The Core Of My Calling
Hello, friends and members of our faith community. My name is Carlos Azurmendi, and I am on a mission—a mission that has been laid on my heart through prayer, reflection, and an unwavering conviction in the power of Christ's Great Commission. Today, I wish to share with you the core of my calling: why I am deeply interested in planting a non-denominational Christian church in the heart of Central Florida.
At the very essence of my calling is the Great Commission, as commanded by Christ: "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit" (Matthew 28:19 ESV). This directive isn't just a suggestion; it is a clear command to those of us who follow Christ to reach out and embrace people from all walks of life, inviting them into a relationship with God that transforms lives.
A Vision for Diversity and Unity
Central Florida is a melting pot of cultures, backgrounds, and stories. This diversity is not just a fact of life; it is a beautiful canvas on which God's love can be displayed in vivid colors. My dream is to plant a church that serves as a beacon of hope and unity, a place where everyone—regardless of their background—can come together to worship, grow, and serve in the name of Jesus Christ.
Responding to a Spiritual Need
As I look around our communities, I see a profound need for spiritual direction and fulfillment. Many are attempting to find that fulfillment in the wrong things of the world. Those who are searching for meaning, purpose, and a sense of belonging can only find that which they seek in a relationship with Christ. Planting a church is not merely about building a structure; it's about creating a community where individuals and families can come to know our Lord, grow in their faith, find support in their struggles, and experience the transformative love of God.
Discipleship at the Core
The heart of my interest in planting a church lies in discipleship. Our mission is not only to lead people to Christ but to nurture and equip them to become disciples who can share the love of Jesus with others. This cycle of discipleship is essential for the growth of the individual believer and the expansion of God's kingdom on earth.
Serving the Community
My vision for our church extends beyond Sunday services. I am passionate about seeing our church actively involved in the community, serving the needs of the less fortunate, supporting families, and being a source of light and hope. Planting a church provides us with the unique opportunity to impact our community positively, reflecting Jesus' love in our actions.
A Personal Journey of Faith
Finally, this calling is deeply personal. Before I knew the Lord, I searched for meaning, purpose, direction and fulfillment in the idols of this fallen world. I fell into the very occult spiritual practices that plague our society today. But God, being rich in mercy, called me to repent and experience the life-changing power of Christ's love and forgiveness, and I yearn to share this with others. Planting a church is not just a professional endeavor for me; it is a fulfillment of my life's purpose. It is a way to give back and to participate in the larger story of God's work in the world.
In conclusion, my interest in planting a church in Central Florida is fueled by a desire to obey Christ's Great Commission, to embrace and unite the diverse community we live in, to meet the spiritual needs of those searching for meaning, to focus on discipleship, to serve our community in tangible ways, and to fulfill my personal calling. I invite you to join me in this journey, to be a part of something greater than ourselves, and to see the love of Christ transform lives and communities.
Together, let's plant seeds of faith, hope, and love in the fertile ground of Central Florida. Let's watch as God grows something beautiful from our collective efforts to follow His command.