Here we are…Now what?

Here we are…
Now what?

In review…
• Nehemiah is a wine taster for the King of Persia
• He hears of Jerusalem’s predicament: the city is destroyed
• Nehemiah takes a risk and shares his heart with the King
• The King gives Nehemiah permission

Nehemiah 2:11-16
“11 I went to Jerusalem, and after staying there three days 12 I set out during the night with a few men. I had not told anyone what my God had put in my heart to do for Jerusalem. There were no mounts with me except the one I was riding on. 13 By night I went out through the Valley Gate toward the Jackal [a] Well and the Dung Gate, examining the walls of Jerusalem, which had been broken down, and its gates, which had been destroyed by fire. 14 Then I moved on toward the Fountain Gate and the King's Pool, but there was not enough room for my mount to get through; 15 so I went up the valley by night, examining the wall. Finally, I turned back and reentered through the Valley Gate. 16 The officials did not know where I had gone or what I was doing, because as yet I had said nothing to the Jews or the priests or nobles or officials or any others who would be doing the work.”

Establishing a baseline
• Before rebuilding an understanding of reality is necessary
• A Nehemiah approach might involve establishing a baseline
• Some of you
• Are new
• Have been here for a while
• Are old timers’

Where is New Hope?
• We’ve been trying to realize our commitment to being an Elder led Church.
• A year ago, it was necessary for the Elders to intervene on behalf of the entire staff to give Dan Stipp, a six month sabbatical to care for the emotional health of himself and his family.
• As a consequence of the sabbatical, people drew their own conclusions for the next steps of New Hope.
• The Elders have had to make some difficult and grueling decisions which have come at great cost to themselves and their families.
• The Staff has had to pick up additional responsibilities.
• Volunteers involved in New Hope have been called on to give even more—and at times without recognition of what they are giving.
• Friends have left New Hope to attend other Churches.
• There seems to be a number of different perceptions in the community about what is “going on at New Hope”—many are false and hurtful.
• Conclusions?
• we have sin problem; a problem of the heart

And more questions…
• Why is this happening to us?
• Who are we supposed to be?
• What should “Church” look like for New Hope

Those who seem to be processing this healthily, have named the baseline and personal reactions.

So how do you feel?
• Anger: “Yah, I know this is what is going on. Now, when are we going to move on?”
• Frustration: “I have been trying to be committed, but being a part of these problems is so difficult.”
• Disillusioned: “I don’t even know if it is worth it!”
• Confused: “What do we even do now?”

Now What…
Nehemiah 2: 17-18
“17 Then I said to them, "You see the trouble we are in: Jerusalem lies in ruins, and its gates have been burned with fire. Come, let us rebuild the wall of Jerusalem, and we will no longer be in disgrace." 18 I also told them about the gracious hand of my God upon me and what the king had said to me.”

Similarities to Jerusalem
• Is that just Glorious Idealism?
• What does building a Church look like?
• Where are we headed?
• What will we look like?
• Who’s going to take us there?

What I know…
• I know Church isn’t a man idea, it is a God idea
• I know that God loves the Church. We are His bride
• I know that when sinful people get involved, it gets messy.

What I hope for Church
• A place of unconditional love
• A place for the marginalized, the hurting, the abused and the frightened can receive rest and an opportunity to move toward healing
• How Margaret Feinberg puts it…

And what are your ideas?
• What does Scripture say about what Church ought to be like?
• How do those truth’s impact your passions?
• How does God move in your heart?

How will you respond?
• You could Check Out…
• some people probably left rebuilding because they were so tired, lonely, hurting, and empty
• if you’re thinking about leaving… would you give us an opportunity to offer you rest, community, healing, or hope before you make your final decision?
• You Could be Critical
• Nehemiah 2:19-20
• some people might have taken pot shots at the workers trying to rebuild
• those who are most critical, often care deeply and struggle to process their disappointment
• Roosevelt’s thoughts…
• You could Commit
• we all have something to offer
• participate in the ReFocus process: 3/30 & 4/6
• ask God what part He would want you to play
• be a part of what God dreams about