by David Docusen | December 9, 2009 | Uncategorized
I just prayed two nights ago that God would provide for every one of our needs. I specifically prayed that he would send people to partner with us financially in a way that would make our jaw drop. Fund raising is a necessary part of church planting. We still raise our entire salary each month, as well as the expenses of running Center City Church. My prayer – and I wrote it down – was that God would send us shocking support.
I went to the mailbox yesterday and my jaw dropped. A two thousand dollar check was sitting in there from a church in New Jersey. Shocking.
God knows every one of our needs and knows how to provide. Perfectly. This never, ever gets old.
by David Docusen | December 9, 2009 | Uncategorized
God is doing so many amazing things in Charlotte. There are churches and expressions of faith all over town that are so inspiring as they preach and teach the message of Christ.
Elevation Church is one of the most creative, fastest growing churches in the country. They are 10 minutes from us. Mosaic Church is reaching the twentysomething demographic in North Charlotte in relevant and engaging ways. The Branch Church is one of the most genuine, loving family of believers that I have ever seen. CharlotteONE is an inter-denominational gathering of 600+ young professionals every Tuesday in Uptown Charlotte. These are just a handful of examples of some amazing churches in town. So where does Center City Church fit into the mix?
I believe deeply that the vision that God put in our hearts for Center City Church is exactly that: God’s vision. And his vision for this town includes many great churches. Center City Church is simply a piece of that puzzle. We are here only to play the role that God has for us. We are no better, more creative, more loving, more compassionate, etc. than these other great churches. But we are called. We are called to play our role in the amazing story that God is writing in Charlotte.
I believe in this message. I believe in this town. I believe in unity. I believe that God is doing amazing things through some amazing churches in Charlotte. Center City is privileged to play our role in this story.
by David Docusen | December 7, 2009 | Uncategorized
I am helping three of the closest people in my world move today. Best part? They are moving just down the street from us in Uptown Charlotte. Jerred and Randi Peacock just moved here from Orlando to be a part of Center City. My little brother, Brandon, is renting the basement of their three story town home and we’ll all be within walking distance to each other!
When we first came to Charlotte, our prayer was that Dara and I would be able to surround ourselves with friends and family that we love and trust. This is happening right before our eyes.
John and Ginny Gum live a couple of blocks away from us. Coming soon, Clark and Salina Beasley will be here from Atlanta, GA. They are looking for places right in our neighborhood, as well. We have four guys that live in one house together five minutes down the road. And another three girls in our group that live a couple blocks the other direction. And yet another couple that lives within 10 minutes of our new home. Amazing.
There’s more, but the point is clear. I am so grateful that God didn’t call us to do this alone. He’s put amazing people around us that have committed to do life together in close proximity. So grateful for friends.
by David Docusen | December 5, 2009 | Uncategorized
The sounds of ambulance sirens in the night are reminders of a beautiful new reality: we live in the city.
The life and energy that are in Uptown Charlotte are absolutely incredible. Our neighborhood (referred to as the Elizabeth community) is a beautiful section of Uptown with fully mature trees lining the streets, bungalow style homes, neighborhood cafes, unique stores and an immaculate city park (Independence Park) all within walking distance of our new home.
I feel so comfortable here. I feel at peace. I feel alive. It’s been an amazing first couple of days living in the neighborhood that we have prayed over, walked through and driven around for the past several months.
With every siren I hear, I am reminded of God’s faithfulness. With every siren, it’s a song of God’s provision. With every siren, it’s a call to serve this town with every ounce of passion, energy, compassion, creativity and love that I have inside of me.
I love the sound of the sirens.
by David Docusen | December 3, 2009 | Uncategorized
I recently asked our group to give one word descriptors of Center City Church. I wanted to hear how they would describe our group to other people. I was blown away by one word that kept on coming up from multiple people: SAFE.
I love this. I have always longed to be in a community of friends that feel comfortable being themselves. Masks are off. Facades are left at the door. Center City has become a safe place for people to explore their faith, learn, grow and have fun along the way. I am so grateful for our group and all that God has done in our lives.
I am so grateful that we have found a safe place to be ourselves.
