It’s true that our ministry facility has a new location but we are still “on the move.” We are on a journey and we have not yet arrived. Allow us to explain.
Jesus said, ”…go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.”
Matthew 28:19-20
The very first action word Jesus used when issuing His final command was “go”. We were designed to fill the earth with the goodness of God. You see the “church” was never intended to describe any structure made by man nor to become a self-serving institution but instead was to describe His band of followers that were to always be on the “go” as they seek to pursue God’s mission of redemption and His vision for mankind.
So why is Jacob’s Well so excited about all this brick and mortar at 222 Mitchell Dr. in Plano? Over the last 4 years and approximately 200 Sunday’s those who are a part of Jacob’s Well have persevered through what has often been referred to as “the land between” -as nomads of sorts. As grateful as we were to the school district office and staff of Emily G Johns school for the use of our present location, the fact remained that over a total of 5 hours 5 entire ministry areas had to be set-up and taken down every single week. In addition, worship team practices and youth group meetings took place in basements or other accommodations. And other ministries like after-school tutoring programs, music and sport camps etc. were without any suitable location and have been on indefinite delay.
Of course in case of carrying out the mission God has set before us these were just minor inconveniences-why? Because no matter what building we may occupy now or in the future it will be one that we will leave behind-often as we are continually on the “go”. One vital aspect of Jacob’s Well’s vision is to provide believers and non-believers the opportunity to know Jesus Christ in dynamic ways through simple acts of grace. That kind of ministry can’t thrive from an upholstered chair.
The new ministry facility here at 222 Mitchell Dr. will serve as headquarters for many of our ministries. We’re also excited that the ministry facility allows energies that had been directed towards set up, take down and other logistical labor can now be redirected towards various missional projects in our communities.
No doubt some may have felt that Jacob’s Well was never a “real church” because it didn’t have a home- “a church building.” We sense that many leaders within the community of Plano and other surrounding communities know otherwise and appreciate that this church is already very alive and well. They’ve seen her alive neck-deep in poison ivy serving to beautify the city parks and natural areas of Plano that due to strained budgets were stuck on the back-burner. They’ve seen her alive and well as she serves with Plano Building Community and other activities for area children like “Art in the Park.” Literally tens of thousands have seen her alive and well as she has handed out what are now signature ice cold sports bottles and provided safe clean “maintenance” areas for parents of infants and toddlers at local area annual festivals. Then there are all the other county-wide organizations we faithfully serve and support like Caring Hands Thrift Shop, Kendall County Food Pantry and Kendall Cares Clinic, etc, etc,.
Bottom line, Jacob’s Well has been faithful to God’s mission to be a church on the “go”. The Church of Jesus Christ was never meant to thrive inside a building. We were designed to be a community of followers that thinks of Him and His ways, cares about each other and those far from God and does for everyone.
As much as we at Jacob’s Well will cherish our new facility, more often that not when you come to visit during the week don’t be surprised if nobody is there to answer the door because chances are, the church has left the building. She’s out and about seeing how she can spread the glory of His fame as she touches heart after heart with the truly good news of His truth, love and grace. And when she is there again, its only to provide special opportunities for service and ministry to all.
Yes! We are moving. We will always be moving because there is a better way and we are called to “go” and lead others to the better way so that they can live their life to the fullest and fulfill the plan God has for their life for His glory.