eugene cho

It’s convenient to bash the church. I think many of us do it – intentionally or unintentionally.

Yes, it’s true that some of it is warranted but hasn’t it become chic and fresh to take cheap shots at the church?

And what befuddles me – at times – is how it appears that many of these rocks that are thrown at the church are from Christians.

As members of the family, you’re certainly entitled to speak  to family (or church) matters but

there’s a fine line between constructive and destructive critique.

Rather than empty bashing, I’m personally inspired to ask myself,

How can I create something more beautiful, hopeful, and gracious – so that others are inspired to join?

Quest Church is far from a perfect church. That’s pretty easy because it’s members are not perfect. Its leaders are not perfect. I am not perfect. We are dysfunctional and yet in the midst of all this, God’s grace is evident and through this grace, we seek to do ministry in such a way that reflects our vision to Love God and Love People.

This week, I’m especially encouraged by the numerous ways we are imperfectly living out our faith as a church community. And I’m especially encouraged because we’re not a large church with tons of resources but we are, nevertheless, committed to having an impact and influence to one another, our city, and the larger world.

Whoever or wherever you are, may you continue to be spurred on to love one another, your city, and the larger world.  And one great way we demonstrate our love for others is to pray, listen, and serve.

Here are some things this week that deeply encourage me:

• Our children’s ministry is hosting their summer kids’ camp. 84 kids have joined us along with 24 volunteers. Great to see visitors and kids from the neighborhood.  Crazy to think that we only had 2 kids when Quest was planted 9 years ago. Those two kids were my kids.
• Our small youth group are spending time on the streets of Seattle this weekend learning about the plight of the homeless community of Seattle. Personally, it feels strange not to have my daughter with us at home but rather, out and about in Seattle but it’s good.
• Our church and Q Cafe is partnering with other sponsors  including the city of Seattle for this Saturday’s “Clean & Green” event as we beautify the larger neighborhood. This is part of a larger “Quest Day of Service” as we have numerous things going on including the To the Streets Ministry.
• Q Cafe hosts OPEN MIC on Tuesday nights and are also have live music shows this Friday and Saturday. This is in addition to be a community cafe Monday-Friday.
• And sometime on Friday PST (and Saturday in Tanzania, Africa), one of our church pastors and another elder will be helping to celebrate and dedicate a building & ministry we’ve had the privilege of supporting in Tanzania. Supposedly, the entire village and beyond will be gathering in Chamwino, Tanzania to celebrate.

And oh, this Sunday, I’m personally excited to get back on the pulpit to preach Week 3 on our summer series on the Book of Leviticus.

If you’re from the Seattle area or know of someone looking for a church, we’d love to welcome you/them to our church.

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