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I would say our first “exploratory” meeting went great. A good turnout of people from varied backgrounds, ethnicities and generations. It was a pleasure to see this mix.

While I wouldn’t say all cylinders are steaming ahead yet, there is a genuine sense that this has potential to pick up momentum and become something exciting.

One of the questions asked that night:
Why another church in Bellingham?

Our answer is twofold:
1. Studies show that statistically, the church grows the most through church planting. The most conversions happen during this stage and the most growth is charted at this time. That’s not to say that churches that have been around for generations do not grow. But just as entrepreneurial undertakings have great potential for growth, so do new church plants. And then there is the “hunger” factor. Companies, businesses, churches, or any undertaking for that matter, grows when the people are hungry. There isn’t a plethora of resources yet. There isn’t a “property” yet. But there is all the potential in the world. And being hungry for great things can only produce great things.
2. Studies also show Whatcom County growing rapidly in diversification. My wife and I just recently had breakfast at what we consider a traditional, “All-American” eatery, right here in town. We were surprised to discover that an immigrant, accent and all, had purchased and was managing this business. It was strange to see an ethnic man barking out orders to his all-white staff. But the truth is, like the rest of the country, we are witnessing the “browning” of America. We can either fight it, or use it. As an opportunity to be a missional presence to ALL peoples who have found their way into our beloved town. We will need to strive to be intentionally diverse, missionary to all these varied peoples.

What will it look like?

We’re still not sure yet. One point that was made is that you can’t try to “trick” people into believing anymore. This generation can see “the fake” a mile away. There was talk in this first meeting of a coffeehouse-type atmosphere, a community center for culture and the arts, and no pretense of proselytization. A place to engage people in their own territory, on their own terms as a missional witness, a light in the dark, a city on a hill. The big question that we will need to wrestle through as we consider what we will look like is,

“How can we be an incarnational presence in Bellingham?”

Oh – we changed our url – it is no longer bellinghamquest.org

but now it is www.missionbellingham.org

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