It’s About Growing/Discipling/Worshiping
The River Lutheran Church, Roswell, Georgia

Cross of Life Lutheran Church in Roswell, Georgia, did a generous thing. Instead of fearing competition in the neighborhood, associate pastor, Scott Seeke, was sent out as a missionary to people who did not have a church home in Alpharetta, six miles away, and a new mission named The River was born. Cross of Life members raised funds, invited people to get involved, and shared their talents, like designing the logo for the new congregation.

Pastor Seeke began his mission in April, 2006 by inviting his own friends to a six-week Bible study. None were part of a church community. Two were atheists and several had been raised believers but had not been church members since childhood. He found the participants curious and open-minded. A leadership team of volunteers was formed and throughout the summer they met regularly, sharing their own journeys of faith, exploring their visions for The River, asking tough questions, and creating a vision of the future.

Currently The River is in the stage of growth known as Discipling. Discipling, according to Pastor Seeke, is not a program but a phenomenon engendered by personal relationships. Personal spiritual growth of individuals is the goal and this is achieved when a leader forms deep spiritual connections with individuals and enters into a faith-mentoring relationship with them. As a discipling leader, Pastor Seeke describes himself as “just one more person on a journey.” He shares his faith journey to inform the experiences of others while being clear that he does not have all the answers. As individuals grow in faith through his mentoring, Pastor Seeke helps them discover their gifts and encourages them to do tasks for which they have a passion. He adds, “Discipling builds the community around the people rather than trying to fit the people into the community.”

Pastor Seeke holds meetings throughout the community, advertises his office hours at local restaurants, and has designed a Web site. Word about The River is spreading and interested people are now being invited to cluster gatherings. The primary focus of these meetings is strengthening their relationship with God and building relationships with other people. An offering is taken to cover the cost of the lunch and to support The River. The atmosphere is casual, comfortable, and friendly. Pastor Seeke discusses his own spiritual journey and allows others a chance to share theirs.

The River now has several goals. New clusters are forming that choose their own focus such as working on a social ministry project. Clusters of people with common interests could consist of 20 to 60 people or could be small groups that provide more intimacy. Pastor Seeke writes on the Web site, “Clusters allow each person to participate in their own way, at their own speed, and with people of their own choosing.” The experience of working and meeting together strengthen the relationship between people who make up The River and bring them closer to God.

Pastor Seeke has made several discoveries in his journey as a missionary and mission developer. Lutheran theology, with its creed, its emphasis on the means of grace, and the doctrine of justification by faith, resonates strongly with the unchurched people he has met. They seem to prefer an intensely spiritual worship with a contemplative, multi-sensory focus, with full participation for all, as opposed to worship that could be described as a rock concert.

The River’s Web site, at www.wadeintheriver.org announces, “The River is real people on real journeys wading deeper into the presence of God.” A vivid image of the future congregation is coming into focus. An invitation continues to be extended to people in Alpharetta, Georgia who desire more in their spiritual life. “Come wade in The River.”