Patrick O'Connell

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.

The McMahon's Are In KC!

Last Sunday we went to CCCs Naperville North Campus to see Troy McMahon lead his last worship service. You see he and his wife Janet are moving to Kansas City to start a new New Thing network church.

Troy was one of the first people I got to know at CCC and his invitation to the journey was a turning point for me and my spiritual walk. He has been a spiritual mentor to me ever since. I will be eternally grateful. He has a heart for people and has a uncanny knack for connecting with them. Because of his gifts as a leader and his vision for a church in KC there is no doubt that God is going to do some great things through Troy.

Janet is the most authentic person I have ever met. She is a tremendous leader, a gifted speaker, and full of spiritual insight.  She has been supportive of me personally and I have learned much from her. She will undoubtedly do much for the Kingdom in KC.

I know that the CCC community will miss Janet and Troy (and their three great kids). But it's a testament to the missional nature of CCC that it's willing to pay such a personal price to further the Kingdom.

Troy blogged about his last day. He mentions that the relationships he's built are eternal and that we should all take comfort for we will one day be able to dance together again in the presence of God. What comfort there is in that thought.

Swift Obedience

I am reading The Big Idea: Focus the Message--Multiply the Impact by Dave Ferguson, Jon Ferguson, and Eric Bramlett. Chapter Three is all about 'Missional Velocity' which is about helping the church become less about information and more about the Jesus mission. The following excerpt has really resonated with me of late so I thought I'd share it:

For a Christian…the expectation is simply church attendance. But for a Christ follower, the measure of maturity is determined by the speed of obedience. The most  mature Christ follower is not the person who has attended the most church events or accumulated the most information about Jesus, but rather the person whose heart is most transformed. And transformation is seen when a person hears God and responds with swift obedience. (Pg. 59)

What Is The Role Of Church In Suburbia

Ariah Fine at Trying to Follow has an really intriguing post about the Role of the Church in Suburbia. His post is insightful and filled with admirable conviction.

Ariah purports that the role of the suburban church should not be to live the suburban lifestyle and then have a role of influence. Rather, the suburban church needs be much closer geographically to areas of need. There's much more to it so read his post for yourself.

I'd be curious to know your thoughts.