Really, Like, Way Out of the Box

I'm NOT going to Mars. At least I'm not planning on it any time soon. You're probably thinking, "well, none of us are going to Mars! There's no way to get there!" But the truth is, it will soon be possible to go to the Red Planet, in fact there is a planned trip in 2023 for four lucky, brave people. There is a catch, though...It's a one way trip! Sounds a bit crazy, I know. Then again, there are always risks to learning new things; to discovering new worlds.

One of those who have already signed up is Chilean writer Lino Solis de Ovando, who is planning on documenting the trip and sealing his place in history books as one of the first Marslings. (and also sealing his fate!) Lino has been called crazy by his family, co-workers, and friends, but he claims he is sane, has thought this through completely and is ready to go. It will be an epic story, that will be played out in front of the world where most earthlings will be all glued to the TV (if that's what we're still watching in 2023) to witness history in the making. (I remember vaguely Armstrong's first step on the moon.)(Read more of Lino's story here.)

You've no doubt heard the phrase, "out of the box." It's a phrase meant to describe behaviors or actions that break a common pattern or norm. It's pretty clear to me that any Mars trip at this point in history or present technological advancement, is not only out of the box, but is really, like, way out of the box!

It's not unlike Columbus' adventure to sail west to India. People thought he was crazy, but he survived and in some way, because of Columbus, we live here in America, just like some people may eventually live on Mars or the moon or one or more of the hundreds of places that have been discovered recently. (if we can only find a way to get there quicker!)

The point in all of this is simple...It will never happen...

...That is unless someone, like Lino and any of those who are actually planning and funding this adventure, is willing to step out of the box they are in and risk something new. 

In other words, the church needs a Mars trip! 

I don't mean putting a pastor or theologian on that first mission to Mars (although I could think of a few I wouldn't mind sending), rather it's about time to work towards some vision that seems crazy, unreachable, impossible and really, like way out of the box. (Kind of like 11 regular guys who are challenged to go into all the world with the Good News!)

What does a crazy vision look like? How about one of these:

• reaching an additional 10% of the people of Newburgh with the Gospel? That's about 3500 people. 
• increasing worship attendance in the Newburgh community to 40% (or more than double the current amount, 17%). That means getting the regular attendance at worship (all churches and faiths) from 5950 each week to 14,000! 

Or what about a vision that still seems crazy to many, but is more within our means like:

• doubling the average weekly worship attendance (from 400-800)
• adding worship experiences at other times and maybe places in our community
• meeting the needs of group of people that has gone unmet by anyone else
• growing 200 new disciples in the next year. (or 300, 500, even 1000)

This is what our Fruitful Congregation Journey is about. Stepping out of our box (or the way we continue to do "church") in order to fulfill the vision. I'm ready to step out, way out...

...really, like, way out of the box. 

You coming?

Shalom ><>

pc