Simple, Fresh, Courageous

Normally I’m inclined toward stoic contemplation over charismatic inflammation. Yet, lately, I feel like my desire and value for the charismatic has come to the forefront of my thoughts. Maybe it’s something like the scientific-minded Spiderman when he feels his “spider sense” start tingling.

At Living Streams Church, the words and meaning of contemplative and charismatic have become guiding lights for us. For those of us who lean toward the pragmatic and heady, it’s good to remind ourselves to earnestly desire spiritual gifts—especially prophecy. Like me, these helpful, yet potentially dry people need to check in with themselves to make sure they are being led by the Spirit of God.

Then, for the delightful and, at times, wild people more inclined to the supernatural, it’s important to remember we are also to love the Lord our God with our mind. We need to do research, dialogue with others, and use the reasonable capabilities God has given us.

I think these two words—contemplative and charismatic—can help us understand and live out what Jesus said to the Samaritan woman: True worshippers worship God in spirit and in truth. 

With that being written, I want to share some things I see as blurry pictures on the horizon for us at Living Stream. Though the contemplative side of me discerns lots of trouble, tension and problems ahead, the charismatic side of me is sensing opportunity. This is not absolute or concrete stuff. What you are about to read are thoughts and visions firmly in the ideation phase. Though I normally try to share what I have clarity on, it is still the year 2020, and I was told it was only going to take fifteen days to “flatten the curve.”

First, for the last few years Living Streams Church has been doing ministry with a group of churches in Ecuador. One of the main leaders of one of those churches is named Mario. He and his family have felt called by God to come to Phoenix to plant Spanish-speaking churches. We at Living Streams have felt the same calling and have been working to bring Mario and his family here for that purpose. The process has been slowed because of COVID-19, but the passion is still there for him—and for us—and the opportunity seems more ripe than ever before. (Living Streams en Espanol? ¡Me Gusta!)

Also, for the last year, I have been in a pastoral cohort called The Bonhoeffer Project. In that group I met a man who planted his family in south Phoenix because he felt called by God to plant a church there. He is African-American and has helped me process some of the racial unrest and frustration we have all felt in last few months. As we have gotten to know each other, we have begun discussing what it would look like for us to join together for the work the Lord has called him to. (Woohoo!)

Next, Joel Fritz and his family returned home from Italy after being sent out from Living Streams a little over a year ago. Joel, his wife, Kristen, and their three daughters were sent out from Living Streams to do discipleship and leadership development for some churches in Manfradonia. Joel and his family are back now and have landed in Huntsville, Alabama, where they will be living close to Kristen’s parents. The reason I share this is because Joel has a desire to continue to be in partnership with Living Streams Church and is looking at planting a church there. (Sounds Interesting!)

In addition to some of these church planting ideas, some other interesting things have happened. This week I sat down with someone in our church who wants to invest in  Living Streams. After this person and I spoke about a number of different opportunities, the person handed me a check for $50,000. We are going to use some of the money to make sure our food pantry is well stocked, and the rest will be used to upgrade the chapel, gymnasium, and lobby of Building D. We see these spaces being used for Sunday morning service overflow while COVID-19 social distancing continues. These spaces could be great for our hopes with a Spanish church plant. There are a number of other new possibilities for this space, not to mention the countless ministries already happening in that building. (Thank You, Jesus!)

As if that is not enough, another person connected with Living Streams Church told me about some land up north they would like to donate to Living Streams for a retreat center. It is extremely generous and we are looking into what possibilities are there. (So, if you are a builder or would like to donate toward that opportunity, I am glad you are reading this.) 

I need you to know that, with all these possibilities on the horizon, we will not forget to ensure that Living Streams Central is healthy and whole. I know we have a slow, patient work over the rest of this year to lead our people back to each other. We will continue to do our best to provide instructive, inspiring youth and children’s ministries, life groups, Sunday services, pastoral care and evangelism. We will continue to come up with simple, fresh, and courageous plans to Put God’s Glory on Display, Build Courageous People, and Engage in Society's Pain. 

By His grace and for His glory,

David