Several years ago my wife and I ran a half marathon in Nashville, Tennessee. The weekend after the race, Nashville would experience floods they never expected. The entire city was stunned and needed someone, anyone, to coordinate recovery efforts. From 2 states away, I watched as a church stepped into this role. A church led the recovery efforts. A church became the place where people gathered to restore what was lost.
Imagine that….
That church was Cross Point Church in Nashville, Tennessee. It’s no secret that I’m a huge fan. We have since gotten to know many of the people that lead that church. In conversations with them, I shared that what impressed me the most about Cross Point is they had “earned the right” to be that church. When disaster claims a city or a community, you can’t just show up and suddenly be “THE” one to lead the rescue and restoration. You’ve got to earn that right. You’ve got to have proven over and over and over again that you can be trusted, you care and you have the organizational skills to see it all through.
One of the million reasons that I love and am so impressed by Rock City Church right here in Columbus is that they are becoming “that church”. What is even more remarkable is how quickly it is happening. Now don’t miss this – They are not becoming “that church” through slick meetings and lofty attempts to get their name out. They are becoming “that church” in such a simple and beautiful way….
We are loving on this city. Period.
I could list example after example of how Rock City continues to give away what they receive (over 30% of tithes have gone to projects outside our walls). They’ve partnered with local school districts to provide backpacks and shoes. Just yesterday, they held a summer kick off in the heart of Columbus where anyone could walk up and enjoy the festivities (and many, many did). We’ve partnered with crack house ministries, sex trafficking recovery facilities and single moms struggling to make ends meet. One by one, Rock City is loving on this city and earning the right to be a leader in recovery and restoration if the unthinkable ever happened.
You might read that and think it’s bragging. I guess in some ways, maybe it is. The reality is that I am so proud of this fellowship. Day after day I hear stories and speak to others that attend Rock City that are inspired to give, to do, to act and to be. What is happening at Rock City is a movement that Christ called each of us to grab hold of. It’s living an active faith. It’s leading by example not by rules, lists, big shows and impressive facilities. It’s a church meeting in a movie theater, giving away more money than even their financial advisers recommend and pouring love all over this city. On Saturday, we will reach out to inner city Columbus and provide laundry services for free. All day. No strings attached.
That’s Rock City!
