Celebrating “other” churches
There really is no such thing as other churches. There’s only one Church. Those who love, follow and believe in Jesus are a part of His Church, even if our expressions of church might be different.
One of the things that motivates and encourages me as a church leader is seeing the movement of the Church in our City.
I love Atlanta. I’ve lived here most of my life and the potential for the Church is immense. Because of this, I thought it would be a good idea to highlight churches in our city on the blog.
Today, we start with our neighbor, Christian Church Buckhead. CCB is located on Peachtree Street next to Maggiano’s. I often see their senior pastor and my friend Derek Sweatman at Corner Bakery. 
Derek and his team are doing an incredible job. Here is an update from Derek and some ways you can pray for the CCB team.
Jeff
WHAT IS THE MISSION OF CHRISTIAN CHURCH [BUCKHEAD]?
If you asked me this question three years ago, I would have rattled off something about trying to keep the doors open. In fact, I would have used the word “survival.” Those were difficult days for us. And even though our mission was clear on paper, it had gotten lost in a pile of the immediate concerns of our day to day life as a church here in the city. I won’t get into all the details, but back in those days, the beat around the office (The Shop, as we call it) was tenuous and, in all aspects, day to day. I remember my wife and I having some discussion about how I could work other gigs and make ends meet at home so that I could still work and serve at our church. James 1v2-4 was a big deal back then.
But underneath all of those trials was a mission, a reminder of why we were here. It was then, and still is today, to lead people into a saving, loving, and growing relationship with Jesus Christ.
To see God renew the hearts of people is our passion.
To be his hands and feet in this city is our vocation.
To partner with his work around the world is our privilege.
The guiding scriptures for all that we do are:
1. Matthew 22v37-38 [Loving God]
2. Matthew 22v39-40 [Loving Neighbor]
3. Jonah 4v11(b) [Caring for the City]
4. Matthew 28v19-20 [Partnering with God’s work around the World]
One of rhythms of our church is her diversity of people. Not just in color, but also in age, ethnicity, language, economy and religious background. This is one of the values of the city, and we have watched it grow in our midst over the last couple of years. So in a way, this value and mission of being a diverse church was not something we necessarily planned on, but something we stumbled upon. It found us, really.
HOW CAN WE PRAY FOR YOUR TEAM?
We just hired our first ever youth & family pastor, taking our staff number up to three! She begins this April, so prayer for her during the transition would be great.
WHAT ARE YOUR PLANS FOR EASTER?
On Thursday night, April 1st we are hosting a Seder Passover meal, directed by our friend and Messianic Rabbi Derek Leman. On Easter Sunday we are holding two services at 9:30 & 11:00.
BONUS QUESTION: TOP FIVE MOST SUPRSING THINGS WE’VE EXPERIENCED HERE
1. The nude man that ran through our lobby a few weeks ago
2. People who get up during the sermon and leave when they see that I’m not Andy Stanley (This actually happens)
3. Foreign money in the offering basket
4. 20% of our children have a form of autism, so we have a ministry for that now
5. That we’re still here…
do stuff
discuss nicelytags
Atlanta Churchesposted
mar 16, 2010by Buckhead Church
March 16, 2010 at 10:10 am
I LOVE that you chose to do this! The Church is beautiful body when unified under Christ! I am so amped that we get to celebrate, encourage, and pray for another awesome ministry Jesus is using to love on the people of Buckhead!
March 16, 2010 at 10:24 am
Jeff,
Kudos for your recognition of a fellow Congregation right next door to you in Buckhead. To honor a fellow laborer in another part of the country is one thing but next door is a Kingdom move. We need much more of this type of encouragement to “one another” and I appreciate your gracious spirit my friend!
God bless you and Derek in your Kingdom work which stands equal in the eyes of God because His desire is faithfulness.
March 16, 2010 at 11:09 am
Love that you did this Jeff. If we as the Church acted more like a team, we’d certainly have a lot more influence and impact. Derek, I hope your #1 surprise is never topped by something even more bizarre! Thank you for your faithfulness to serve the Buckhead community.
March 16, 2010 at 9:36 pm
jeff – thanks for giving us a shout out. our little tribe loves your big tribe too :)
ps – you need to ask how many folks found you because of the walking maps we hand out when someone walks in looking for andy :)
March 17, 2010 at 10:58 am
Thanks Laura!!
March 17, 2010 at 10:58 am
Ike – thanks for reading the blog and for leading the way. Great seeing you last week!
Jeff
March 17, 2010 at 11:00 am
Tank – I agree. I’m not sure why the Church at large can’t be more unified. Lost opportunity.
March 17, 2010 at 11:01 am
Adam – handing out information about Buckhead Church for those attending Christian Church Buckhead is yet another example of the humble leadership of your church. Grateful to be partnering with you.
See you at Corner Bakery!
Jeff
March 17, 2010 at 1:34 pm
Ahhh… the Bride really acting like THE BRIDE! I love it!!!! No more broken and bitter fragments arguing and fighting with each other as the preaching of the “Fruits of the Spirit” drones on in the background. THIS is what the world needs to see: UNITY under Christ!
March 18, 2010 at 8:59 pm
Man, look at the air on that jump. And that’s MY PRS on the strap, by the way. I really do own it. (It was my dad’s first, but he gave it to me.)
JEFF – Good post. Thanks for the chance to share.
Derek
July 29, 2010 at 3:31 pm
I love what you are doing and I think it is AWESOME that you have a ministry for autism. My brother is autistic and I know how hard it can be to communicate with just him! Thank you to the people that are dedicating their time and efforts!