Mike Edmisten Follower of Jesus. Husband of Nicki. Father of Ryan & Brock. Communicator of the Word.

An Open Letter To My Church

Hey ACC!

For years (actually, for most of my life) I have dreamed about the kind of church that I wanted to be a part of. It grieves me when I see the church-at-large focusing on the wrong priorities. It seems that churches have forgotten that their mission is the Great Commission. Jesus came to seek and to save what was lost (Luke 19:10). If that was His mission, then that has to be our  mission.

I'm tired of pointless debates over theological minutiae. Or worship styles. Or dress codes.

I'm weary of the backbiting. The hypocrisy. The Pharisaical fakeness.

I have a lot of issues with the church, to be sure. But that doesn't mean that I've given up on the church. Far from it. The local church is the hope of the world. Jesus died for the church and He's coming back for the church. I have not, and will never, give up on the church.

To that end, I have always dreamed about the kind of church that would be a game changer. A place where the mission and vision were clear. A place where the love of Christ was palpable. A place where authenticity was valued and hypocrisy was kicked to the curb.

Yesterday, God showed me that ACC is that church.

We still have our issues. We still have a LONG way to go. We haven't even scratched the surface of what God wants to do in us and through us.

But yesterday, God revealed to me that ACC is becoming the kind of church that I've always dreamed of.

I prayed and talked with so many broken people yesterday. It showed me that our church really has transitioned into a place where people are free to share their struggles and hurts and disappointments.

And I also saw clearly yesterday that my church loves me. I shared very openly about my own pain and my own brokenness, and the outpouring of love I received (and am still receiving) is blowing my mind.

I knew this kind of step was a risk, but I also knew it was the step that God called me to take. I would be lying if I said that I wasn't hesitant…even 30 seconds before I walked on stage. As the sermon bumper video was playing, I silently asked, "Am I really going to do this?"

God's Spirit quietly responded, "Yes you are. And you have no idea what I am going to do through this."

He was right. I knew people would respond. But I had no idea how huge that response would be. The elders and I were overwhelmed by the number of people who responded for prayer. Actually, I'm afraid that the response was so big that we missed some people. If we missed you, we are SO sorry! We were completely unprepared for the move of God that was unleashed yesterday. Please contact us or come to us again this Sunday. We are waiting expectantly to pray with you and for you.

When God shows up like He did yesterday, there is no possible way to prepare. God is unpredictable and unstoppable. When He moves, no amount of human preparation can handle it. And no human brokenness can resist it.

Yesterday was a game changer. I don't say that flippantly. I absolutely believe it. ACC will never be the same.

And personally, I will never be the same.

I love you, ACC. I love being your pastor. And I can't thank you enough for the way that you love me.

Greater things are coming (John 14:12).

Mike

P.S. – In case you missed the message (or want to hear it again), you can listen to the podcast here.