The Purpose of Repurposing… (1st chapter)

Dear reader,

earlier today I had a conversation regarding the ethos behind all that Bethel City Church stands for and the message that we bring to the glorious city to which we are called.

The conversation was one that caused me to think intently regarding our journey of becoming Bethel City Church; the journey of which you are about to read.

The purpose of repurposing is quite simple for me.

Very simple!

I look at Matthew 16 (TM) where Jesus describes the Church that he WILL build as one that is ’so expansive with energy that not even the gates of hell will be able to keep it out’. I read Jesus’ description and then look at where we were at the start of this journey. The church was not one that could match the description that Jesus gave.

We have allowed our traditions and preferences to become the boundaries of our existence and thus been prevented fulfilling that which we were designed.

The purpose of repurposing is simply to become all that Jesus intended the church to be.

Jesus is building HIS church.

Bethel City Church is now ‘expansive with energy’ and there is evidence that the ‘gates of hell’ are not able to keep us out of this city. lives are changed; homes are restored; hearts are healed and we are wreaking havoc for Jesus across this awesome city.

The journey you are about to read is adrenaline fueled, Jesus centered & Holy Spirit inspired. The decision was made to put this journey on paper to encourage and inspire you – the reader – to believe that Jesus’ design for the church is possible!

It is our prayer that you enjoy this book as much as we have enjoyed the journey.

Keep going for it,

James Galloway

Senior Pastor, Bethel City Church

type:daniel

I have returned from AoG conference inspired to prepare a series, which we’ll be rolling out at Bethel City Church over the next few weeks, that is dedicated to my musings of last week regarding Daniel.

At conference, which was fresh and actually showed real signs to turning a generational corner, I had great conversations of encouragement regarding that which is happening here in Stoke on Trent, England!

As I pondered the conversations on the way home to Stoke on Trent, I wondered if the ‘hook’ for people was the results that we are seeing? This wasn’t from a sceptical viewpoint but one that I considered as I read the exploits of Daniels life.

I saw that he saw and experienced great things and wondered ‘how did he achieve such heights?’

Due to the following musings I will not disclose Daniels ‘heights’. You look for yourself if you must.

As I read Daniel, I discovered that he made decisions regarding lifestyle and discipline, not due to a desire for ‘heights’ but because of a passion for his God.

Here’s the deal: we are so driven  by ‘heights’ or ‘results’ that we may be victims of using a life devoted to God as a formulae to achieve ambition.

I apologise if the above is obscenely offensive, but as I look at my own life, I bring such a challenge.

I want to be a Daniel type of person! I want to be a person that because of the convictions of my heart, a passion for my King; and acknowledgement of who my life belongs to, chooses to (1:8) be ‘determined not to be defiled’ by the world in which I live!

I choose to not taste alcohol or the temptational taste of a generation but would rather dine with my King and feast on His word. I choose to change the state of play in my life in order to establish and accelerate my unquenchable thirst for a closer walk with my God.

This choice is not one of legal or dealing with guilt from the past but one of passionate love and recognition that He is my all.

The result is not a consideration. The path and journey with my King is fulfilment.

I want to model type:daniel to my generation.