There are many who used to call the Church of the Nazarene their home, but have left the church. The perception that some have is that the people of the Church of the Nazarene are driven by rules, too judgmental, and believe that they are “perfect”. Also, there are those who have built up walls, because their run-in with holiness appeared to them as legalism. Many people find it difficult to grasp who we are and feel like they may not be able to measure up. There are those who have no concept of who we are or for what we stand, and there are those who think they know exactly who we are. There are two main types of non-churched people that I have dealt with in our area. I believe that it is possible for walls to come down, allowing people to embrace who we are without changing our principles and values. Regardless, it is important to be introspective as we learn how to welcome the lost and those who have lost their way. Some perceptions have been earned by methods of the past, and some have to do with the individuals’ own issues. It was also clear that there are even some perception issues among former Nazarenes and those looking in, from the outside. It did not take long to realize that our persuasion is in the minority in Chattanooga. One of the biggest issues I have faced is learning the culture and perceptions that the community may have regarding Wesleyan holiness churches. Planting a church in the South (southeastern United States), and starting out with no core members, is an interesting venture. In contrast, planting this church has required me to have a great deal of patience as I allow the community’s culture to shape my approach in a much more significant way. When I began as a Lead Pastor in my former church, I had a well-defined game plan that was ready for action before my first day. I say this because there is a stark difference between starting a church and entering the pastorate of an existing church. Regardless of interest or idealism, the only reason that anyone should ever think of starting something from scratch is because they feel that God is calling them to that specific assignment. I am one more cautionary voice telling all pastors that starting a church isn’t for the “sounds like a neat idea” crowd. My family and I left a wonderful church in Ohio three years ago and began a project that is still so much bigger than me. God placed a dream in my heart, many years ago, to plant a church in the Chattanooga, Tennessee area (USA). Written by Russ Fairbanks – Pastor, Ooltewh New Start, Chattanooga, Tennessee, USA
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