Celebrating Growth: Trusting God for Future Impact
Summary
Welcome to our 18th anniversary celebration! It's a joy to have you here, whether you're new or have been with us for a while. Today, we reflect on what God has been doing in our community and look forward to the next three years with hope and prayer. Our vision is not about making drastic changes but about intentionally leaning into what God is already doing at Chatham Community Church. We aim to connect people to God and each other, engaging our world for good in ways that bless many.
We began by exploring a story from Mark 6, where Jesus invites His disciples to rest after a busy period of ministry. However, when a large crowd follows them, Jesus responds with compassion, seeing them as sheep without a shepherd. This story reminds us of our calling to be a community centered around Jesus, receiving and sharing His grace. We are invited to participate in Jesus' multiplier effect, blessing all people with His love.
The disciples' experience of feeding the 5,000 with limited resources teaches us a crucial lesson: it's not about the resources we have but whose hands they're in. Jesus calls us to give what we have, trusting Him to multiply it. This principle has guided our church from its humble beginnings 18 years ago, and it continues to inspire us as we look to the future.
As we celebrate our 18th anniversary, we recognize the growth and impact God has brought about in our community. We've seen more baptisms, volunteers, and attendees than ever before. Our giving has increased, enabling us to expand our staff and programs. Yet, we know there's more to be done. With 83,000 people in Chatham County, many of whom are like sheep without a shepherd, we are called to be a force multiplier for kingdom good.
Our vision for the next three years includes connecting more people to God and each other, developing authentic followers of Jesus, and engaging our world for good through kingdom partnerships. We aim to increase our Sunday attendance, double our small groups, and create more opportunities for spiritual growth. We also plan to expand our facilities and support local and regional needs through initiatives like Chatham Serves.
As we embark on this journey, we invite you to join us in hearing the Lord's call to "give them something to eat." May we trust Jesus to multiply our efforts, bringing His grace and love to many. Together, let's continue to follow the Good Shepherd, surrendering our plans to His guidance and celebrating His faithfulness.
Key Takeaways:
1. Community Centered on Jesus: We are called to be a community with Jesus at the center, receiving and sharing His grace. This involves being shaped and stretched in community, where we experience God's love through one another. Our mission is to bless all people with His amazing grace and love. [01:37]
2. Compassion for the Lost: Jesus' compassion for the crowd in Mark 6 reminds us of our calling to care for those who are like sheep without a shepherd. We are invited to be part of His work, offering guidance and direction to those who are lost and seeking meaning. [06:49]
3. Trusting in God's Provision: The story of feeding the 5,000 teaches us that it's not about the resources we have but whose hands they're in. Jesus calls us to give what we have, trusting Him to multiply it for His purposes. This principle guides our church's mission and vision. [12:00]
4. Vision for Growth and Impact: As we celebrate our 18th anniversary, we recognize the growth and impact God has brought about in our community. Our vision for the next three years includes connecting more people to God, developing authentic followers of Jesus, and engaging our world for good. [27:08]
5. Being a Force Multiplier for Kingdom Good: We are called to be a force multiplier for kingdom good, using our resources to bless and serve others. This involves expanding our facilities, supporting local and regional needs, and creating opportunities for spiritual growth. [36:16]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [01:37] - Introduction and Personal Story
- [05:27] - Jesus' Invitation to Rest
- [06:49] - Compassion for the Crowd
- [08:00] - Sheep Without a Shepherd
- [09:57] - Hearing the Good Shepherd's Voice
- [10:52] - Disciples' Reasonable Plan
- [12:00] - Trusting in God's Provision
- [13:17] - Jesus' Instructions to the Disciples
- [15:13] - The Miracle of Multiplication
- [18:07] - Personal Reflection and Ministry
- [19:54] - Chatham Community Church's Beginnings
- [24:10] - Vision for the Future
- [27:08] - Connecting People to God and Each Other
- [32:15] - Developing Authentic Followers of Jesus
- [36:16] - Engaging Our World for Good
- [38:45] - Closing Prayer and Worship
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- Mark 6:30-44
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Observation Questions:
1. In Mark 6:30-44, what was Jesus' initial response to the large crowd that followed Him and His disciples? How did this reflect His character? [06:49]
2. What was the disciples' suggestion to Jesus when they realized the crowd needed food, and how did Jesus respond to their plan? [10:52]
3. How many loaves and fish did the disciples find, and what did Jesus do with them? [13:17]
4. What was the outcome of the miracle of feeding the 5,000, and how did it demonstrate Jesus' power and provision? [15:13]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. Why might Jesus have chosen to involve the disciples in the process of feeding the 5,000 instead of performing the miracle independently? What lesson was He teaching them? [16:09]
2. How does the story of feeding the 5,000 illustrate the principle that it's not about the resources we have but whose hands they're in? [18:07]
3. In what ways does Jesus' compassion for the crowd in Mark 6 challenge the disciples' perspective on ministry and service? [06:49]
4. How does the concept of being a "force multiplier for kingdom good" relate to the miracle of the loaves and fish? [27:08]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you felt like you didn't have enough resources to meet a need. How can you trust God to multiply your efforts in similar situations? [12:00]
2. Jesus saw the crowd as sheep without a shepherd and responded with compassion. How can you cultivate a heart of compassion for those around you who may feel lost or directionless? [08:00]
3. The disciples had to return to Jesus repeatedly for more food to distribute. What are some practical ways you can make returning to Jesus a regular part of your daily routine? [16:09]
4. As a community centered on Jesus, how can your small group intentionally connect more people to God and each other in the coming months? [27:08]
5. The sermon mentioned the goal of doubling small groups. How can you contribute to this vision by inviting others to join your group or starting a new one? [32:15]
6. Consider the idea of being a "force multiplier for kingdom good." What specific actions can you take this week to use your resources to bless and serve others in your community? [36:16]
7. Reflect on the vision for growth and impact shared in the sermon. What role do you see yourself playing in the church's mission over the next three years? [27:08]
Devotional
Day 1: Community Centered on Jesus
In a world filled with distractions and competing priorities, being a community centered on Jesus means intentionally focusing on His teachings and grace. This involves creating a space where individuals can experience God's love through one another, fostering a sense of belonging and purpose. As a community, the mission is to bless all people with the amazing grace and love of Jesus, allowing His presence to shape and stretch us in our interactions and relationships. By keeping Jesus at the center, we are reminded of our calling to be His hands and feet in the world, sharing His love and grace with those around us. [01:37]
> "And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near." - Hebrews 10:24-25 (ESV)
Reflection: How can you intentionally create space in your life to experience and share Jesus' love with others in your community today?
Day 2: Compassion for the Lost
Jesus' compassion for the crowd in Mark 6 serves as a powerful reminder of our calling to care for those who are like sheep without a shepherd. In a world where many are lost and seeking meaning, we are invited to be part of Jesus' work, offering guidance and direction. This involves seeing people through the eyes of Jesus, recognizing their needs, and responding with love and compassion. By being attentive to the lost and offering them the hope and guidance found in Jesus, we fulfill our calling to be His representatives in the world. [06:49]
> "For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost." - Luke 19:10 (ESV)
Reflection: Who in your life is like a sheep without a shepherd? How can you show them compassion and offer guidance today?
Day 3: Trusting in God's Provision
The story of feeding the 5,000 teaches us a profound lesson about trusting in God's provision. It's not about the resources we have but whose hands they're in. Jesus calls us to give what we have, trusting Him to multiply it for His purposes. This principle challenges us to let go of our limitations and trust in God's ability to do immeasurably more than we can imagine. By placing our resources, time, and talents in His hands, we open ourselves to being part of His miraculous work in the world. [12:00]
> "And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus." - Philippians 4:19 (ESV)
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you struggle to trust God's provision? How can you take a step of faith to place it in His hands today?
Day 4: Vision for Growth and Impact
As we celebrate the growth and impact God has brought about in our community, we are reminded of the vision for the future. This vision includes connecting more people to God, developing authentic followers of Jesus, and engaging our world for good. By focusing on these goals, we can create a community that reflects the love and grace of Jesus, impacting the world around us. This involves being intentional in our efforts to reach out, disciple, and serve, trusting that God will guide and bless our endeavors. [27:08]
> "And he said to them, 'Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation.'" - Mark 16:15 (ESV)
Reflection: What is one practical step you can take to contribute to the growth and impact of your community in the coming weeks?
Day 5: Being a Force Multiplier for Kingdom Good
We are called to be a force multiplier for kingdom good, using our resources to bless and serve others. This involves expanding our facilities, supporting local and regional needs, and creating opportunities for spiritual growth. By being intentional in our efforts to serve and bless others, we can create a ripple effect that extends far beyond our immediate community. This calling challenges us to think creatively and strategically about how we can use what we have to make a lasting impact for the kingdom of God. [36:16]
> "As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace." - 1 Peter 4:10 (ESV)
Reflection: How can you use your unique gifts and resources to be a force multiplier for kingdom good in your community today?
Quotes
Jesus says, no, no, no, I got a better idea. Y 'all give them something to eat. A thing they do not have resources for or the power to produce in their own strength. And this tension between send the people away versus y 'all give them something to eat, this is the big idea of the whole story. [00:12:42] (15 seconds)
Taking the loaves and two fish, looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke the loaves. Then he gave them to the disciples to distribute to the people. Who distributed the food? The disciples. Why did they do it? Because Jesus. He said, y 'all give them something to eat. Who's going to give them something to eat? The disciples. [00:15:17] (19 seconds)
Look, a few years after this, he's going to send 11 of these 12 guys out. He's going to say, I want you to go change the world with a gospel message. They have no military, no political power, no resources, no money, and it didn't matter. They changed the world because it wasn't about their resources. [00:18:07] (18 seconds)
Jesus calls all of us together. He says, well, here's Chatham County. And you know how many people there are? 83,000 people in Chatham County. And you know what he says to you and to me with our two campuses, one in North Chatham, one in Pittsboro. He looks at you, he looks at me, he says, Chatham Community Church. Y 'all get us something to eat. [00:25:55] (18 seconds)
We should be a force multiplier for kingdom good. We just want God to take whatever resources he's given us. We want him to multiply them to bless and to feed tens of thousands of people as best we possibly can. We want to be a church community that is pressing in with all of God's goodness into the community to bring that to bear. [00:28:13] (18 seconds)
Lord Jesus, thank you for your grace and your mercy. And thank you for your great love for us. Thank you for 18 and awesome, so many good things you're doing. And Lord, we also recognize that all our resources, all this good, we still need your help. It's not enough to bless all the people you called us to bless and serve. [00:39:16] (16 seconds)
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