The Counsel of Many Advisers

On Sunday, Papa Rooster took a small group of friends and trusted advisers with him to the church plant in Kenosha. He led a lovely service, and afterwards, they went to tour the property we've been considering. The purpose of the visit had been undefined, but as they debriefed afterward, two things seemed to become clear to them all. First, the church plant is definitely something God is raising up, and Papa Rooster is clearly called to be part of it, even lead it. Second, that facility is not the place God has for us.

The first part was wonderful confirmation of what the Spirit has been speaking to us already, and encouraging because our friends are so excited about it--eager to join it, possibly! The second part, while disappointing, fits with all the cautions that other trusted friends and advisers have given. Everyone can see the potential for ministry there; but they are all concerned about the lack of beauty and the potential of becoming a money pit. Everyone imagines something better for us. And on Sunday, one of our friends received a word from the Lord which echoed this feeling. It was during the service, before the group had even gone to see it: "This is good land [that you are about to go see], but it is not the promised land."

Proverbs 11:14 For lack of guidance a nation falls,
but many advisers make victory sure.

Proverbs 15:22 Plans fail for lack of counsel,
but with many advisers they succeed.

So what does this mean for us?

First, it means we'll look for other properties. There is another church/school property we heard about in Racine, north of Kenosha, but it doesn't sound too likely. We'll look at land, too, where we could custom build a church, and eventually more--maybe a retreat house and some townhomes. We'll look into an organization someone told us about that buys land for churches.

We'll continue to be involved on Sundays at the church plant--the Light of Christ Church--in Kenosha. Depending on what our church facility options turn out to be, we might move soon, or we might stay where we are for quite awhile until a church facility is located or built.

My personal feelings? I am disappointed, relieved, encouraged and discouraged. More on that tomorrow!