God Gives the Growth

God Gives the Growth

How good is “good enough”? What is God like? Who is Jesus and what has he done? These are some of the BIG questions of life and eternity that Exploring Christianity posed to 25 guests and then sought to answer over a five week period as roughly 20 hosts and discussion leaders shared a meal and interacted together.

From the first meeting (The EC Preview Dinner on April 12), it was evident that God was at work. Sitting around tables in our church foyer, getting to know one another were men and women of diverse backgrounds from throughout the Fox Valley region. Some came with honest questions about Christianity seeking solid answers. Others would not describe themselves as Christians but came willing to listen to the claims of Christ. Still others came as followers of Christ who wanted a refresher course on the basic truths of the gospel. All came because a friend or family member who is part of the New Covenant body invited them.

As the EC course continued from week to week, the conversations around the tables deepened and became more open. Guests began to ask questions: Why should I trust the Bible? Where did evil come from? Why do bad things happen to good people? Discussion leaders patiently listened and pointed to God’s Word for answers. The result has been seeing God growing the faith of many and drawing others savingly into His Kingdom. Here is how some of those who attended EC described their experience:

“I enjoyed having my questions answered and knowing that I am not alone.”

“Because of EC I have started to read the Gospel of John in the Bible.”

“Before EC I wanted to believe. Now I am a believer...I have a love for God in my heart and my whole attitude has changed.”

“[Because of EC] my mind has been opened to additional possibilities concerning my relationship with God.”

“Before EC I was struggling with hope. Now I have hope for change.”

In addition to seeing God at work in the lives of those who are coming to faith in Jesus Christ, it was awesome to see the truth of 1 Corinthians 3:5-9 on display through the New Covenant family.

What then is Apollos? What is Paul? Servants through whom you believed, as the Lord assigned to each. I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth. So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth. He who plants and he who waters are one, and each will receive his wages according to his labor. For we are God's fellow workers. You are God's field, God's building. (1 Corinthians 3:5-9 ESV)

Everyone who served in order to make EC happen played an important role -- some were “planters,” some were “waterers” -- but it was God by His Holy Spirit who worked in the lives of those being changed (i.e. “gave the growth”). Frank Chihowski, Bob Gartner, Tim and Verlene Holloway, Rich and Emilee Justice, Nathan and Patsy Martin, Sue Bixby (signing for the deaf), and Horst Fiebig served as table hosts and discussion leaders. While Pastor Sunday and I had the joy of giving a message each week, these leaders were responsible for interacting with their table guests, answering difficult questions, and providing biblical answers. According to Rich Justice, “The table conversations were engaging with good participation. I was amazed at some of the accurate responses on spiritual questions from those with limited biblical understanding. One member went out and began sharing what he had learned with friends desiring to invite them to future classes.”

One of the goals of EC is to demonstrate the love of Christ to those who attend so that the truth of the gospel proclaimed at EC is coupled with tangible expressions of love from those who have been transformed by the gospel of God’s grace. One of the ways this message was clearly communicated was through a delicious meal served to all who attended. Rhonda Brase coordinated a posse of volunteers who not only prepared and provided a full meal each week but also stayed to serve the meal and cleaned up the mess. A second crucial expression of our love was providing childcare for guests with young children. Several EC attenders stated that they would not have been able to attend without the service that Judy Pallock and her team of adult and teen volunteers provided for their kids. Still others, like Gail Hanczar and Ryan Larson, helped with set up and take down.

What a joy it was as one of your pastors to see many different members of Christ’s body at New Covenant working together to glorify God through this gospel outreach! Please continue to pray for those who attended EC. Many of them have requested ongoing discipleship and will be continuing in discipleship groups. Also, please consider how you might serve when we offer Exploring Christianity again in the fall (Lord willing).

Planting and watering gospel seeds with you,

Dave DeHaan