Planted With Purpose | John

Planted With Purpose | John 10:10 | The Story Behind a New Church Plant in Collin County, Texas
#churchplanting #churchpurpose #godskingdom
Pastor Bart Blair begins by sharing his personal journey through four influential churches that shaped his faith and ministry. He describes his childhood church, where he learned Bible stories but struggled with a legalistic view of God. His experience at Bethany Community Church in Maryland was pivotal, helping him understand God's desire for a personal relationship. The pastor then recounts his involvement in two church plants, one in Canada and another in Alberta, each providing unique learning experiences in church leadership and formation.
The sermon then shifts to the founding of Bear Creek Community Church. Pastor Blair explains that after losing his son Ephraim, he initially focused on memorializing him. However, a divine message reminded him of his calling to make Jesus famous rather than his son. This realization led to the decision to plant a new church, leveraging their experience to help others find and follow Jesus.
Pastor Blair emphasizes the purpose of the church as a visible representation of God's kingdom on earth. He quotes Kelvin Teamer's definition: "The church is an assembly of kingdom people who display the reign of God through King Jesus." The pastor then outlines five characteristics of God's kingdom that contrast with worldly values:
1. People over possessions
2. Service over power
3. Humility over status
4. Mercy over judgment
5. Love over law
These characteristics are presented as countercultural, especially in the context of North Texas culture, which often prioritizes possessions, power, and status.
The sermon then focuses on Bear Creek Community Church's purpose statement: "To help people experience a full and meaningful life through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ." Pastor Blair breaks down this statement, emphasizing the importance of serving others (Matthew 20:28, Galatians 6:2), experiencing God personally (Psalm 34:8), and understanding that true abundance comes from a relationship with Jesus, not material possessions (John 10:10, Matthew 6:19-21).
The pastor stresses that faith is lived, not just believed, and that contentment is key to experiencing the abundant life Jesus offers (Philippians 4). He shares his personal Revelation about God desiring a personal relationship, referencing Revelation 3:20 to illustrate God's desire for intimacy with His people.
In conclusion, Pastor Blair provides practical steps for the congregation:
1. Pray for someone who doesn't know Jesus
2. Serve someone selflessly
3. Invite others to join their church community
He encourages them to live as kingdom citizens by embodying the values of God's kingdom in their daily lives, referencing Matthew 6:33: "Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you."
www.bc3.church/