cases once a month, is considered “regular” by many who claim to be followers of Jesus.

I just don’t think that is enough. On Wednesday evening, Kim and I were able to share with a group of young families how we kept Christ at the center of our home. Next to our personal devotion, church involvement was a strong component of our vision for our family and how to raise them to know Jesus. As you know, we even go to church while on vacation. I wanted them to see that we didn’t just attend church because we had to, (our jobs), but we attend church because we want to.

Hebrews 10:25 says, “Let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of His return is drawing near.” Church involvement will help you grow in faith, trust, peace, joy, humility and a host of other attributes the Bible says are to be evident in those who know Jesus. On Sunday, we’ll look at the life of engagement God offers those who are “called” by Him. I can’t begin to tell you how relevant and integral the words of Paul will be to our transformation.

Engaging with you,

Saturday Prayer Focus: Courage Worldwide and the premier screening of the documentary, “In Plain Sight,” is at TCC on January 29. We recently learned that the first two girls to go through their program are transitioning out of the Rocklin Courage House into permanent Courage Homes. We’ve been asked to pray for that transition and for the selection of the two new girls who will be able to be accepted at Courage House.