Dear Cornerstone Family,
Four weeks ago, I wrote about the “good problem” of growth Cornerstone is experiencing. It’s a problem we encounter firsthand each Sunday morning squeezing into overcrowded pews or climbing the stairs to overflow. It’s a good problem in that growth is a good thing! But it’s a good problem in that we’re running out of space to accommodate the ministry.
Several months back, the elders began discussing how to address the issue of growing numbers and tight quarters. We spent an evening exploring a variety of potential options including adding worship services, augmenting/expanding the chapel (if possible), starting an additional Cornerstone location, planting a new church, building (or buying) a larger facility, or even some combination of the above.
As this discussion took place, other discussions and topics surfaced. We revisited aspects of our history as a church. We touched on our vision and core commitments. We dreamed about the future kingdom impact of an expanded ministry. We also addressed a variety of fears and concerns. Fears of losing the sweetness of fellowship we’ve long enjoyed. Fears of failure if we try something that doesn’t work. Fears regarding the sacrifice it will require to honor God’s call and care for his people in this season of growth.
This openhearted dialogue led us to pray, pray, and pray some more. After that initial meeting, I put pen to paper and crafted three prayers for our leaders to commit to praying on a regular basis during this season. These prayers are designed to prepare our hearts for whatever God has in store next for Cornerstone. During this season, I’d like to invite you to join us in praying these prayers as together we seek God’s face for the future of Cornerstone.
The prayer of surrender—“Not my will, but yours, be done” (Luke 22:42). In this prayer, we’re asking God to bring us to a place where we want God’s will, nothing more, nothing less, nothing else. Ask yourself, “What must I release or set aside in order for God’s will to reign supreme in my life?” Name those things before the Lord, laying them at his feet.
The prayer for unity— “Holy father, keep them in your name, which you have given me, that they may be one even as we are one” (John 17:11) In this prayer, we’re asking God for a spirit of unity, both for leaders and the church membership as together we seek God’s face. Search your heart to see if there is any offense, frustration, or dismissiveness against any leader or member of the church. If needed, confess this to your brother or sister and be at peace (2 Corinthians 13:11).
The prayer for wisdom—“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God who gives generously without reproach, and it will be given him” (James 1:5) Ask boldly for wisdom for your leaders and the church. As you pray for wisdom, reflect on God’s unfailing love for the church and consider what would God most want us to see, know, believe, and protect as we seek to answer his call.
Friends, would you enter into prayer with us in an ongoing way this season? It’s easy to get worked up with excitement or fear over this or that, but it’s prayer that God is pleased to use to strengthen and direct the church. As Oswald Chambers said years ago, “Prayer does not fit us for the greater work; prayer is the greater work.”
Your servant,
