“This is the kind of fast day I’m after:
to break the chains of injustice,
get rid of exploitation in the workplace,
free the oppressed,
cancel debts.
What I’m interested in seeing you do is:
sharing your food with the hungry,
inviting the homeless poor into your homes,
putting clothes on the shivering ill-clad,
being available to your own families.
Do this and the lights will turn on,
and your lives will turn around at once.
Your righteousness will pave your way.
The GOD of glory will secure your passage.
Then when you pray, GOD will answer.
You’ll call out for help and I’ll say, ‘Here I am.’
“If you get rid of unfair practices,
quit blaming victims,
quit gossiping about other people’s sins,
If you are generous with the hungry
and start giving yourselves to the down-and-out,
Your lives will begin to glow in the darkness,
your shadowed lives will be bathed in sunlight.
I will always show you where to go.
I’ll give you a full life in the emptiest of places—
firm muscles, strong bones.
You’ll be like a well-watered garden,
a gurgling spring that never runs dry.
You’ll use the old rubble of past lives to build anew,
rebuild the foundations from out of your past.
You’ll be known as those who can fix anything,
restore old ruins, rebuild and renovate,
make the community livable again. “
Isaiah 58:6-12 (MSG)
As the deadline loomed for this article, these words spoken by the Lord to his people through the prophet Isaiah seemed far more valuable than anything I could articulate. The Lord is quite clear on what is required to be a “glowing and gurgling” community. Stop. Go back and read his words again.
What is the connection between “glowing & gurgling” and “maturing & multiplying”?
Engaging with CMC’s commitment to the gospel of Jesus Christ and the commission to “mature and multiply churches locally and globally” has been a joy for me in my role as conference pastor. There have been seasons of vision-casting and regular, dedicated prayer asking the Lord to advance the mission. Strategy discussions with leaders from Rosedale International, Rosedale Bible College, and CMC have helped strengthen the resolve to work together towards a community of 160 thriving CMC churches by 2030. Recently, CMC and its agencies have collaborated to make the role of Church Planting Catalyst a full-time position focused on CMC’s Mature & Multiply vision. (See job posting below.)
The dedication to this commission over the past 5-6 years has slowly and steadily been moving CMC forward on its mission. But I admit, sometimes I have this nagging sense that something may be missing. And so I refer again to what God has said to his people in the past. Go back to the top and read Isaiah 58:6-12 again. What do you hear God saying to you? to CMC? What needs our attention to be a “glowing and gurgling” community? What is the connection between “glowing & gurgling” and “maturing & multiplying”?
Church Planting Catalyst
CMC and its agencies are seeking a full-time person to help catalyze a multiplying movement of disciple making and church planting across the CMC network of churches. Qualified candidates will possess a deep and sincere love for the local church, executive-level experience in leading a ministry, a history of working well in a team environment, and a proven track record of engaging the lost and caring for “the least of these.” Other important qualities and characteristics for this role are: excellence in communication and casting vision, expertise in building effective systems and structures, life experience in disciple making and church planting ministries, and affirmation of CMC’s Statement of Theology and Statement of Practice. This position is an appointment of CMC in collaboration with Rosedale International and Rosedale Bible College. The person filling the position will work under the supervision of the CMC Executive Director. For more information, a job description, or instructions for applying for the position, please contact Brian Hershberger at brian@cmcrosedale.org or 740-506-4682.
One Response
Thank you Darren for this challenging article.
The scripture you used from Isaiah 58:6-12 had just opened up a new light in me as I pondered it’s meaning. It opened with fasting which I have never disciplined myself of this practice to demonstrate the sincerity of one’s prayers. I know there are several biblical reasons for fasting and many people found it very rewarding to spend time alone with God during the fast. I believe this is one place our dedication to this commission needs to be instructed and practiced with a new and true sincerity. When Israel learned the proper way too fast, she enjoyed the blessings of salvation and the Messiah’s kingdom. This is what God spoke to me!!