RUF, Redeemer, and Reaching Ahead

Bart told me that tonight is his last large group meeting on campus.  In June, our Reformed University Fellowship will officially be under the leadership of Steve Allen as Bart and his family move to Minneapolis to plant a church and launch an RUF chapter at the University of Minnesota.

First, let’s consider the fact that when Bart came to UNL seven years ago to start RUF in Nebraska, his first “large group” meetings could just about fit in the back seat of a Toyota.  Today RUF at UNL regularly has 50-60 students at the weekly large group meetings, building relationships and hearing solid Bible teaching.  That kind of ministry building does not happen easily.  We have seen something remarkable.

Even as we see Redeemer Church launch in Lincoln with Tobey and Adam, we will watch as Bart works to start a new church in Minneapolis.  I am so thankful to be part of a church that keeps the kingdom task in plain view.  And I can’t help but think about the next plant after Redeemer.  What will it be like?  When will we be ready to launch it?  What will my role be? 

There are certain comfortable qualities about being in a church that is, well, “stable.” In such a church you can have many long-term relationships and things continue as they have always been.  But even though change is hard and growth is difficult, I want to be in a church like Zion.  Only let us always be faithful in the ministry God has called us to for the glory of his son Jesus Christ.

Posted on April 17, 2008.