Some Great Advice

When I was in the initial phase of starting my church, The Quest, I emailed one of my favorite authors - Rob Webber. Rob Webber passed away a few years ago, but I will never forget two things - 1, that he took the time and emailed me back; and 2, what he shared with me in that email. I have never forgotten it.

I emailed him because I was seeking advice and wisdom about planting a church. I simply asked, "If you could give advice/wisdom to a church planter - what would that be?" I must admit I didn't expect an email back. Authors and speakers like Rob Webber are very busy and receive tons of email and other correspondence. But I took the chance anyway. Quickly I received an email back from Rob. It was short and to the point. It simply read:

"Keep an ear to the Word, and an ear to the World. --- Bob"

As I started this new church venture, I couldn't stop thinking about what he said. In the last 5 years since I've been planting this church, I still can't stop thinking about it. It's such great advice. It's such incredible wisdom. Born out of years of fruitful ministry. An ear to the Word (God), and an ear to the world (our culture).

This is such great advice because it is exactly what Jesus did. He came as THE WORD (the "logos" in John 1) and came into THE WORLD ("pitched his tent among us" in John 1). He was the perfect balance of Word and the World.

Whether you are planting a church, in an existing church, wondering about church at all ... whatever you are doing ... keep an ear to the Word, and an ear to the World. And watch what God does.

Taking the drive,

John