Making Kingdom Connections

WHOSE KINGDOM?
I talked before about the importance for Encounter to make Kingdom connections and partnerships. It reminds me of a conversation I had with someone about Kingdom-mindedness several weeks back. You know, having a stronger desire to see God's Kingdom move forward than our own kingdoms.

My conclusion from this conversation? There is no room for being territorial in the Kingdom of God. It's either God or you - one must subside. Even in my own thought process, I've been reminded that you can't have both. This week has been a great reminder of that truth.

NETWORK CONNECTIONS
Andrea and I met with a couple of guys from an established 'network' of churches here in Montana. It turns out that they are looking to plant a church like Encounter right here in Helena. They recognize that Helena needs a faith community that connects the unconnected of this generation with Jesus and the life He brings.

In our conversation, we began to discuss how a partnership might work and agreed to continue our talks. This is another example of how God has been opening doors for His vision through Encounter.

OVERWHELMED...
This brings me to my point. One church in Helena from this network has heard of our 'need' to get to Atlanta for the ARC Assessment. I was humbled and Andrea was overwhelmed almost to tears when the elders of this church (who doesn't really even know us) presented a check to help us with our remaining needs.

This one church community is not looking at Encounter as competition. They are not worried that Encounter may steal people as a core group. They just want to see people enter into a growing relationship with Jesus ...

... and that is what it means to be Kingdom-minded.

Making Kingdom Connections Through Facebook

Interestingly enough, Facebook has been a great help in making connections with other church planters.

I've been talking with one guy planting a church community in Tennessee. They've got great momentum and, like Encounter, their church community is one focused on the unchurched in their area. Their launch date is approaching quick on Sunday, October 5, so I would encourage you to throw some Kingdom prayers their way.

Another connection I made is with a planter in New York. They are running a coffee house to reach those far from God by creating a natural community place to build relationships. They later plan to build on the relationships they've established through the coffee house, by launching a second location (church community) in the area. Awesome!

Finally, I talked with a guy with some experience planting a church in Washington. He contacted me just to offer whatever help he could and prayed for us over the phone this last week. It's truly a blessing to see some of the ways God is connecting the vision for Encounter around the country and throughout His Kingdom.