it begins with a single step

The Taoists say that the journey of 1000 miles begins with a single step. First steps to planting a church seem extremely overwhelming. I will be moving to Chicago in the beginning of June to marry the love of my life, Jennifer, and begin stepping out into a dream that has been stirring in my heart for some time. One of my friends, Ian, recommended that I begin a blog. Thanks to the internet any far-out person can be published, so now I am too.

I am not an expert on church planting. I have never done this before. But this is my call, and as uncertain as I am, I know that I have to give my life to this. So I consider this blog not as some kind of "how to" on church planting, but rather as some notes about my own humble adventure with God.

I am a theological minimalist, and am of the conviction that faith is found in a disciplined lifestyle more so than a disciplined adherance to a dogmatic belief system. (which is probably why I'm ordained as a Unitarian)

The vision of the church I have received for my ministry is one that is incarnationional. I see the church as the living expression of the prophet Micah's call to God's mission to do Justice, love Mercy, and walk humbly with your God. - Micah 6.8
As a statement of mission I find that verse to be both narrow and focused, yet also broad and far reaching in its scope.

For now I am networking with fellow travelers, doing some research, praying for guidance, raising funds, and trying not to be too scared that church plants fail 75% of the time.

I will commit to writing new posts, and to keep taking steps forward.

I have a 1000 miles to go, minus one step.