July 17, 2025
Dear Central Church,
You’ve probably heard this little groaner before, but that’s never stopped me:
There once was a man stranded on a desert island. Realizing that his rescue would be a long time coming, he set up a little town for himself. He built his home, a store, and a school. When the rescuers finally found him, he began to point out how managing his town of one had helped him pass the time. He showed them the things he had built, and then one rescuer asked him, “What’s that building with the cross on the top of it?” He replied, “That’s where I go to church.”
Another rescuer remarked, “Hey, what about that other building with the cross on top of it?”
He replied, “That’s where I used to go to church.”
Even a congregation of one is apparently prone to a church split every now and again. The Church is imperfect, filled with imperfect people who are doing their best to follow Jesus and be faithful to what he has called them to do. For all over our shortcomings, this gathering of God’s people remains “Plan A” for bringing about the redemption of all things.
And as far as I can tell based on scripture, there is no “Plan B.” Jesus ascends to the Father, gives us the Holy Spirit, and calls us to “Go and make disciples.”
I’m glad to be partnered together with you in this work. One of the highlights of this partnership is our annual District Assembly. This gathering of churches across the Kansas City metro area is always inspiring and reminds me of what’s right with the church. If you’re able, I would encourage you to attend the worship gatherings planned for this weekend: Thursday and Friday night at 7pm at College Church of the Nazarene in Olathe.
On Saturday, we have 2 pastors who are being ordained: Rev. Bethany Tibbs and Rev. Jonathan Melgarejo. The service begins at 2pm, and there will be a reception afterwards to honor all the ordinands. This is a huge moment for these pastors, and I’m excited to celebrate this affirmation of God’s call on their lives.
On Sunday, we’ll continue our “Joy Ride” sermon series, looking at Paul’s call to the church to “shine like stars” in Philippians 2:12-18. I look forward to worshiping together with you!
Until He's Finished,
Pastor Mark