My apologies for my not blogging of late. It’s been a crazy three months. A lot has happened since my last entry; so please allow me to bring you up to date.
(May) Our church plant steadily grew, as God brought alongside us incredible young people with kingdom hearts. Meanwhile, I was asked to spot preach at a local church (Mid-Cities Bible Church) who was without a pastor and had recently lost many of their elders.
(June) God revealed MCBC needed help. A recent DTS church health assessment concluded that the future existence of the church was in doubt. Their leadership asked if we could help. As our church plant prayed & fasted, God brought the parable of the Good Samaritan to mind. We responded saying we’d help however we could.
(July) After more prayer, fasting, & meetings, MCBC leaders asked to become part of what God was doing at The Mission. We agreed it was God’s calling for us both.
(August) As I began serving as lead pastor of both churches, we immersed ourselves in the stories of the church and its people. We discovered the MCBC saints to be an amazing family of faith, forged through tumultuous times together.
(September) We began re-planting MCBC as part of The Mission, working to bring the two together at every level. Throughout the many changes, the two church families have embraced one another, which has been beautiful to behold. Former strangers have united in Christ and are growing into a family of friends. The Gospel is at work.
(October) We reorganized both churches for the purposes of training, mobilization, and re-launch. Weekly worship has been a colorful exercise in diversity. Musicians whose gifts had gotten dusty, God put front and center. Others who’d never been on stage before, found themselves holding a microphone. Couples who’d just finished our Missional Training program were asked to lead groups of their own — some teaching for the very first time ever. Though my pulpit experience was sparse, I’ve been preaching since August. The Holy Spirit has been stretching and growing every one of us.
Throughout all this, Molly & I have felt honored to serve amongst such an amazing group of people (from both church bodies). It’s been a true joy and privilege.
There have also been some heavy challenges.
- Once changes began, some longstanding MCBC families left, including past key leaders.
- Molly & I have attended three funerals in the past month. One was for our friend Ruben, who committed suicide. Another was for the daughter of dear friends Richie & Sarah-beth. She was their first child.
- Though typically very healthy, Molly & I have both experienced health problems, one of which sent me to the ER.
- Several folks in the church have lost their jobs. Many of whom are advanced in years.
A dear lady (Teri) who found out she had cancer two months ago is now at stage 4.
- The church building was struck by lightning. No, I’m not making that up. It fried our alarm system, church sign, musical instruments, computer/network equipment, etc.
- Finances are a struggle. Whether it’s the crazy economy, unemployment, or uncertainty about the future, the weekly offerings are far below our basic expenses. One staff member was already laid off. Please pray God will provide … and soon.
Throughout these trials (and others), the Lord continues to bless those involved. 
- We recently served at 6Stones, a community revitalization organization. Our crew from The Mission served with people from other local churches to transform homes for families in need.
- This past weekend we had a volunteer workday to refresh the Mid-Cities church campus. Over 70 adults & youth gave up much of their Saturday & worked extremely hard meeting needs that we couldn’t afford to address otherwise.
- Every month our 8 missional training groups get out of the living room to serve others tangibly. Widows, single moms, parents of children with special needs, the homeless, and many more have been among those these groups have touched with love and the Gospel.
- People are connecting in relationship in ways they never had before. They’re growing in the Gospel as never before. They’re seeing needs around them & are being used on mission in daily life as never before. Christ is among His people and strengthening His body for service. It is glorious to be part of!
As you can see, the Lord is at work. Of course, so is the enemy. That’s just the Christian life. No matter how crazy times get, God is good & we are undaunted in advancing His kingdom, AMEN?!
Please keep The Mission in prayer, including the prayer needs above. Selfishly, I also ask for prayer covering over the Kuhn family, especially our kids (Judah & Hannah).
How are you doing during these crazy times? Is there any way we be praying for you & your family? Send us a line at info@livethemission.org.
May God bless you in your mission for Christ!
Cory
“So the churches were being strengthened in the faith and were increasing in number every day.” – Acts 16:5 (NET Bible)
PS. To view some of the videos we show as part of our Missional Training, look for The Mission on Facebook.
