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Many Stories ... One Author
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Behind every person coming to Christ is a story written by one Author. Though every story may have similarities, each one is different because the Author is creative.
The following is from an interview with Hank Wilson (Lead Planter), John Tischer (Director of Community), and Phil McArdle (Director of Generosity) with REUNION Christian Church, Boston, Massachusetts.
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Hank Wilson, lead planter, gives a lot of credit to his team and to the community group leaders for individual stories at REUNION. He says that rather than requiring everyone to be on the same page as far as where they are in their beliefs and understanding, REUNION recognizes each individual as being at a different stage of discipleship. Everyone who walks through the doors of REUNION is so unique in how they receive information and view relationships, and we are blessed to have leaders willing to move at different speeds along with them. We try to be as relational as possible, while allowing seekers to be as involved as possible with REUNION.
Can you share some conversion stories from REUNION Christian Church?
Matt came to REUNION with his girlfriend about a year ago and within two weeks started attending one of our community groups (small groups). As we visited, I [Phil] learned that Matt is a graphic designer, and his nine-to-five is designing textbooks; so I asked him to give me some pointers in developing a journal for REUNION to help encourage Bible reading and spiritual growth. After some discussion, Matt said, "Let me take this with me and I will work on it." He felt this was a way that he could give back to REUNION. Helping to create the journal for us really allowed Matt to think about his own relationship with Christ. He had never read the Bible before; but as a part of one of our community groups, he started reading for the first time. One night he said, "You know, I read Ephesians last night, and I have to tell you I have no idea what is going on. Can anybody just help me out?" The group started sharing their understanding and insight, and he said, "Yeah, I didn't get any of that." That night when talking with his girlfriend, she discovered that Matt was reading from the King James Version, so she handed him an NIV which has helped him tremendously in understanding what he is reading. (Matt had no idea there were different versions of the Bible.)
I [Phil] have had a lot of great conversations with Matt, including what the Bible has to say about he and his girlfriend's relationship, the beauty of marriage, and how God views our relationship with Him. A couple of weeks ago, on a Saturday, Matt was baptized. It was tremendous to see the whole transition of understanding Christ in Matt's life and how his hunger for God and His word continues to grow.
Grant is a Boston University student who grew up attending church, but it was just a ritual for him. It was through one of our community outreach events that he got plugged into REUNION, which literally put hands and feet on the Gospel message for him. A couple of weeks ago he sat down with John Tischer and asked some great questions about God, Jesus, and baptism. I [Hank] remember him sharing in his testimony before his baptism that he previously did not believe it was possible to have a relationship with God. But after actually getting involved with REUNION in serving others, his previous belief gave way to a different understanding of God and his surroundings.
Joe came as the result of a couple who are relational evangelists in Boston. They strongly encouraged him to be a part of a Christ centered community, and we happened to be the place he chose. After his first visit with us on a Sunday morning, he grabbed me [Hank] and said, "This is the best experience I have ever had at a church." He said that he did not consider himself to be a Christian, but asked if he could come back. Of course, we said yes.
I [John] met with Joe on several occasions and learned that he has an eclectic belief system. Each conversation I had with Joe nearly always ended with his expression that no one had ever explained faith or Jesus to him in this way before. Joe is a designer and has helped us become involved with several community projects recently. One day he turned to me and said, "With each passing day, I am more apt to call myself a Christian." He is very serious about wanting to be authentic and doing the right thing. We can see transformation taking place in Joe's life and believe that soon he will totally commit his life to Christ.
Why do people come to REUNION Christian Church?
I [Hank] think there are a few things that are working for us right now. First, there is something really special about the vibe and feel at REUNION. We hear all the time that it's warm and friendly, and apparently that's not the norm when it comes to churches in Boston. Second, I think God has given us an ability to speak to folks who don't go to church or who haven't been for a long time. We value humor, the arts, and culture as a whole; and while we may be informal, it doesn't mean we're not intentional. Our goal at every service is to give people a clearer picture of Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith. Lastly, I think we've done really well at moving people towards experiences that build community, like small groups or even places to serve. The chances that someone will stay at REUNION after checking it out are very good, especially if we are able to help them plug into a small group. Seekers find it easy to be involved in the life of REUNION by serving in various outreach and community events.
To read more about REUNION Christian Church, go to www.reunionboston.com.
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