In May 1804, President Thomas Jefferson sanctioned the Corps of Discovery, led by Meriwether Lewis and William Clark, to embark on an expedition through the newly acquired Louisiana Purchase, with the primary aim of uncovering a direct route to the Pacific Ocean.
The journey commenced with an assumption that the unfamiliar Western territories mirrored the known landscapes of the East. However, their progress was impeded by the imposing obstacle of the Rocky Mountains. Despite their adeptness in navigating rivers, they encountered the reality that their established methods were unsuitable for traversing the rugged terrain ahead. Confronted with a pivotal decision, they deliberated between retracing their familiar route back to Missouri or pressing forward, ultimately opting for the latter. The subsequent events have etched an enduring mark in history.
In his perceptive work, "Canoeing the Mountains," Tod Bolsinger draws parallels between the expedition of Lewis and Clark and the challenges encountered by church leaders today in our ever-evolving world. Our contemporary landscape presents us with a milieu vastly different from our past experiences.
To effectively engage with people today and disseminate the gospel, we must be open to adapting our methods while steadfastly upholding the integrity of our message and mission. Nowhere is this more evident than in our church planting endeavors in El Dorado, KS. El Dorado transcends mere geographical boundaries; it embodies a community characterized by its unique attributes, needs, and opportunities. Similar to Lewis and Clark's transition from river navigation to mountain exploration, we must be prepared to adapt and sometimes depart from conventional approaches, innovating new strategies to extend the reach of Christ's love to the people of El Dorado.
While our overarching goal remains unchanged—to share the transformative message of the gospel with all—we acknowledge the necessity of tailoring our methods to suit the specific context of the community. This requires active listening, keen observation, and wholehearted engagement with the residents of El Dorado to discern their needs and devise effective means of service.
As we embark on the venture of planting a church in El Dorado, let us draw inspiration from the journey of Lewis and Clark. Let us exhibit courage and adaptability, embracing novelty and innovation as we endeavor to fulfill our divine calling within this unique locale. Together, let us confront the challenge of church planting in El Dorado with unwavering faith, resilience, and a spirit of exploration.
Warm regards,
Jay Nickless
Church Planting Developer
Synergy Kansas Network