In the words of Alan:

Something special is happening in Austin. We’re not seeing this kind of partnership and momentum in other cities.

He followed that up yesterday when he tweeted:

“I think Austin might just be the US city furtherest along the missional road.”

I instantly felt both thankful – and honestly -a bit burdened (in a good way). I was hit by the gravity and responsibility that comes with stewarding even a shred of God’s movement. And I was thankful that PlantR is neck deep in trying.

God help us.

It doesn’t really matter whether you’re a part of the mega or micro-church world. It doesn’t really matter whether you’re at an established church or a planting pastor with a dream. What matters is if you’re in this city and whether or not you’re for God’s Kingdom in this city.

We need to take a moment and acknowledge – with thanksgiving – what God is doing in Austin. To realize that what we’re experiencing is just a glimpse of what can happen. Recognize that there were men of God praying for His Kingdom in Austin way before we were even here. Prayerfully consider what we need to do to not get in the way. And do whatever it takes to be a part of advancing what He’s already doing.

I think John Herrington (Hill Country Bible Church) put it best in his recent post:

“It is time to coalesce the incredible talent I see in the pastors of Plantr and release it collectively into the city. The idea of tithing our time and talents beyond our own plant changes everything.”

Brandon Hatmaker – Austin New Church
web: www.AustinNewChurch.com
email: brandon@austinnewchurch.com
twitter: @brandonhatmaker

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]]> http://www.plantr.org/life-after-verge-brandon-hatmaker/feed/ 1 http://www.plantr.org/meeting-reflections-austin-disaster-relief-network/ http://www.plantr.org/meeting-reflections-austin-disaster-relief-network/#comments Wed, 10 Jun 2009 20:30:54 +0000 admin http://www.plantr.org/?p=241 In our May meeting, it was a pleasure to hear from Daniel Geraci of the Austin Disaster Relief Network. With the impact of recent hurricanes in New Orleans and Houston, the ADRN has been formed to enable Austin residents to spring to action and provide long and short term relief should Austin face a major disaster. It is a partnership between local churches, business, organizations, and the city government.

I have sat through many similar meetings where someone with good intentions had a pitch for a cause that they wanted others to come on board with. However, seldom have I experienced a plan as clear and manageable as what Daniel brought to our meeting. The ADRN has done an exceptional job of breaking down the potential needs into tasks that allow a church of any size to be equipped to take part in the relief efforts.

For a glimpse or review of the material Daniel presented, here is a PDF of his presentation. If you weren’t able to be there, I’d encourage you to get in touch with Daniel to learn more. If the heart of our local churches is to bless the city where we reside, the ADRN is a tangible way to do just that.