“Are you Don or Sancho?”

(Note: this is a message sent to my congregation but after second thought I strongly believe that it is applicable to others life as well. Especially what we teach our children.)
I am more of a professional wrestling type of guy and don't necessarily like going to musicals, but I found myself captivated by Man of La Macha, especially its two characters. One (yes I had to Google it as I could not remember) is Don Quixote. He is the dreamer of impossible dreams, lover to those who won’t love him back, and tilter at windmills. The other character is Sancho Panza, the faithful follower who never dreamed of something better or dared to color outside the lines. Sancho Panza reminds me of so many great people who are content with muddling along merely surviving. I don’t know about you but I do not want to live my life or pastor a church full of Sancho Panzas. I don’t want to be apart of a faith that is content to merely surviving. And I hope you don’t either.
I want to be a part of a group of friends or a church full of Don Quixotes who dream the impossible dream; who dare to take on the world and shake it till it rattles; who help people reach their God given potential; who thrive on the inherent risks of the Great commission and Great Commandment. And I trust that you also want to be part of that kind of church.

Pentecost Sunday, I revealed just one of God’s visions for us for the upcoming year. We are to double our worship attendance in one year as well as transform our city like never before. I asked each one of you to join me in what would appear to the normal eye to be an impossible task. If you were not there I am asking you now to join me in this mission to grow our church, expand God’s kingdom, and transform Centralia like never before. You heard me correctly. We are going to turn this small group of faithful people into hundreds that will transform our city. Yes we have had great success over the past four years, yes we have a healthier, striving, Christ centered church, but God wants more. He wants our best.

We can do this. You know how I know? Because God tells us in scriptures we can. And the Apostle Paul tells us why. He reminds us that we “can do all things through Christ who strengthens us”. (Phil 4:13) Do we really believe these words? More importantly, how many of us live as if we believe it? All things possible if we believe. Now, I know that is a big IF. But I also know our God is a big God. The only thing that keeps God from achieving his dream for our church is us.

The first time I read Philippians 4:13, I stopped and asked myself if I really believed it. Do I truly believe I can do all things through Jesus who gives me the strength to do it? It I believe it, and then what do I have to change in my life to reflect my belief? I can not be Sancho Panza. My life must reflect that of Don Quixotes. We as Christ community can not act like Sancho Panza and just strive to survive. We can not be sacred at life and not dream. We can not stand in Gods way of accomplishing so much for His people. Invite, dream, and be strengthen and join me one this awesome journey.

Until we are together again take care of yourself and one another.
Peace & Grace,
Tommy