Iglesia de Dios - 9th Anniversary

Last Sunday I attended the 9th anniversary of Iglesia de Dios Northwest.  This congregation and pastor never ceases to thrill me at what they are accomplishing in ministry.  50 years ago, Belmont Church of God (Greek Speaking) and Belding Ave. Church of God (English speaking) merged and became North West Church of God.  North West Church of God had a strong presence in the north west side of Chicago for many years.  At one time, this congregation had a Polish, Greek and English Service.  The neighborhood changed in the area and over a course of many years, the congregation declined to less than 20 people.

The 20 people that remained were deeply rooted in the Church of God.  Many of them drove quite a distance into the city to attend church on Belmont Ave.  9 Years ago, North West Church of God opened their doors to start another Church of God congregation.  It would be the 1st Spanish speaking congregation in the Church of God in Illinois.  Through the faithful support of Illinois Ministries and a few other congregations, Iglesia de Dios was planted.  Pastor Carlos Sanchez started the congregation with his wife, Anna and three teen aged children; Melina, Isaac and Carlos. 

One year ago, the 20 people of North West Church of God merged with Iglesia de Dios to become, Iglesia de Dios North West.  The story of this merge is beautiful.  The two congregations consistently average over 250 people.  They offer 2 worship services; Friday Evening and Sunday Morning.  Pastor Carlos and his volunteer staff have started Home Cell Groups, a Vibrant Children's Ministry, a Dynamic Worship Service, Leadership Development and a strong focus on Evangelism.  Hundreds of people have come to know Christ and have been baptized.

Sunday was indeed special - celebrating 50 years, 9 years, and 1 year.  The highlight for me though was when Pastor Carlos announced that Manny and Marci Rivera had been called to First Church of God in Aurora to be their Interim Pastor and hopefully by the end of the year will be installed as the new Lead Pastor of First Church of God in Aurora.  It was special because I remember the day Pastor Carlos called me and told me about this ex-gang thug that gave his heart to Jesus.  Pastor Carlos and Anna have discipled Manny and Marcy.  Manny has developed into a student of the Word and a strong leader and preacher.  His wife Marcy, a minister in her own right has been uniquely gifted in evangelism, teaching, and hospitality. Manny begins his journey with the Credential's Team in a few weeks.

My take away from all this is very humbling.  If the 2 declining congregations 50 years ago had not merged would any of this happened?  If these 2 congregations that spoke different languages had not humbled themselves and 'died', would any of this happened?  If these 2 congregations would have said the past is more important than the future, would we have been celebrating anything?   It reminds me of Jesus' teaching in John 12:24, "Most assuredly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it produces much grain."

It is true that somethings must die for new life to take place?  Some ministries must die in order for new life to take place.  Some programs should die so that new programs can be birthed.  Some relationships must die in order to make way for new relationships.