The Gospel Coalition

Have you ever had one of those days when “the ground fights back?” Well, after the news broke on Monday morning about a possible merger between New City and Coral Ridge, the phone started to ring, the e-mails started to pour in, reporters started to probe, and my wife left for a five day cruise! Of course, this cruise with my sisters, mother, mother-in-law, and sisters-in-law had been planned for months but God with his wonderful sense of humor just happen to ordain things in such a way that this would be the week I’m playing Mr. Mom for my three kids. It’s actually been quite wonderful. I don’t get the opportunity to play Mr. Mom for days in a row very often, but when I do I treasure it. And my wife definately deserves a five day cruise!

But I’m hoping that today is a quieter day–actually I’m begging God to make today quieter than the previous two!

On Monday morning, after I read an article that made it sound like this merger had already happened, I wrote this note to my sweet and faithful congregation at New City:

Dear New City Family,
 
Yesterday was a big day for all of us. I don’t think I’ve prayed harder before any sermon I’ve preached. It was so evident to me that the powerful presence of God was there helping us, comforting us, correcting us, and challenging us. As I said yesterday, whether this merger with Coral Ridge happens or not, God is doing something large at New City. And every time God intensifies his acitvity on behalf of his people, whatever that activity might be, it is for their good and his glory–an infinite win, win!
 
Like us, Coral Ridge made the announcement yesterday about the possible merger between the two churches. And given the visibility of both Coral Ridge and my family, there is already a lot of “word on the street.” Someone just e-mailed me an article from the Sun-Sentinel which announed that “Coral Ridge had announced their choice for a pastor: Billy Graham’s grandson.” Of course, there was only a small mention of the fact that we have only begun a process of evaluation regarding a merger between the two churches!
 
I tell you this to say that what I told you yesterday is exactly what is happening–no more, no less! If you hear something different than what I told you, don’t listen to it. If you have any questions or concerns, please call one of our elders or staff people. They will be more than happy to help you. As I said yesterday, we will be providing you with weekly updates on what is happening. There will be a “town-hall like” meeting scheduled in the next couple of weeks (time and place will be announced) where you may ask questions and be informed. You will all be completely “in the know” as we move forward. No surprises.
 
As I mentioned yesterday, all we know is that God has told us to march. And so we do until he says “stop.” Please continue to be in fervent prayer for God’s clear direction and his fierce protection. Please be praying that if this is what God wants he will work things out. And if it’s not what God wants, he will shut it down. Pray that God will protect both churches from vain speculation. Because both churches are willing to follow God’s lead on this, we can expect great opposition. Take courage, my friends. If God is for us, who can be against us. Press on. Strain forward. It is an honor to be your pastor!
 
Tullian

Tonight is the first meeting between the two sides as we begin the process of looking at what a merger would entail. Please pray for us. We need humility, wisdom, discernment, protection, and direction. Above all, we want what God wants. So please pray that this meeting would be done in a manner that brings God honor and glory.