Going forward
Having journeyed towards the heart of the city for the past four years we are excited to have better grasp of the city rhythms. Our journey has just begun.
This site is currently under construction as we are in a season of evaluation and re evaluation as to the strategy and steps to take in our coming years. For now we have posted our prayer letters that give glimpse into an incredible four years of ministry. I pray that our story would inspire yours.
Our city is San Francisco. Our call clear, to be and inspire others to be the church in the heart of the city.
I have a personal blog that you can access by clicking here (www.kennymccord.blogspot.com). You can also access our personal site @ www.kennethmccord.com. By summer 05 we will be re-launching this site with some of our vision for the coming four years.
On the journey!
Ken
No fear in love
February 18, 2005
Dear Heart of the City friends,
Thank you to all who have joined us in prayer over the past month. We continue to move forward toward greater clarity as we listen and evaluate our lives in relation to our future work in cities. As I meditate on the Lord and His will for our lives, I consider the journey we have been on. What were once blank pages considered as a step of faith are now filled with stories, adventures, victories, failures, and friends, some of which are now journeying elsewhere. With soiled faith I also realize that I have new enemies that wage war on my emotions along the way. I have identified these enemies as “fear” and “assumptions.”
“Fear” is the private enemy, the enemy within. I believe fear is the most powerful force that manipulates mankind. Most conflicts are rooted in fear. It is fear that bears fruits of control, pride, anger and other poisons that seek to destroy life. Fear can break the spirit of a child, a community, and especially a nation. I find it to be the greatest challenge when journeying towards the unknown. As our journey towards the heart of the city continues, fear reveals itself more often than not. I fully understand why humanity stands idle in the face of the unknown, seeking instead to self-preserve.
“Assumptions,” on the other hand, are the subconscious way of making decisions. Before I think, a decision has been made based on a history of assumptions. This seems to be natural to my ability to survive in a potentially dangerous world. For instance, because of a correct assumption, I go to bed without much thought of the sun rising tomorrow. How hard it would be to sleep if I were not certain that the sun would rise. But what if the sun did not rise? What would happen to my life? Many of my assumptions, like falling dominoes, would then be challenged. And, in fact, many of my worldview assumptions have been challenged and shattered. But as I pick up the pieces, I am not sad, I’m rejoicing in my new freedom in Christ.
During this season we have wrestled intensely around these two aspects of our journey and yet find ourselves overwhelmed with peace in the midst of the storm. As we immerse into the scriptures, we are reminded that Jesus also dealt with these two realities when walking and teaching throughout His region as He lived out His mission. He challenged assumptions and He fulfilled His promise to provide access to the safety of life the way it is intended. It was a life without fear, sourced in perfect assumptions. As we look towards Jesus, we realize that while we have labored in the city starting churches and working with the existing church, our work is just dawning. It is these first works that God has used to form us for the long term. We ourselves are being shaped for the city, for the emerging world, for this people group the Creator loves so much. This is good news – the good news of life and transformation in Jesus Christ that brings glory to the Father.
So, for my many pragmatic friends who may be asking, so what does this mean? Well, it’s translated this way – we are not done here in San Francisco. While our work with the Free Methodist, Church of Hollywood and other church planting projects is less formal today and part of a growing network, our mission to be the church and seek first the Kingdom of God in this city is just beginning. Two questions, however, burn in our hearts: How can we unite the church in the city? And how do we help the church “be the church” where we live, work and play? Our next step is to seek the best strategy to go the extra mile. Our options are simple. Are we to be grafted into an existing church, or do we establish a new church with a specific mission within the broader moving of God in the city? We believe the Church to be the expression of God’s love on earth. That being clear, we wait to know with greater clarity what God’s plan is for our sustainability. Until then we are thankful to those who support us as we journey toward the heart of the city.
The month of February is a month of proclamation for me. It is a month to share with other churches what God has done and is doing in the heart of our city. This past weekend my daughter Kayla joined me in Columbus, Ohio where I served the New Life Community Church as their snow camp speaker. While in Columbus, I also had the privilege of meeting with several pastors who are seeking the well being of urban Columbus, a city that is re-emerging like so many others. Later this month, I will visit with other urban folks in Charlotte, North Carolina when I participate in a global impact conference. As we transition from our latest work to the next, it is a privilege to serve churches in several other emerging cities. I will also be traveling to Brazil, a country dear to me, where I will minister with Riverside Community Church of Fort Meyers over the Easter break.
There are many reasons that I write to you – prayer, finances, etc., but today I truly want to challenge your assumptions. I want to remind you that you are perfectly and wonderfully made in Christ and that in Him there is no fear. I deeply desire that you know that you are made for something big, but may be held captive by fear and assumptions. This has been revealed more clearly to me in my own journey. Consider that possibility and reconsider your calling and your dreams. Consider what might not happen if you live life with the wrong assumptions and the fear this world provokes.
As I write to you I am seated in isle 17, seat D. Next to me is a man reading his Bible. What is the evidence that he knows God? Is it that he is devoted to reading the words alone? I cannot know the fruit of his life, but Jesus said that we are to be not only hearers, but also doers of His word. In doing, we reveal our belief and love in Him. In doing, we bear the fruit that gives evidence that we are friends of Jesus. Many of us are living with bad assumptions. I challenge you to go forth in faith and fear no more. Question the assumptions that hold you captive and keep you from the freedoms offered by the One that gives us life. May the peace of God reign in your life and free you to move out where good people are needed most.
From 30,000 feet or so, yours truly,
Ken McCord
PS… The last time I wrote I mentioned a “blog.” I received several notes asking what is a blog? Well, that is a good question. A blog is an emerging tool that allows people to think out loud, comment and journal publicly. You can access the blog at www.kennymccord.blogspot.com. We are also adding to our personal site www.kennethmccord.com and will be creating a www.heartofcity.org version 2.0 as we begin a new chapter of ministry in the city.
