York City Church
Church Planting
01 Jan 2010
Over ten years ago, Steve and Ruth Hurd and their family moved to York from Bedford to plant what has become York City Church. Now in 2010, they are taking the plunge in response to God and planting a new church in Huddersfield, West Yorkshire.
Steve led the church here in York for a number of years before 'handing the baton on' to Alan Rose in September 2009. So why all the upheaval? Doesn't God want us to stay put and get our roots in with the local church? The answer to that question is 'yes and no'!
Church planting is a key ingredient to what we should regard as biblical mission. Even a cursory glance through the book of Acts in the New Testament reveals a mobility and willingness to move in response to the call of God. The apostle Paul in particular travelled, preached the gospel and then established communities of believers (the church) along with local leadership (elders) of those communities before moving on and doing it again.
So Steve & Ruth are off to pioneer a church plant having been tried and tested as it were over many years of faithful obedience to Jesus here in York. Many more are staying in York for now, but if we lose the radical dynamic of being willing to sell-up and move out for the sake of Jesus glory (see Habakkuk 2:14; cf Matthew 28:18) then we run the risk of stagnating and God's amazing kingdom enterprise is hindered.
We salute Steve & Ruth and simultaneously say, 'Jesus, please keep us right at the heart of all that you're doing whether that is in York, Huddersfield or Azerbaijan!'
Amen, have a great 2010!
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