Our CLA Abbotsford campus is officially opening its doors this Sunday, marking a significant milestone for our church. Since September, we've been holding Preview Services as our team got accustomed to portable church and our equipment. In these services, we have already witnessed God move in powerful ways as people from all walks of life have come together to experience worship, teaching, and community. Our teams are growing strong, and there is significant momentum from our strong vision. Glory to God. Christ is building His church!
The Apostle Paul, one of the greatest church planters in history, had a relatively simple strategy. He would go into growing and influential cities and plant churches there.
He knew that one of the most potent ways to see transformation was through planting local churches where disciples of Jesus could be embedded into their local community. The people of God, participating in the Kingdom of God, to see on earth as in heaven.
We're planting this CLA Abbotsford for a number of observations, and here are just a few.
- First of all, our database shows a significant number of people based in Abbotsford; maybe you're one of them. Our ambition is to propel our people into greater opportunities to live missional lives in and for their city.
- Another observation is the great spiritual need. Some people feel that Abbotsford is a Christian community, and although there is great history there, the truth is that it's not. It is a mission field. Not only are there unreached people who haven't heard the gospel, but there are also many people who are de-churched. There are very real stories of people disillusioned and deconstructing who God is, what His kingdom is like, and how the local church fits into that.
- Lastly, as we've said, East Abbotsford is growing and is the central hub of the Fraser Valley, yet the official community plan doesn't have many churches. Our heart is to plant a community centre, a community church, in this growing area. The city has a vision that there will be human flourishing in Abbotsford, but we know there can't be true flourishing without the local church.
CLA has a vision for discipleship. I'm deeply captivated by the phrase "following Jesus". Such a simple invitation, yet it comes with profound realities for those who truly embrace its implications. Following Jesus is an entire life's pursuit. It is not just an event on a Sunday but a "way" of life.
My dream is that if we could simply catch a glimpse of what it means to follow Jesus and join God in transformation, our lives and the city of Abbotsford would be truly transformed from the inside out. We'd see a glimpse on earth, in Abbotsford, as it is in heaven.
As the Grand Opening approaches, the excitement and anticipation continue to build. I hope you think of us and pray for us this weekend. More so, I hope you visit our Abbotsford Campus one Sunday. We're not that far away; we're one church with multiple locations.
