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Planting Seeds
Posted on December 29th, 2008 by Mo Leverett.
Categories: ministry updates.
I was near San Francisco recently and visited a Redwood Forest called Muir Woods. Some of the oldest, tallest trees on the planet grow in that area. Some of those trees pre-date the coming of our Lord. As I walked down a path between these towering botanical giants, I was reminded that Redwoods begin as tiny seeds - akin to the size of a mustard seed.
In the growth process - there are enormous threats and obstacles - from wind, rain and fire. There are similar challenges for ministries as well. Most kingdom initiatives have humble starts - even that of our Lord. And there are many threats to be faced. From Herod to Pilate, there are those who would seek to destroy what the Lord plants.
Thanks be to God that through storm, hardship and persecution - the Kingdom of God advances.
Rebirth International is still a small plant - a humble beginning - but already is experiencing promising growth. This next month our friends, Shane and Kristen Fast will be launching their new work - Rebirth, East St. Louis. I hope you will pray for them as beginning a new work in an urban setting is always a challenge, but in the midst of an economic downturn it is doubly challenging.
There are other works in the plans. I have various trips planned in the new year - concerts, talks, internships, workshops and retreats. Pray that the seeds we plant in ‘09 will become a forest of new works. We ask that you will continue to pray for us as we endeavor to see Christ’s Kingdom advance among the urban poor of America. In many ways these neighborhoods are the best suited for planting vital works of the gospel, precisely because there is so much need.
The Leverett’s are well. Our home in New Orleans, Lord willing, will be sold by the end of January. This will ease up some intense financial pressure on us as a family. But it certainly feels bittersweet, not only to be taking another financial loss, but also to experience the more permanent departure from the city we love so much.
We are transitioning well into Tallahassee. The kids are enjoying their new schools. We love the church we are pastoring and are looking forward to the many challenges of growing ministry initiatives here, while shepherding the wider movement of Rebirth.
I’ve been so busy planting seeds in both works that I haven’t had much opportunity to keep you all updated. I’ll try and do better in the new year.
Hoping you had a Merry Christmas and are looking forward to much growth in grace in the New Year! Stay in touch…
Taking the Hill Country
Posted on November 20th, 2008 by Mo Leverett.
Categories: ministry updates.
Sir, do you qualify for the senior discount?
Dumbfounded, I struggled for words. This is the first time I’ve ever been mistaken as a senior citizen. And while I feel the physical limitations my compounding 43 years have placed on me, I never thought I LOOKED that old.
And inwardly, in my spirit, I’m still a young man - with much left to accomplish and much left on the call that God has placed on my life. I hope, if the Lord grants me many years, to be like Caleb - taking the hill country in my old age!
It’s not news anymore - the economy has turned sour. Non-profits suffer the most during economic downturns. I’m running two of them - Centerpoint Church and Rebirth International.
But godly vision doesn’t die during economic downturns. Callings remain intact when markets don’t. We’re moving forward, despite the broader instability in the economy - and seeing the Lord at work.
Rebirth International is the expression and outgrowth of a calling God placed on my life in my youth - to advance urban ministry initiatives. The first phase of that calling was fulfilled in the ministry I formed at Desire Street. Much was learned there through seeing the Lord at work. We’re now advancing that vision beyond Desire Street by coaching churches and ministries in their unique efforts and by replicating new works in places of extraordinary need.
I hope you will pray for us as we turn toward a new year. Shane and Kristen Fast are moving to East St. Louis in January to launch Rebirth - ESL. We’re so proud of them and are praying that the Lord goes before them with strength and wisdom.
And we’re settling into Tallahassee - enjoying the new church we’re pastoring! I’ve also had the opportunity to do some speaking and concerting in various locations even in the first few months while I’m here. We’re making plans for internships and workshops in ‘09.
Keep praying for us and keep giving as the Lord allows. I need your help, now more than ever. I’m getting older by the minute.
Car Abuse
Posted on October 23rd, 2008 by Mo Leverett.
Categories: ministry updates.
My Toyota Corrolla is an ‘06. I’ve owned it for a little over 2 years. It’s about to bust 100,000 miles. Some may call this car abuse. I call it driving in the fast lane. Thank God for the good gas mileage!
I’m on my way to do a concert in Titusville, FL for my dear friends Gary and Lori Ginn, their church and associates. My life is split in three, maybe four, different directions. I’m the proud Pastor of Centerpoint Church in Tallahassee, FL. Rebirth International’s office and a house that I own and have for sale are in New Orleans, LA. And I’m on the road periodically keeping the vision alive for incarnational ministry among the poor. The fourth direction, if you can call it that, is the sharing of this journey with my amazing family - who occupy all of my most quality time.
Lindsay’s doing well at Tallahassee Community College. She’s making good grades and aspiring to own her own car - oh my!
Lacey is at Godby High School - a majority black high school in West Tallahassee. She is my family evangelist and gatherer. She’s invited literally dozens of her friends to Youth Group, church, Young Life and Fellowship of Christian Athletes.
Maggie is in middle school - seems to be liking it - but she’s in that pre-teen mode where she doesn’t enjoy chatting with her Dad as much…
Manning is in the 4th grade and still creating home-made bows and arrows to shoot at his Dad.
Ellen, my dear wife of 22 years, is happy, contented and thankful.
I’m a little tired, but in the best possible way. It’s the kind of tired that makes ya proud at night and eager in the morning. It’s been a load of fun to enter into the lives of many here in Tally and inspire them toward Christ-centered missional living.
I’m falling behind in some of my obligations, need help and assistance, but am entirely committed to finishing the task.
Shane and Kristen Fast are a couple of months away from launching Rebirth: East St. Louis. This is exciting.
I’ve been busy in the vacant spaces to speak at retreats, perform concerts, meet with prospective ministry leaders, teach classes and raise money for Rebirth. We’re making plans for classes and internships this Fall, Spring and Summer.
Keep us all in your prayers as I’m putting a few more miles on this dusty wagon. And thank you for continuing to contribute to the cause of Rebirth!
There’s nothing boring about that…
Posted on October 3rd, 2008 by Mo Leverett.
Categories: ministry updates.
I’m gonna miss you Manny Man, I said.
Where are you going, Dad, he responded in a frustrated tone?
I’m going out of town my buddy.
Aw Dad, can I come with you? It’s Friday - my teacher won’t miss me on a Friday.
I don’t think you’d enjoy it buddy, it will be a long and boring trip.
Not if I’m sitting next to ya Dad. I’ll make it fun for ya…
Well…I didn’t cave, but I sure wanted to. I’m all by my lonesome on the way to speak to a church who will be on retreat in the Carolinas.
In addition to reminding them of God’s passionate love for them, I will also remind them of some of His additional passions to join Him in. I intend to sneak in a little bit of the opportunity to partner with impoverished communities through the work of Rebirth.
Things are going well, at least from my perspective, at Centerpoint Church in Tallahassee. Ministry in this setting is a far cry from life in Desire - but I am enjoying being a pastor and believe the church is excited about the prospects for their future. We’re beginning to lay the foundation for strategic initiatives in the urban, university, business, arts and government sectors of the city.
While I don’t think of myself as a pulpiteer, I am actually enjoying representing, as best I know how, the face and heart of God to this precious congregation.
I’m thankful as well for the opportunity to continue to give vision and leadership to Rebirth. I have a number of newly scheduled concerts and retreats that I will be leading in the Fall.
I am still making every effort to gather resources for this vital work, even in these difficult economic times. We will conduct a conference for Rebirth’s ministry leaders from East St. Louis, New Orleans, Mobile and Tallahassee, and other interested persons in the coming year. We will do strategic planning and prayer regarding the passions of God for the poor.
We have a plan to plant incarnational works in the most challenged urban communities throughout the I-10 and I-55 corridors and beyond within the next 5 years. We are maintaining momentum toward that end and are looking forward to all that God will do. And there’s nothing boring about that!
Thanks for joining me on this trip and the many others I will be taking in the near future - my friendship with you makes every trip fun! Please stay in touch..
Popping up from the pastoral trenches…
Posted on September 19th, 2008 by Mo Leverett.
Categories: ministry updates.
I’m deep in pastoral trenches at the moment and thought I’d pop out to give a quick update.
The transition from New Orleans has been very smooth at one level - my family is happy and assimilating into Centerpoint Church, into Tallahassee, FL and into each of my children’s respective schools. Centerpoint has been more than gracious and welcoming. They just endured my first sermon last week and are bracing for the second this Sunday. There are many leadership decisions to make, but I’m angling to love before I lead. Pray that God would help me to do so.
To leave New Orleans in the midst of losing Corey Paul, in the midst of an economic downturn, with threats to property by major hurricanes in the gulf, while simultaneously settling into an additional housing payment here…is presenting challenges. I’ve attempted to schedule concerts to make up the difference, but there are not many in the mood for concerts these days. Nevertheless, God sees, He knows and this is hardly the more difficult challenge we’ve presented for Him over the last few years.
I’m enjoying, believe it or not, the wall to wall activity. There’s so many folks to meet and to get to know. I’m eager to implement vision. There’s much in the way of opportunity in this field. Tallahassee is quite different than New Orleans - refreshing in some ways, but lacking in others - particularly in the realm of restaurants - where in New Orleans I was spoiled rotten. However, our church is rich with Christian charity and fellowship. We feel in some ways like we’ve stumbled into Rivendell (Rivendell being the land of the elves in Middle Earth - if you are unfamiliar with the reference I don’t have time to explain - only know this, that I just paid Centerpoint of Tallahassee a rather lofty compliment).
My soul is in a good place. My call to Centerpoint was approved by the Gulf Coast Presbytery on Tuesday, which means I’m official. Many there expressed their interest in our work through Rebirth International. I’m hoping that the transfer will translate to greater support for our wider ministry initiative.
I hope to offer an Urban Ministry Course once a week for about 9 weeks or so during the Fall. I hope to teach an intensive workshop soon for those outside the Tallahassee area.
There is much more going on - but not enough time to communicate it. Just know that God has been faithful, the Leverett’s are happy and we are pressing on with many initiatives on behalf of Christ’s Kingdom among the poor. Please stay in touch with me as the Lord enables…
Praying for New Orleans…again
Posted on August 31st, 2008 by Mo Leverett.
Categories: ministry updates.
The Leverett family is stationed in Tallahassee, watching the news coverage regarding Gustav and preparing to go to church. One newscaster suggested that for New Orleans residents this must be a reoccurring nightmare. I think that is a pretty good summary of how I feel.
I have been praying for Gustav to weaken. It is strengthening. I have been praying for Gustav to be redirected. It is barreling right in the direction of New Orleans, and at a more destructive angle. Now all I know to pray is for God to glorify Himself and for His will to be done. I am praying for myself and others that we have the mind of Christ, the perspective of trust and the blessings of grace.
While we have relocated, our home is still there. We are once again vulnerable to the whims of the tropics. And we have precious families following us for shelter here. We’ve barely been settled, (I use that term loosely), for two days, and we will be hosting as many as 20 or so folks.
For now, if you plan to make any contributions to Rebirth International, please redirect them to our current address in that New Orleans’ based banks and postal service will likely be disrupted for some time.
757 Derbyshire Rd.
Tallahassee, FL 32312
Pray for strength and perspective during this impending crisis in the city of our affections.
Acts 11 - A little heaven on earth!
Posted on August 20th, 2008 by Mo Leverett.
Categories: ministry updates.
In the first book of the Bible, God’s stated redemptive plan was - “to bless all the nations.” In the last book of the Bible, a vision is given of persons from every nation, tribe and tongue gathered around Him in united worship. Jesus’ final prayer for us was that we might be one. When we are we invite a little heaven to earth.
Human kings, prime ministers and presidents will be shoulder to shoulder with the poor, the unpolished and the vagrant (that would be me) - eyes fixed on Christ, loud praise and uninhibited joy from the lips of even Presbyterians!
In chapter 11 of Acts we see the spirit of God’s mission fulfilled in a small way. And we, some 2,000 years later, have the privilege to build upon what was accomplished there.
What happened at Antioch was a big redemptive WOW! The event was unprecedented in prior history and was a milestone of the Spirit’s new work. What was the big deal? The big wow was the simple fact that Jews and Gentiles were allying themselves in common worship, teaching and mission. In so doing, not only did they break a well-established social contract, they witnessed fulfillment of God’s original plan in their midst, and experienced a foretaste of God’s eschatalogical dream.
Up to that point, the movement of which we are a part, was called The Way - a name that never quite caught on. Though we called ourselves members of The Way - the world would have utilized a different word to describe us. They would have called us Jews.
You see, up to that point, we were perceived as a Jewish sect - and that is what we were. Because we were Jews ministering to Jews. But at Antioch a radical change occurred. Jews and Gentiles became one - forming a new bond in Christ.
There was another closely related historical event at Antioch. It was in Antioch that we were first called Christians. “Why?” - you might ask. Not because of what some well-intentioned exegetes have suggested - that we had become like “little Christs.” That’s not it - that’s not even close.
You see, we were called Christians, because at Antioch our movement lost its ethnic identity and distinction. We could no longer be called Jews because we were half-Gentile. But we also were not exclusively Greeks, Romans, Egyptians or Africans. So what was the world to call us?
As the world looked at this new development - this multi-ethnic movement - they gave us a new name. They called us Christians! At Antioch we became a new race. A race from all the races who were united in Christ as a new humanity - thus the theology of Paul in Ephesians 2.
And when we assemble, because of our common belief in Christ and our commitment to His ongoing mission, we have the unique opportunity not only to add to the legacy begun at Antioch but also to taste what is to come.
Those who spend a lifetime worshiping in a racially monochrome, monolithic, mono-cultural church, miss the greatest opportunity we have on this side of the Jordan - to bring a little heaven to earth.
I’m excited to be pastoring Centerpoint Church, which intends through its mission of outreach to reflect the full racial, cultural and socio-economic composition of the city. I’m telling ya…I haven’t been there long, but I’m excited about the challenge and the reward of being there, laboring for His Kingdom to come!
I hope you will pray with me toward that end.
Facing setbacks and setting goals…
Posted on August 18th, 2008 by Mo Leverett.
Categories: ministry updates.
I’m on my way back to New Orleans. Debra Paul, Corey’s Mom, has asked me to officiate his funeral on Friday. The family is also in a financial crisis. They need $1,700 to bury Corey. Will you pray with me toward helping to meet that goal?
We got all my kids in school today, including Lindsay who will be taking 3 college courses at Tallahassee Community College. Everyone seems happy, though we are all sad about the passing of Corey. And my kids are a little mad that they have to stay behind for school.
Rebirth is setting a fund-raising goal for September and October of at least $50,000, to help the organization to get caught up financially and to position us for a productive fall and following year. Will you pray with us during this time that God might meet our needs abundantly. In addition to taking on a new church, we are advancing the vision of Rebirth.
If God leads you to give, perhaps you could target 2 or 3 others to match your gift. Right now, anything and everything will help. If you are able to give, you can either make an on-line gift at our website or you could send a check to:
P. O. Box 62600, Dept. 1395
New Orleans, LA 70162-2600
Pray for the Paul family this week as we plan together Corey’s funeral. Pray that God would use this tragedy redemptively in the lives of many.
Moving forward…looking back…
Posted on August 17th, 2008 by Mo Leverett.
Categories: ministry updates.
I was waiting for the phone call from Centerpoint Church. They were meeting to consider my candidacy as their pastor. We waited with a subdued anticipation, an anxious excitement.
You see, Centerpoint is an extraordinary church. Its young. But its on track. They are hungry to be fed. And desire to be led. They are passionate for the city. They are burdened for the poor. They are theologically astute while relationally inviting. While Ellen and I have not felt generally called to pastor, we nevertheless feel led to do so here at Centerpoint.
The phone rang. It was George Angeletti - one of my key leaders and former staff members at Desire Street in New Orleans. I thought about ignoring the call in case the church was trying to call at the same time. But I didn’t.
“Coach, I just got word…Corey Paul has been shot in the chest.”
I was stunned and immediately began to pray.
15 minutes later the church calls…”Welcome to Tallahasse! Welcome to Centerpoint! We’ve voted you to be our new pastor!”
A number of folks came teeming into the place where we are temporarily staying, to celebrate the good news. Then the next phone call from George…
“Coach, Corey is dead.”
The prospect of this transition is bittersweet - the sweet thought of a new beginning, in a precious fellowship of believers with a Kingdom focus is mixed with the bitter pill of leaving the city I gave 18 1/2 years of my life to in ministry. But I didn’t know how bitter the departure would really be.
Corey Paul was one of my favorite persons at Desire Street. I spent more time with him than just about anyone. I helped him to get off to college in Bakersfield, CA and then to New Mexico State University. I visited him numerous times. I loved him. I introduced him to Christ and to salvation through Him.
After Katrina, we lost touch. And now he’s gone. He is now with His heavenly Father.
And so our grieving has tempered the celebration. The gospel makes it possible to rejoice in the worst of times, as well as the best, but it seems that my joy is always tempered with sorrow. On this side of the Jordan, we will never be fully at rest. Nevertheless we rejoice in God’s provision and leading in our lives. I have wept over the tragic loss of Corey, while I simultaneously rejoice over God’s leading us to Tallahassee.
Over the last few weeks more than one friend has urged me to read Jer. 29, where the Lord’s plans to prosper is clearly stated. I am trusting Him to do so. After Katrina we have suffered much loss. We have struggled to find the path laid out for us. Our best intentions to make a way have been thwarted by one circumstance or another.
And now that we have taken this step of faith toward Tallahassee, our heart’s remain broken for the city of New Orleans.
Corey’s sister is the director of administration for Rebirth. She is my trusty side-kick. She is delightful, competent and grieving. Would you please pray for Christian and her whole family. Pray for all of us.
Rebirth’s replication and consultation efforts have continued to prosper even as our finances have dwindled. (I hope that you will pray and consider what you can do to help in this regard. If only 200 of our friends gave $100 or more, we would be close to returning to financial health.)
The effort in New Orleans will continue to be led by Richard Johnson who I hope to visit every 4 to 6 weeks. Richard and Christian, as well as many others, despite these present struggles, will attempt to keep the fire burning.
Shane and Kristen Fast are working hard for East St. Louis. He is in the fund-development phase and should relocate to the city by January.
There is a sweet couple considering a call to Prichard, AL - just north of Mobile.
There are other things happening which I am not at liberty to discuss presently. But just know the work is worth the investment. I believe that within the next 10 to 15 years there could be as many as a 100 new works bringing rebirth across our country and beyond.
Pray for us as we transition to Tallahassee. Pray for Rebirth to continue to prosper the cities across the nation.
God is faithful - in the worst of times and in the best of times. He is faithful - in death and in life. Our eyes are on Him.
Another Quick Update
Posted on August 6th, 2008 by Mo Leverett.
Categories: ministry updates.
Thank you for your prayers. Last night the Pastor Search Committee of Centerpoint Church voted unanimously to recommend me to the congregation as pastor of their fellowship. The Centerpoint congregation will be prayerfully considering the recommendation over the next week and a half and will be voting on the proposal on the 17th. I know that I can count on you to continue to pray for us and Centerpoint, that we would have God’s wisdom and a clear sense of His will for our futures.