what the kingdom of Jesus needs

We are preparing to move to the States at the end of June so here are some words I spoke to our community of leaders at Oasis Madrid last Sunday.

Speaking of freedom, there should always be real freedom to fail.

Remember: the kingdom of God is not dependent on whether or not a certain church “makes” it. Oasis Madrid could vanish; the kingdom of God never will.

So, let’s just pretend (shall we) that Oasis doesn't survive. Let’s say right now that the succession plan fails miserably. So what? Jesus still loves us.

In fact, I predict that those who stay behind to lead the church are going to get it wrong (just like I got it wrong so often). So what? Jesus still loves them.

This is the reign of God; this is the love that conquers everything. He takes us unconditionally whether we succeed or fail. He takes us, full stop.

Remember: Madrid only “needs” the church we've started to the extent that the life of the kingdom of the heavens flows through it. In fact, if the kingdom of heaven (the kingdom of Jesus and his extravagant grace) does not rule in the hearts of the people that make up this church, I hope it disappears.

And, by the way, the kingdom of God is also not dependent on whether or not you lead a home group. Your home group could fold. That would not stop the kingdom of God from advancing.

The kingdom of God is not dependent on how many people come to our services or how well-attended our social events are. On January 2nd we had a grand total of 8 in attendance at the service in our home but, I tell you what: the reign of God’s gracious guiding hand was there.

The kingdom of God is not limited to what you’re doing. The kingdom of God is not limited to all the latest fads and trends in emergent or incarnational philosophies of ministry. Philosophies will disappear, the kingdom of God never will.

Worship leader, the kingdom of God is not dependent on whether or not you lead a band at each worship service. You could never lead another song in your life and the kingdom of God would carry on.

Is there any question then? Of course, the kingdom of God is not dependent on whether or not the founding pastors of Oasis Madrid stay in Madrid or not. God is bigger than us, so much bigger. Thankfully, he is also gracious.

Act as if the kingdom of God doesn’t need you but it needs others.