Trinity Church @ Rock Creek Middle School, Happy Valley, OR

Realistic Expectations      

In a research study conducted by the North American Mission Board, it was discovered that "68 percent of church plants still exist 4 years after denominations had started them."  That is good news and encouraging to many church planters and those who financially give to support such work.  In addition, the NAMB study also noted that "the chance of survivability increases by over 400 percent when the church planter has a 'realistic' understanding and expectation of the church-planting experience." 

Why is this significant?  Realistic expectations affect our responses to future realities.  Too often, Christians can develop unrealistic expectations of the Christian life and/or participating with Jesus on His mission to make disciples of all nations.  Jesus clearly taught that "in the world you have tribulation" - trouble, suffering, affliction, trials, sorrows, oppression, difficult circumstances, and persecution - "but take courage; I have overcome the world" (Jn. 16:33). 

In life and in church planting we will have times of "rough water," but joy can be the Christian's experience in the midst of tribulation when he understands that joy is grace recognized.  When the disciples were in the midst of rough water on the Sea of Galilee (Matt. 14:13-33), it became clear that sometimes the storm, itself, is an act of grace.  Jesus' careful attentiveness and watch, His coming in revelation, His presence, and His deliverance are acts of grace.  This was the message that God led Mike to share with a church plant in Happy Valley, OR.  Interim pastor, Bevan McWhirter, shared, "[Mike's] message on 'Rough Water' was excellent in both content and delivery.  It was especially fitting for Trinity as we have been through some difficult times this past fall. Your biblical message was engaging and connected well with our people. Thank you for allowing God to use you in a great way at Trinity."  You can listen to the audio recording of this message at Trinity http://trinitychurchpdx.com/sermons/rough-waters-mike-thibodeaux-2/.

Messages from this series were also shared over the course of this school year with the teens at Open Door Christian Academy during four of their chapel services.  Mike has been developing these messages to share at the upcoming Northwest Baptist Convention Student Conference, April 24-25, under the theme: Allegiance.  Please join us in prayer for God to draw many students (especially those who do not know Christ) to this conference and for God to move Christian students to break their allegiance to this world and surrender fully their lives in allegiance to Christ.