The Miami Pursuit

It has long been a mystery to me why churches in Miami don't work together more often... Call it the missional mindset that I've gained from my experiences owning "The Living Word", but I've realized that if we are going to see the MAJORITY of Miami get saved -- we're going to need more churches!

That's one of the reasons CF went multisite. Get more locations. Get more bases of operation. Put boots on the ground. Attack the enemy! But if we throw in the Law of Exponentials... if two churches can grow, can go multisite... that's a lot more locations, more bases of operation. That's a lot more people excited about reaching the lost. And the mission field is so huge, it's stupid to live in fear that "oh no, our members are going to that other church now..."

That's why I love Miami. You're not seeing people join the church by "moving membership". You're seeing lives changed. One person at a time.

All that to say...

I hung out with some guys from "The Miami Pursuit" today. (No, it's not going to become the next CF Campus location...) TMP is a Church Plant whose Pastor, Matt Mehaffey, I hooked up through my blog I guess about a year ago. Never met him until today. (See, Trav, there's still a chance for us). TMP is a portable church that will soon be meeting in a ballroom in Pembroke Pines. He has a great heart for Miami. They haven't even launched their first service yet (Jan 2008) and they're already talking about starting a second campus... man, I thought CF moved fast...

I got to hang out with their Lead Worshipper (Alex Diaz), Tech guy (Mike) and several of their key leadership... play with some gear... layout their worship center... fun stuff like that.

I asked Matt if other churches had been much help.
Not surprisingly, the answer was "not many".

It makes me sad. We're on the same team. We're striving for the same goals. Why would I not be a resource to them? Why would I not want to help?

The funny thing is that other churches have contacted us lately, asking for the same type help. I and my staff and volunteers will happily provide it. How are we going to reach Miami (all 2.40 million of us) if we're not leaning on each other for support.

God, thank you for the vision of The Miami Pursuit. Thank you for giving them an opportunity to minister. May You bless their ministry, and they see the fruit of their labor. And God, allow us the opportunity to help other churches. May we always lend a hand and come alongside a church that needs a helping hand... not for any selfish agenda but for the cause of Christ in Miami.

Comments

[Erin Diaz]

Jeff, we love your heart for seeing Miami transformed by Christ. Thank you for your servant heart and missional mindset. Most importantly, thank you for helping a young church get on its feet here in this town. We are so grateful for your investment and walking the talk!
Erin Diaz

[Alex Diaz]

Jeff! Thanks for the great words and the prayer. We are very grateful for your invaluable help and wish to keep in touch with you and your church as much as possible! You are absolutely right, we are partners in the Kingdom. Thanks again man! Merry Christmas!
Alex.

[Casey Watkins]

I find it fairly idiotic that churches are so competitive. I have not read anywhere in the Bible that says God keeps score. I have not been able to find that in any widely published version either. I do however repeatedly see the Great Commission, AND I see where God keeps no record of wrongs (once we ask forgiveness). Despite the negativity given off of other churches without missional mindset in Miami, all I have to say is that I am not a Christian so that my friends and family can endure Hell for eternity. If one church throws an event and out of the 66%-90% percent of non-church attendees, even ONE, VISITS church (more over becomes a follower) at ANOTHER church, then we have collectively done our job for Christ. He states that He does not "need" us, so we should understand how great a privilege it is to be around the experience of God at work.