It is a dangerous thing to approach anything with a completely open mind, but equally as dangerous to approach something with concrete ideas as to what you'll do with what comes.
Since before Eryn and I were married this last summer we had ideas of what we wanted to do in ministry. We hoped to go overseas, probably to Thailand, and to train up local pastors and evangelists, in a more "formal" way. To pass onto them the wealth of doctrine and methodology so readily available here in America. And also to possible start a coffee shop ministry in Thailand.
God in His mercy brought people into our lives to teach us that although these are good plans, they are merely our plans. And thus subject to change-- Alot!
So we went to Urbana with ideas of what we wanted to get into, which provided us with important focus and direction, but we also went with open hands and minds.
At Urbana we met with representatives of OMF (overseas missionary fellowship) Avant ministries, and Pioneer missions.
Impressed and blessed by our time with OMF, which included a long discussion one day, which led to another meeting over lunch, we think time may find us working with them.
But in the meantime, Avant ministries drew most of our time and attention, and the represtantatives were extremely gracious in giving of their time, too!
Their vision is for what they have dubbed: "Short-Cycle Church planting" And this is what has drawn our attention! the VERY basic idea (correct me if im wrong) is to enter an area, share the gospel, and raise up believers; build them up through discipleship, place them in leadership over each other, and all the while conscienciously withdraw our own influence. the motto being: "Do only what only we can do" (the missionaries)
And the idea would be to plant a church and have removed missionary leadership all in only 5 years! Leaving a person or couple to remain in contact with the young church, either through phone calls or email, or even short visits.
We were very impressed with how much thought, guidance and prayer went into their model for church planting, and were relieved to find that since it is only a model, it is flexible. VERY flexible in how they reach people and raise up disciples, but at the same time, how ridgid and ungiving they are about inerrancy of the Scriptures, proper bible teaching, mature church development!
We were most impressed by their focus and urgency for churches to be planted and growing; producing missionaries of their own who are being sent to their own people, in order to expand the reach of the gospel!
Here is a link to their webpage explaining it in more detail:
http://www.avantministries.org/short-cycle
Our plan for life before our experience at Urbana was this:
- Urbana Trip
- Work to save money for college!
- Fall/Winter 2010 Short trip to Thailand to scope out ministry opportunities, living options, and for me(Grayson) to get a feel for the country.
-After trip to Thailand, Grayson to return to school to finish undergrad work in biblical studies over Winter
- Spring: return to work
- Support raising and working in our church this whole time
- Be on field full-time within 4 years
New Plan:
- Apply to Avant Ministries!!!
- Continue working with our Church
-Grayson was asked to teach a series on Colossians for a small group
-Eryn works in the office and will be coaching Upwards basketball!
- Work towards being a part of a Short Cycle Church plant. (5 year duration)
- Return to School with renewed focus on necessary training, as well as culture/language learning. Also possible to continue education while on field! Through correspondence courses or local Universities!
- Return to field full time!
Again, while a fine goal to be sure, these are OUR plans, And thus we subject our lives willingly to God, and what HE has planned for us! Which is very exciting!
Along with our plans, God has also used Urbana to work in our hearts.
God is using the seminars and sessions we attended, books we read, in a mighty way to mold us, to make us more like Himself, as well as draw us closer to Him!
As well as challenging our day to day focus in too many ways to explain!
For me personally it has challenged and is changing how I approach the people I meet on a daily basis, realizing that being friends with someone will not save them, but only faith in Christ's finished work will! And also how I approach our Heavenly Father in prayer.
But most of all it has given us a renewed sense of urgency! And this forces us to boldly walk in the path He is laying for us, not slowing, nor hesitating; not allowing ourselves to be distracted by the things of this world.
So as we walk please join us in prayer!
Pray for our hearts, that they will be molded by the Master's hands!
Pray for us as we apply for Avant
Pray for our current responsibilities in ministry! (coaching/teaching)
Thank you all for being a part of our lives!
In pursuit of Christ likeness,
Grayson And Eryn Lynum
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