“And He was saying to them all, ‘If anyone wishes to come after Me, let him deny himself, take up his cross daily, and follow Me'”
Luke 9:23
This past Holy week, many of our pastors and lay leaders in the Gateway Conference denied themselves. What did they deny? They made choices to not slip into the comfort of “This is how we do Easter.” The temptation was to limit themselves in discipleship, exhortation and celebration due to restrictions, lack of community and lagging attendance. INSTEAD, Gateway leaders prayed, discerned and collaborated on NEW ideas with safe and strategic approaches to promote and produce life-giving spiritual moments! They denied themselves comfort, easy days and predictable ministry.
What do they have to show for it?
*Churches that became vaccine distribution centers.
*Churches that sent out creative online spiritual moments.
*Churches that met more often in smaller groups throughout the week.
*Churches that reached out to the hungry and less fortunate.
*Churches that recorded record attendance on Easter Sunday… despite COVID.
* A church that has affiliated with Gateway.
* A NEW CHURCH LAUNCHING with 287 in attendance!
It is a DAILY following that Christ is calling us to. A daily following to the edges, to the difficult places, to the darkness to bring LIGHT. The light of HIS Spirit. In 2000 years this light has remained unchanged and the cost is unchanged too. A denial of self for HIS sake.
I see you. May God bless you for your sacrifices.
On the Adventure,
Supt. Ben
