One of the unexpected gifts of church planting is the often-forced opportunity to think critically and prayerfully over the most basic functions and purposes of the church. At every turn we have the opportunity to search the Scriptures and evaluate our cultural context to make informed, gospel-centered decisions. Continue reading “Four Essential Functions of the Church”
We’re on to something.
I believe it. The returns are early and God is moving. I can feel it. The paradigm is shifting for the better.
If you’ve been following us for some time, you too can probably see it. The journey has often been uncertain and vulnerable. Yet the Lord has carried us through missed expectations, unexpected results, new relationships, Spirit-led inspiration, and the need for courageous faith.
But we can’t do it alone. In order for it to become a reality, Mary and I need your help.
Gospel-centered and Kingdom-focused. These are two defining values for Restoration Church. After spending a summer exploring the Gospel, we now turn our attention to the Kingdom of God.
Here’s how you can participate with us: Continue reading “Innovation in the Kingdom”
Discipleship (the life-long journey of learning and teaching others how to live as a follower of Jesus Christ) fails not because of a lack of information, but due to a lack of applied learning. Continue reading ““Flipping” the Church”
It’s been a very full week for the Till family as we, like many of you, enter into a new school year. But what makes this year different and extra challenging for us? Three new schools for three members of our family! Continue reading “Gospel Ministry Starts at Home”
There is a particular scene in the Disney movie Moana that gets me choked up every time I watch it with my kids because I believe it’s an inspiring metaphor to church planting. If you’ve seen the movie, perhaps you already know where I’m going with this. Continue reading “We are Voyagers”
As we approach our one-year anniversary of this endeavor we call ‘church planting’, many have been asking us, “How has it been going?” My default response these days is met with a neutral answer, “It’s a journey.”
We’re living in an off-the-map world … there’s an uncertainty I can’t shake, and am frankly not sure I ever will, or that my generation ever will. The world is just too weird now.[1]
I read these words in an article a friend of mine recently shared on Facebook and I couldn’t help but relate, especially as it pertains to our church planting journey. Continue reading “A New Church in the Unknown World”
It was one year ago (July 4th to be exact) that we set foot into our soon-to-be new home in Lake Zurich. A lot has happened over the last 365 days. In one sense we’ve accomplished much, in another, we’re just getting started. But one thing is for sure, the mission remains the same. Continue reading “One Year Later”
This weekend, as our country prepares to remember the fallen heroes of our age, the ones who have sacrificed their life for the lives of their countrymen – the majority whom they never, or will ever know – we too, as believers in Jesus Christ, pause to remember their acts of selflessness and bravery.
Matthew Till 