The mission statement of our church is, “Escondido Christian Center is a place of new beginnings and lasting hope.” We love that statement because we know this is what God has called us to do and be. But think with me for a moment about the name of our church, Escondido Christian Center. Sure, we’re located in Escondido and we are a Christian church, those are both pretty obvious. But what about the idea of our church being a “center”?
For the last several months we have been using the term, “The Center” as a shortened reference to our church. It’s easy and even kind of cool sounding, but I believe there’s something much deeper and more important in this simple phrase because the idea of a place being a center can have amazing spiritual overtones.
When I was in my first year of bible college, I had the opportunity to travel with my dad to a conference in another state where he had been invited to speak. On our way to the hotel my dad asked the man who had picked us up at the airport, “Where’s the life centers in this city?” The man looked a little puzzled. My dad then said, “You know, churches where there’s life, where there’s people coming and going, where things are happening.” “Wow! ‘Life centers,’” replied the man. “That’s an incredible thing to call a church!”
I’ll never forget that conversation and what I learned from it. The church, any church, could be and should be alive with people and God’s Spirit. There should be things happening. There should be life-changing resources available. There should be something for everyone.
But I’ve started to think of a center in additional ways.
A pastor in New York named Bill Wilson (not the Bill Wilson of AA) is credited for having one of the largest and most successful bus ministries in the world, gathering over 10,000 people every Sunday. I heard him once say,
“If your church isn’t known in its community, it’s not doing its job.” (Pastor Bill Wilson)
Combine Bill Wilson’s challenging statement with Jesus’ words,
“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” (Mt. 5:14-16, NIV)
A church is not only a center that gathers people and life happens, but it should also be a place where people are sent to offer life to others. A center where people are coming for resources, training, encouragement, understanding, etc., and then going out offering the hope, life, healing, love, etc. of Jesus Christ. A life center!
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