The life of a church planter/site pastor is not an easy one, especially at the beginning. I knew it was going to be that way - all the books had warned me. But even when things are not easy, they are still good and that is a change from what I would have said even a year ago.
It only became clear to me recently, but for the first time in my ministry I actually miss my congregation. The students that are the primary part of The Bridge at this point are gone for Christmas break and I miss them already. They just left at the end of last week, less than seven days ago and I really miss them. In prior times of ministry, I would have missed certain people and I would have been concerned about certain things going on in the lives of my parishioners, but not like this. I truly miss those I am working with/serving in this new calling and I imagine that is a good thing.
I guess that I am shocked that I have never missed a church before, but I can honestly say that this is very new for me. Time away, for all of my ministry up this point, was something I longed for and felt that I truly needed. Time away now only serves to make me wish they were here so we could continue this journey together.
For those special folks that are at home across the state, country and world this season, know that your new pastor here in Radford loves you very much and can't wait to see what God will do with us when you return. I know that He has big plans and I am so thankful that I get to be a part of those plans with you guys.
Merry Christmas!
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Positive update
As it turns out, I think I jumped the gun a little on calling myself arrogant. I know, its sounds arrogant to declare myself not arrogant, doesn't it?
Let me explain. Before I started working at a fast food place a few weeks ago, I was greatly dreading it and I wrote about it. My thinking, at that point, was that those feelings must come from arrogance. Why else would I dread working at a place like that? Now, I think I know why.
I was dreading working there because I knew, in my heart, that working 30 hours a week at a job 20+ minutes from my calling, i.e. pastor of The Bridge, simply would not work. When I arrived for work that day I was actually a little excited. I dove in and enjoyed working with the people there. My primary job was not glamorous - I worked all three days taking care of the dining room which basically meant that I was cleaning the building. I didn't mind the work, even the not so pleasant parts - trash and bathrooms. I felt positive to be working.
Inside, however, it was obvious that I could not do this regularly. That job required dropping your life at that door and giving your all for the time you were on the clock. I don't have that ability right now. It also would require me to know the time I need off weeks ahead of time and I have no clue that far ahead for many things. As we set up for a big launch in January, the 30th to be exact, I have to be able to get things done when they need to be done and this job does not offer that luxury.
I learned a lot about myself and a lot about the fast food world that I likely would have never known if I didn't have that brief experience.
*I found that I don't mind work, regardless of the kind of work. I suppose that I got that from my hard-working father who drove a coal truck from 5:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. every day for many years.
*I found that adults are just as prone to "drama" as youth and college students.
*I realized that there is much more to working such a job than meets the eye. It is not easy and to be done well it takes effort.
*I found that there are a lot of lonely people who need more than they have found in life so far. They may not know it, but they need Jesus.
*I found that my kids are not accustomed to having me out of the house that much, at least when they are home. They actually, at least at this stage, want me around and that is a good thing.
*I realized that serving people can be done in "ministry" and outside of ministry. I can serve someone in the church body, giving of myself to meet their needs. I can also refill a drink or clean a table as an act of service for someone. They are much more related than I realized going into this experience.
The management was willing to let me walk away after a week of working there. I think they knew all along that doing a job like that would be difficult if my heart and concentration was focused in another place. I am grateful for the experience.
God is good. I will keeping seeking.
Let me explain. Before I started working at a fast food place a few weeks ago, I was greatly dreading it and I wrote about it. My thinking, at that point, was that those feelings must come from arrogance. Why else would I dread working at a place like that? Now, I think I know why.
I was dreading working there because I knew, in my heart, that working 30 hours a week at a job 20+ minutes from my calling, i.e. pastor of The Bridge, simply would not work. When I arrived for work that day I was actually a little excited. I dove in and enjoyed working with the people there. My primary job was not glamorous - I worked all three days taking care of the dining room which basically meant that I was cleaning the building. I didn't mind the work, even the not so pleasant parts - trash and bathrooms. I felt positive to be working.
Inside, however, it was obvious that I could not do this regularly. That job required dropping your life at that door and giving your all for the time you were on the clock. I don't have that ability right now. It also would require me to know the time I need off weeks ahead of time and I have no clue that far ahead for many things. As we set up for a big launch in January, the 30th to be exact, I have to be able to get things done when they need to be done and this job does not offer that luxury.
I learned a lot about myself and a lot about the fast food world that I likely would have never known if I didn't have that brief experience.
*I found that I don't mind work, regardless of the kind of work. I suppose that I got that from my hard-working father who drove a coal truck from 5:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. every day for many years.
*I found that adults are just as prone to "drama" as youth and college students.
*I realized that there is much more to working such a job than meets the eye. It is not easy and to be done well it takes effort.
*I found that there are a lot of lonely people who need more than they have found in life so far. They may not know it, but they need Jesus.
*I found that my kids are not accustomed to having me out of the house that much, at least when they are home. They actually, at least at this stage, want me around and that is a good thing.
*I realized that serving people can be done in "ministry" and outside of ministry. I can serve someone in the church body, giving of myself to meet their needs. I can also refill a drink or clean a table as an act of service for someone. They are much more related than I realized going into this experience.
The management was willing to let me walk away after a week of working there. I think they knew all along that doing a job like that would be difficult if my heart and concentration was focused in another place. I am grateful for the experience.
God is good. I will keeping seeking.
Monday, November 22, 2010
What I've figured out
I have figured out something about myself while going through this process and I'm not so happy with this discovery. What is this new revelation? To put it short and sweet, it has become very obvious to me that I am arrogant. I hate that.
Allow me to explain. I felt led to do this new kind of ministry and I gave up a traditional church to follow this fresh dream. When I left the traditional church, I also left a pretty comfortable salary and benefit package. What was waiting for me at the new work? About a quarter of my pay and no benefits. My wife, however, is working full-time and it was our prayer that she could help be the staple of our finances while the new work develops.
I also knew that I would have to take another job to help support us. I haven't done much work outside of the church since seminary but in my past I have written for local newspapers and served as a legal assistant at a large law firm in my home area. My job search began there, seeking employment in possibly those two areas, but nothing jumped out to greet me. I was promised a job before moving to Radford, actually did training and was ready to get started, but the company I was going to work for was sold - so that was a no go as well.
Eventually, I started just putting in applications and hoping for the best. One local company offered me a job , but after the interview it seemed pretty obvious that there would be very little time for ministry while working there. Finally I have gotten an offer of a job and I have accepted it, but I had a hard time doing so. It is not in an office setting. I will not be pushing paper or working on a laptop computer. Instead, I will be working for a fast food establishment. While it is a more "upscale" place to eat, it is still a fast food place. I must admit that I have had a difficult time grasping the reality that at 41 I am working fast food in order to support my family. I thought that the older you get, the better off you should be, at least in the work area.
I don't think that I see myself as being better than working such a position, but I have surely had a hard time accepting this transition. Honestly, looking at the situation from a purely Biblical view, it is a blessing to have the opportunity to work and support my family - period. The ability to work and the opportunity to work are both great gifts from God. Who am I, merely one of His creations, to say that I am better than any form of work? I know that I am not and I am eager to model His light and love in this new workplace.
Since this is the week that we normally set aside to say thanks, I want to say a special thank you to the One who made me. Thank you, my God, for the opportunity that I have to live this blessed life with my unbelievable family and to minister to the special people you have called me to serve and love. Heavenly Father, help me to get over myself and focus on the bigger picture while trusting that You know above all others what is best and right for me. Likewise, help me to put aside any pride or arrogance that I falsely carry around and help me to understand that above all else I am Yours and that is what truly matters.
As you meet around the table this week, I challenge you to be evermore thankful than full of pride. If you can do that, the meal will taste better and your life will better reflect the One who loves you the most.
Allow me to explain. I felt led to do this new kind of ministry and I gave up a traditional church to follow this fresh dream. When I left the traditional church, I also left a pretty comfortable salary and benefit package. What was waiting for me at the new work? About a quarter of my pay and no benefits. My wife, however, is working full-time and it was our prayer that she could help be the staple of our finances while the new work develops.
I also knew that I would have to take another job to help support us. I haven't done much work outside of the church since seminary but in my past I have written for local newspapers and served as a legal assistant at a large law firm in my home area. My job search began there, seeking employment in possibly those two areas, but nothing jumped out to greet me. I was promised a job before moving to Radford, actually did training and was ready to get started, but the company I was going to work for was sold - so that was a no go as well.
Eventually, I started just putting in applications and hoping for the best. One local company offered me a job , but after the interview it seemed pretty obvious that there would be very little time for ministry while working there. Finally I have gotten an offer of a job and I have accepted it, but I had a hard time doing so. It is not in an office setting. I will not be pushing paper or working on a laptop computer. Instead, I will be working for a fast food establishment. While it is a more "upscale" place to eat, it is still a fast food place. I must admit that I have had a difficult time grasping the reality that at 41 I am working fast food in order to support my family. I thought that the older you get, the better off you should be, at least in the work area.
I don't think that I see myself as being better than working such a position, but I have surely had a hard time accepting this transition. Honestly, looking at the situation from a purely Biblical view, it is a blessing to have the opportunity to work and support my family - period. The ability to work and the opportunity to work are both great gifts from God. Who am I, merely one of His creations, to say that I am better than any form of work? I know that I am not and I am eager to model His light and love in this new workplace.
Since this is the week that we normally set aside to say thanks, I want to say a special thank you to the One who made me. Thank you, my God, for the opportunity that I have to live this blessed life with my unbelievable family and to minister to the special people you have called me to serve and love. Heavenly Father, help me to get over myself and focus on the bigger picture while trusting that You know above all others what is best and right for me. Likewise, help me to put aside any pride or arrogance that I falsely carry around and help me to understand that above all else I am Yours and that is what truly matters.
As you meet around the table this week, I challenge you to be evermore thankful than full of pride. If you can do that, the meal will taste better and your life will better reflect the One who loves you the most.
Monday, November 15, 2010
History of The Bridge
My name is Rusty Mullins. Until September of 2010 I was the pastor of a traditional church, Wytheville Baptist Church, located in Wytheville, Virginia. In September, however, I accepted the call of First Baptist Church of Radford, Virginia, to be the site pastor of a church that God had been calling me to start for more than two years. I went from regular church, stable employment to being a part-time employee with no church - just a calling and a dream. It seems foolish, even as I type this, but that is what we, my wife, family and I, did and I couldn't be happier with the ministry that God is doing.
This new journey began over two years ago when I went to a special conference of primarily Virginia Baptist pastors held at a little camp in the middle of the state. I was invited to be a part of this gathering by John Chandler and was looking forward to the experience - until it came time to leave. I was sick that day and felt miserable. I didn't want to go, but I knew that I had made an obligation and that money had been spent, already, to make this possible for me. Begrudgingly I left the comfort of my hone and drove to the camp. It was early spring and the campus was nice, but my illness continued to cloud my mood and desire to be there.
The first night was an introduction to the study of the "Millennial Matrix" and how churches are going to cease to exist if we do not find ways of bringing the gospel to the younger generations. We can't continue to use old methods to bring the gospel to this generation. The younger generations take in information in a whole new way and we must find ways to get themessage to them in a way they can understand and grasp it. I understood his point and I had read the book, but I was asking myself, "Why do I need to hear this? The church I'm serving has mad major changes already and they are not ready to become a more digital friendly congregation."
As I went to bed that night, my prayer was that I would not waste me time any more. I remember telling God that I would wake up and tell John I was sick and had to leave so I could get back home. After getting ready the next morning, my spirit refused to let me leave and it was in the first morning session that God stepped in and changed everything. As I sat, miserable and complaining within, I internally questioned again - Why am I here? As clearly as I have ever heard God, He chose to speak to me after I asked that question. I clearly heard that I was to pay attention, the things I was learning was not for that time, but for the future and that God had different plans for my future.
I was shocked and amazed. How often do you feel that you have actually heard God? I "feel" God in my life. I think He often shapes the things around me, but that moment in time it felt as though the God who made Heaven and Earth was communicating directly with me. Then my mind was flooded with ideas and things that needed to be done. My wife and I were going to be changing focus, from being "church" leaders to being leaders of people - younger people. The traditional church is not designed for those of our younger generations. The church is based on models that were assumed to work decades, maybe centuries ago - we are here and you can come to us when you want/need us mentality.
This is not the way the younger generations work. They need to be involved and included. They need to feel a part of something and active in their faith. They need more than a building, they need and seek deeply, community. The cyber world they live in is often very lonely. Just because you have 300 friends on facebook does not mean you have one true friend. Connection with something bigger than themselves is essential and they are seeking that but not finding it in the traditional church. The church needs to find ways to meet those needs and give them the missional, interactive, community experience they so desperately need.
My wife was not thrilled with the news. It would require a total life change and likely force me to work outside the church for the first time since seminary. Were we ready for that? God continued to show us this is what He wanted, so we trusted.
It was a few months later that Jennifer was called to be the interim, part-time Baptist Campus Minister at Radford University. She was not excited about the job. It was presented to her in the most negative way and she was told to just help them get through the coming school year and then the situation at RU would be reevaluated.
I continued to serve the church God had called us to and tried not to be distracted about the future. Jennifer had a rough first semester, hating the 45 minute commute to Radford for a ministry that looked to be dying despite her best efforts. Then, as the first semester was ending, a few freshmen walked into the BCM building.
At the beginning of the second semester, things got better at the RU ministry and Jennifer was quickly falling in love with her students. I started thinking that possibly Radford could be the place to launch the ministry I felt so drawn to. After seeking that opportunity it seemed almost impossible to come to fruition. There was even talk of Jennifer being given another campus that would be full-time and I would start a church in the other area, but deep in our hearts Jennifer and I felt a strong call not only to do this new ministry but to minister to the students at RU and the entire Radford area.
After much frustration and waiting beyond what we thought we were able to wait, God made a huge break through. First, the people at First Baptist Church of Radford, behind the leadership of their pastor and minister of education - Paul Lane and Kent Taylor - decided that they wanted to join in this venture. Then, after much waiting and even times of discouragement, the leaders of the Virginia Baptist Mission Board, behind the leadership of John Upton and section leader Susan McBride, decided to hire Jennifer as full-time campus minister.
We left Wytheville in late August and I began my ministry in partnership with FBC-Radford in early September. We began holding pre-launch worship services on 10/10/10 and God has richly blessed in so many ways. We are surely blessed. The new work has averaged over 40 people each Sunday, except for the one we were away on a retreat together, and things only look brighter every day.
Honestly, I don't know what I'm doing exactly. I have never done this before, but I am following the one who called me to do it and He is doing amazing things - often in spite of me. It is my sincere prayer that we continue to follow his call and allow Him to build The Bridge and the ministry we are called to do here.
God is indeed good - all the time. And all the time- our god is good.
This new journey began over two years ago when I went to a special conference of primarily Virginia Baptist pastors held at a little camp in the middle of the state. I was invited to be a part of this gathering by John Chandler and was looking forward to the experience - until it came time to leave. I was sick that day and felt miserable. I didn't want to go, but I knew that I had made an obligation and that money had been spent, already, to make this possible for me. Begrudgingly I left the comfort of my hone and drove to the camp. It was early spring and the campus was nice, but my illness continued to cloud my mood and desire to be there.
The first night was an introduction to the study of the "Millennial Matrix" and how churches are going to cease to exist if we do not find ways of bringing the gospel to the younger generations. We can't continue to use old methods to bring the gospel to this generation. The younger generations take in information in a whole new way and we must find ways to get themessage to them in a way they can understand and grasp it. I understood his point and I had read the book, but I was asking myself, "Why do I need to hear this? The church I'm serving has mad major changes already and they are not ready to become a more digital friendly congregation."
As I went to bed that night, my prayer was that I would not waste me time any more. I remember telling God that I would wake up and tell John I was sick and had to leave so I could get back home. After getting ready the next morning, my spirit refused to let me leave and it was in the first morning session that God stepped in and changed everything. As I sat, miserable and complaining within, I internally questioned again - Why am I here? As clearly as I have ever heard God, He chose to speak to me after I asked that question. I clearly heard that I was to pay attention, the things I was learning was not for that time, but for the future and that God had different plans for my future.
I was shocked and amazed. How often do you feel that you have actually heard God? I "feel" God in my life. I think He often shapes the things around me, but that moment in time it felt as though the God who made Heaven and Earth was communicating directly with me. Then my mind was flooded with ideas and things that needed to be done. My wife and I were going to be changing focus, from being "church" leaders to being leaders of people - younger people. The traditional church is not designed for those of our younger generations. The church is based on models that were assumed to work decades, maybe centuries ago - we are here and you can come to us when you want/need us mentality.
This is not the way the younger generations work. They need to be involved and included. They need to feel a part of something and active in their faith. They need more than a building, they need and seek deeply, community. The cyber world they live in is often very lonely. Just because you have 300 friends on facebook does not mean you have one true friend. Connection with something bigger than themselves is essential and they are seeking that but not finding it in the traditional church. The church needs to find ways to meet those needs and give them the missional, interactive, community experience they so desperately need.
My wife was not thrilled with the news. It would require a total life change and likely force me to work outside the church for the first time since seminary. Were we ready for that? God continued to show us this is what He wanted, so we trusted.
It was a few months later that Jennifer was called to be the interim, part-time Baptist Campus Minister at Radford University. She was not excited about the job. It was presented to her in the most negative way and she was told to just help them get through the coming school year and then the situation at RU would be reevaluated.
I continued to serve the church God had called us to and tried not to be distracted about the future. Jennifer had a rough first semester, hating the 45 minute commute to Radford for a ministry that looked to be dying despite her best efforts. Then, as the first semester was ending, a few freshmen walked into the BCM building.
At the beginning of the second semester, things got better at the RU ministry and Jennifer was quickly falling in love with her students. I started thinking that possibly Radford could be the place to launch the ministry I felt so drawn to. After seeking that opportunity it seemed almost impossible to come to fruition. There was even talk of Jennifer being given another campus that would be full-time and I would start a church in the other area, but deep in our hearts Jennifer and I felt a strong call not only to do this new ministry but to minister to the students at RU and the entire Radford area.
After much frustration and waiting beyond what we thought we were able to wait, God made a huge break through. First, the people at First Baptist Church of Radford, behind the leadership of their pastor and minister of education - Paul Lane and Kent Taylor - decided that they wanted to join in this venture. Then, after much waiting and even times of discouragement, the leaders of the Virginia Baptist Mission Board, behind the leadership of John Upton and section leader Susan McBride, decided to hire Jennifer as full-time campus minister.
We left Wytheville in late August and I began my ministry in partnership with FBC-Radford in early September. We began holding pre-launch worship services on 10/10/10 and God has richly blessed in so many ways. We are surely blessed. The new work has averaged over 40 people each Sunday, except for the one we were away on a retreat together, and things only look brighter every day.
Honestly, I don't know what I'm doing exactly. I have never done this before, but I am following the one who called me to do it and He is doing amazing things - often in spite of me. It is my sincere prayer that we continue to follow his call and allow Him to build The Bridge and the ministry we are called to do here.
God is indeed good - all the time. And all the time- our god is good.
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