Commissioning....

One of the best things that has happened to my church over the past year, is that God has blessed our spiritual community with an overwhelming sense of unity. 

(1st Picture: Brandon Williams, my pastor) Our area pastors meet together and work together to serve our community and to be Christ to the world. It's phenomenal. 

Last night, within our denomination, I was able to experience firsthand our ability to unite as the body of Christ.  The best part? When we unite as one, God shows up! His Spirit was so evident last night at our commissioning service for Emmaus Road Church of the Nazarene and Great Lakes Community Church of the Nazarene. Both are church plants right here in the Toledo area.  (2nd picture: Andy Lauer, Emmaus Road Church)

My friends, Andy & Barb Lauer have planted Emmaus Rd. Church near the UT campus. God is assembling a team of dedicated followers to help them in their mission to build His kingdom. 

Rick & Shelly Grimes have just moved to the area. They are planting Great Lakes Community Church of the Nazarene in Holland.  Again working earnestly to further God's kingdom in the Toledo area.  (3rd picture: Rick Grimes, Great Lakes Community)

The area Nazarene Churches, as well our District Superintendent all gathered to worship, to unite, to pray over these churches and their leaders.  It is so amazing to see how God is moving in Toledo.  I couldn't help but sit there on Sunday night in tears over His mighty glory and power to give just a couple of people a vision and empower them to fulfill that vision working together. 

And if all that wasn't enough, this wasn't just a Nazarene effort, a dear friend, Don Schiewer from New Harvest Christian Church, the founder of Food For Thought, joined in the celebration serving communion to the body assembled that night. 

As Paul says over and over, we are the body of Christ. There are no denominational lines in the Kingdom of Heaven.  There is just us worshiping and honoring our King.  It was awesome to get a glimpse of the reality of heaven on earth, of His kingdom coming on earth, just as it is in heaven.