What If We Had No Money?

When we started Palm Valley Church 8 1/2 years ago we literally had nothing. No money (except our credit cards).  No People (3 couples signed on to form launch team). No building. No rental meeting place.

Last week at CatalystWest Andy Stanley reminded us that plans may change, but the vision never does.  Back in the day when PVC had no resources we were extremely creative in fulfilling our vision…

• To get the word out about our launch we knocked on doors. I even learned to roller blade so we could pass out door hangers at a faster pace.
• For worship we went minimal and focused on the message.
• For fellowship we couldn’t afford a huge picnic so we had everybody contribute to a shared meal.
• Due to our size, it was obvious that we needed everyone to contribute, so everyone gave and served as much as they could.

Being a portable church that runs 2,700 per week, we’ve learned that you don’t need a building to grow. However, I’ve wondered lately if sometimes our wealth of resources limits our creativity in fulfilling our original vision…

• It can be simpler to buy a resources than wonder if we really need it.
• It’s more convenient to hire someone to fulfill a role than to equip volunteers and empower them to lead.
• We can pull off big events w/o ensuring that it’s something we’re really called to do.
• We can rely on programs, not the power of discipleship in people’s lives.

So, I’m wondering out loud what it would be like for Palm Valley (and other churches) if we truly had no money. This is true in places like China, Africa and South America where the church is exploding in growth. Maybe…

• We’d pray more about everything we did?
• We’d really equip leaders to with the vision and authority to lead?
• Every person who attends PVC would feel a greater sense of commitment and ownership?
• Our Home Teams would resemble Acts 2?
• Our spiritual growth “program” would be read the Bible, S.O.A.P., and get together with other believers to share what we’re learning?
• We’d fully rely on God to show up in everything we did!

I love our church, and so much of what I’m dreaming on confirms that we are on the right path. Much of what “might happen” is already happening at Palm Valley.  I just never want to become dependant on buildings or bucks, but to always be fully dependant on the blessing and power of God in everything we do!