Rebirth International

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.

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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.

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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.

9 comments.

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.

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Keep Praying…

Posted on August 5th, 2008 by Mo Leverett.
Categories: ministry updates.

A number of folks are asking, “How’d the weekend go? What’s the update?” Well, I can’t respond to everyone, so here it is: KEEP PRAYING.

I had a last round of interviews with staff, elders, search committee and the entire congregation. I delivered a sermon. Now the search committee is saddled with a decision to make. They have sent out a mass e-mail to the congregation for feedback. Tonight the committee is meeting to discuss whether or not to recommend me to the congregation to become their pastor, or to widen the search.

If the committee recommends me to the congregation, the congregation will vote on that recommendation on August 17th.  School starts on the 18th.

I’ve made clear that my interest in the position expires at the end of the summer. I cannot, after everything my family and children have been through post-Katrina, ask them to enter new schools in New Orleans, form new friendships, extract them from said schools in two months and adapt academically and socially in Tallahassee.

So pray for the search committee tonight, that they would hear from the Lord - that they would have wisdom from above and that the Lord would lead according to His perfect plan!

0 comments.

Of Plans, Passions and the Will of God

Posted on July 25th, 2008 by Mo Leverett.
Categories: ministry updates.

As much as I may like to pretend that I’m in control of my life, I’m not. My life is not my own. It has been purchased - and I surrender my soul to God. It has pleased Him to shake up my life over the last few years. And He’s apparently not done.

Sometimes planning is advisable. Other times it only gets in the way of God. My plans are just that - my plans - and they sometimes overlap with His. However, God is sovereign and I am a subject in His Kingdom.

For the past 18 years I have enjoyed a love affair with the city that care forgot. It is my heart’s desire to remain here. But it is becoming clearer every day that God may be leading me away from the city of my affections.

Often I’ve thought - the Lord needs me here. He clarifies - I need no one. Often I’ve thought - I want to finish the task I began. He clarifies - the work is not yours to finish. Often I’ve thought - I will not abandon those who depend on me. He clarifies - I am the only One worthy of their dependence.

You see, there is an ambitious church called Centerpoint, in the great city of Tallahassee, who has dared to pry me from New Orleans. And despite my resistance, their efforts appear to be prompted by the Spirit.

I did not aspire to the position, but it sought me. I put out fleeces. The Lord met them. I was sure my family would buck. They haven’t. My closest counselors agree - “this is an ideal fit for you”. Many who want me to stay, nevertheless acknowledge the Lord’s hand and timing.

I preach to the congregation on August 3rd. They decide August 17th. School starts August 18th.

That would give us 24 hours to sell the house, to move our stuff, find a place to live, get our kids in school and the many other unseen things that would need to be done!

Rebirth International would come with me. Our vision for expanding urban ministry initiatives across this country and beyond has not dimmed. We believe that God’s purpose in calling me to pastor a church would not be to diminish the work of Rebirth but to anchor, expand and under gird it.

Richard Johnson has agreed to take the mantle of leading Rebirth - New Orleans. And Richard is more than capable of doing so!

In a little more than a year and a half, we have no less than 4 urban ministries in the oven - New Orleans, E. St. Louis, Mobile and Tallahassee. A pretty good start.

Rebirth’s financial position continues to be weak. Nevertheless, we know that God has purposed for us to remain steadfast, patient and confident - trusting in Him.

Will you pray for me, that I would have wisdom, discernment, assurance and more wisdom?

We cherish our friends and partners daily. Please feel free to contact me with wisdom, feedback, questions or concerns.

3 comments.

Please Help Send Clark Kids to Camp!

Posted on July 11th, 2008 by Mo Leverett.
Categories: ministry updates.

A Ministry Request from Richard Johnson - Rebirth International

Blessings!

Would you consider giving a contribution to help Rebirth send kids to camp?

We have an opportunity coming up July 20-23 for the senior players at Clark to attend the LSU football camp. Some of the kids I believe have an opportunity to land scholarships, and it will be good for them to get the exposure.

Also, it is always great to be able to give kids the chance to get out of their regular environment and meet different kinds of people, and to see what a college campus is like. Some of these kids have never even been outside of New Orleans except for evacuating for the hurricane, so a trip like this is a pretty big thing for them.

I plan to also use this opportunity to have Bible studies with this smaller group of kids and hopefully develop some spiritual leadership in the team.  Most if not all of them have already given their lives to Christ!

This camp costs $300 per student, which covers their room and board for 3 days and 2 nights. If you are interested in giving towards helping a student attend this camp, just send the contribution to:

Rebirth International
P. O. Box 62600
Dept. 1395
New Orleans, LA 70162-2600

Or you may go directly to the website and make a contribution on line.

Thanks for your help.

Coach Richard Johnson, Jr.

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Mastering the Art of Pressing On

Posted on June 27th, 2008 by Mo Leverett.
Categories: ministry updates.

Today, I’m sporting a T-shirt designed by my beautiful daughter Maggie - who, along with her sister Lacey, is my world’s favorite artist! It has a beautifully crafted rendition of our ministry name - Rebirth International - on the front, along with a wooden cross and spiraling vine. On the back it has our website clearly spelled out - www.myrebirth.org, along with her personal recommendation - GET INVOLVED! (more…)

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Punting Perfection

Posted on June 19th, 2008 by Mo Leverett.
Categories: blog, ministry updates.

I was a punter in high school and college. Nobody likes a punter. The punter only comes on the field when the offense has failed. Punters are most despised by perfectionists - persons who think failure an unacceptable option.

When we consider the men of the Bible - we get a picture of the nature of achievable spirituality. Often they fail. And yet it is wrong to hyper-moralize their failure. Their failures not only open the door for grace, it demonstrates what is non-achievable spirituality - perfection. (more…)

1 comment.

Keeping Perspective

Posted on June 18th, 2008 by Mo Leverett.
Categories: ministry updates.

I woke up this morning mostly focused on bodily weariness from the almost 30 hours of driving through the panhandle of Florida, consulting with churches in Quincy, Tallahassee and Orlando, Florida.

I know when I’m pressing too hard - I tend to get sick, overwhelmed, excessively forgetful and disengaged. My symptoms today are evidence that I’ve been pressing too hard.

I’ve been pressing, though, because of our present dire financial situation. My inability to make payroll was causing me to feel vulnerable, anxious and afraid. Money issues are larger than maybe they ought to be, but they loom large nonetheless. (more…)

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