Patrick O'Connell

Asking Questions

I met with my friend Jeremy last week to catch-up. We talked church planting and family and calling. I found myself asking him question after question about his experiences with his church plant.

After Jeremy arrived back home he emailed me and thanked me for asking him so many questions. I am not sure what benefit he received from my cross-examination.

That's the way I need to do it. I want to stay learning. I've been involved with seven church plants in the past 4.5 years and you might think I have it figured out. But I don't. 

It was great catching up with Jeremy. I hope we have the opportunity to work together again soon. And I am grateful to Jeremy for his willingness to share his expereinces with me.

Passing It Along

    What did I learn yesterday that might help someone today? This is what God has been challenging me to do every morning. What is that one lesson, insight, or "a-ha" that I had the day before which I can in turn pass along to someone else today?  I am not talking about facts or gossip. Rather, I hope it's insight. It's telling you what I am learning during my journey that might help you on yours.

    Some of these "a-ha" insights I write in my journal and pass along privately. Others I am recording here.

    I think it's one way Jesus wants us to help each other.

    What about you? What did you learn yesterday that you can pass along to us today?

Called Out of What?

Followers of Jesus are the called-out ones. So what are we called out of?

• Sin
• Fear
• Selfishness
• Death

People get this wrong all of the time. Sure some of us will be called physically to move. But most will not. Most are called out spiritually.

Ecclesia. The called out ones. The ones that are called out of themselves to follow Jesus no matter where and no matter the cost.

Now that's something to give your life to.

What it Means to Be Mobilized

We rightly cite Ephesians 4:12 when calling people to action:

[12] to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ,
(Ephesians 4:12 ESV)

But I think there is a big difference between equipping and mobilizing. I may get in trouble with the Greek scholars here but I am certain that mobilizing is a better 'lens' for us to use when thinking about mission.

Mobilizing is a miliatary phrase.

Equipping is part of mobilizing

But mobilizing also connotes 'awakening.'

So when you're thinking about equipping your saints, ask yourself if mobilizing isn't a better filter.

Nurture Them

Our son Cormac began his acting career last night. He played the 'Beast' of Beauty and the Beast with a local CYT group.

The production was entertaining; the kids did great; Cormac had a blast.

I am reminded is God has given each of my kids have unique talents and abilities. And part of my job as their Daddy is to find them, nurture them, and celebrate them.

We didn't plan that one of our kids would be thespian. Our daughter Bailie, would never be comfortable on stage. Declan would prefer to write the play. But Cormac, well he just loves to make people laugh. He loves doing imitations and when he smiles he makes you want to smile right back. So I guess acting is perfect for him.

Cormac was in his element last night. His friendly, outgoing personality were on display for everyone to see. I saw another side of my son that I am just now getting to see on a regular basis. I am so excited for him.

Cormac had invited some of our friends to be be with him.They were and that made him happy. I think they would agree that last night we witnessed my son begin exploring one of the paths life might take him.

 

 

Stepping Back for a Second

Sometimes you need to take a step back to see the fringe.

Anne Rice Quitting Christianity

Not sure I understand all the hullabaloo regarding author Anne Rice. It is weird how she's become a spokeswoman for 'Christianity.' 

I watched an interview with her. It was more confusing than anything. Still, I am convinced she's had a real encounter with Jesus and has become disillusioned and now is experiencing the 'dark night of the soul' so many Christ-followers must endure.

I will pray for her.

I Started a Blog 4 Years Ago This Month

Wow. I was just looking through some of my old posts and man has it been a journey. But I am grateful for every step of it. Perhaps I'll be inspired to write down more of my story now. I've been meaning to do it but just can't seem to find the time.

Write Down What You Know

A friend suggested some months ago that I should write down what I know about church planting. Since I don't have the time to do it all at once I had the idea for this blog. Writing everything at once is too daunting a task. So I'll write it down in small bits and pieces.

This is merely the lens of my experience of following Jesus to the edge and helping start a church.  And if it helps you build a more Jesus-centered community of impact, then it'll be worth my time.

I am interested in dialogue and ideas and processes and best practices and your experience as it relates to church planting and following Jesus to the fringe. Email me. Twitter me, whatever. Let's get going.

Church Redo...

Using the word 'church' can be dangerous when you're trying to move to the fringe and lead a community of Jesus followers.

People get this word confused. You say it and immediately a mental image comes to mind. Some of those images are inspiring. Most are lame.

Of course church is the English version of the Greek word, 'Ecclesia,' the called-out ones.

That's why you should still use it. Jesus' followers are the church. Jesus started THE church and calls his followers to BE THE church.

If you're going to plant a church then you had better understand the difference between a Sunday morning show and a church.

We don't need anymore shows.