Imago Dei Community A Benediction for Imago Dei from Founding Pastor Rick McKinley
Oct 31, 2025
Reflecting on a 25-year journey, the founding pastor shares heartfelt stories of the humble beginnings with a small group of college students. He discusses the importance of repentance and transformation for joining God's mission in the city. The community is reminded to celebrate God's faithfulness rather than self-congratulation. As leadership changes loom, a call to embrace a fresh chapter while trusting in God's unchanging goodness resonates powerfully. The pastor encourages the congregation to steward their legacy and love sacrificially for future generations.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Humble Beginnings In College
- Rick McKinley recalls starting the church as a small group of college kids who thought they could start a church despite being unqualified.
- He describes honest, repentant hearts and how God formed them into a community over the years.
God Transforms Desires Into Mission
- Rick highlights that God changed the congregation's desires, fears, and hearts, inviting them into the city's life and mission.
- He frames the church's role as being sent to display God's kingdom among unfamiliar people and places.
History Points To Ongoing Newness
- The congregation's history is not a self-celebration but testimony to God's faithfulness and persevering presence.
- Rick emphasizes newness: new pastor, elders, staff, and opportunities as evidence the story has only begun.