The Enemy of the Best

November 13
I started my weekly visit to Sebewaing this week by checking in with Casey at his home in Pigeon. I have not had the opportunity, because of conflicting schedules, to sit down with him since early in September. Just to remind you the reader, Casey has been trying to be obedient to God as God leads him down a path in which the idea of church and disciple-making really will look different than it has in the past. Last summer Casey and I have kind of made the commitment to one another to visit from time to time just to bounce ideas off each other and see what God is doing in our lives.

I was really encouraged by our visit on a number of levels. First I was excited to hear what God has been doing in Casey's life. Over these last several months God has led him to write a book on his experiences in his skate park ministry. (I am looking forward to reading it.). As he explained it to me, he identifies three areas in the church today. The traditional church, the new emerging church and its various forms, and the people who will be the bridge between the two. This is where he and I kind of find ourselves these day, as bridge builders.

Secondly, I was excited to see a new enthusiasm in Casey for a ministry in Bad Axe. He knows that God has something for him there, and he is working to discern what his role might look like while still honoring his commitments to family and friends.

The third thing that I was encouraged about was Casey checking my spirit. One of the real problems I have is that I am always looking for the formula to get done what I am suppose to do. As I have been working on this discipling process in Sebewaing, I have been tempted at times to just use a program and get started. Every time that I meet with Casey he encourages me not to settle for something that might be good, but to wait for God's best. Thanks, Casey.

Praises:
For people like Casey who just want to follow God
For the discipling relationship that I have started in Sebewaing
For the relationships that I continue to build with the group of young men in the alternative ed program
For long term relationships that continue to grow strong

Concerns:
For more workers
For an openness with the churches of the Sebewaing area
For wisdom as we try to wait on the Lord and discern his will
For Casey as he tries to interpret the things God has in front of him