For those of you that have been with me for at least a year, you’ll remember that back in February 2010 I created The Latte Challenge to help me confirm a move from Sacramento, CA to Portland, OR for the purposes of building relationships and engaging in conversations rather than constructing a church. Thanks to the generosity and support from a lot of friends, my wife and I arrived in Beaverton (a westside suburb of Portland) on March 1, 2010.
In coming to Portland last March, my intention was not on building a church, but it was focused on ministry. Everything I had read and heard led me to believe that people in Portland were far away from God, yet open to conversations of spirituality. It was for many years considered the most unchurched part of the United States and still remains in second place behind New England. I sensed it was a perfect place to move to--away from the people and things we were familiar with; somewhere new where we could reflect on our time as church planters of Revolution Church Sacramento and what our next steps should be.
The funniest thing happened though. Instead of being this beacon of light that I had envisioned being used to facilitate conversations about faith and church and spirituality, I ended up becoming a receiver. As I stepped back and listened to conversation after conversation with people that crossed my path, I found myself being ministered to instead. I’ve had people speak into my life about not giving up, not measuring myself by my career… Sharing their life experiences with me so that I could become a better husband and father--the list just goes on.
In my perspective as a minister and leader I came here believing that my agenda was what was needed. In the end, I have learned to shed that part of my nature aside and just listen and learn from others. I’ve always done that, but there has been some underlying, subconscious sense of ministry or leadership that I expected to come out as a result.
I’ve spent 11 out of my 12 months here in Portland disengaged from any church due to my work schedule, but feel as if I take away a better perspective and a deeper love for the church as I envision it and its possibilities. Yes, I miss being actively involved in a community of people (the local church) that have a heart and mission to serve others while encouraging one another, but I am a much better human being as a result of my time away.
As my wife and I feel like our time here in the Portland area may be coming to an end, I feel like I wish I could say that a part of me will remain here for the good of others as mission accomplished. However, in reality, I don’t wish that at all. Instead, this was a time for me to see some things differently, become even more humble, and to learn from others and I must realize that in order for the experience not to be wasted. So Portland, you have done much to improve the life and soul of a weary traveler that wandered here with uncertainty, only to leave here feeling refreshed and ready for what may come next. I’m now feeling a greater sense of purpose and direction and am much better equipped to be a part of society than I was 12 months ago.
To all of the people I have met during my past 12 months here in Oregon, know that you will be remembered and that your stories will be shared as my journey continues. You have made a difference just for being who you are, at the right place at the right time. Our time together was more profound than you could ever know. Thank you for taking a moment of your lifetime to share it with me, a stranger from a different culture, trying to figure out the meaning of my circumstances. My rest is now complete and I’m excited to stand and take my next steps. Bravo Portlanders, bravo!
