As we turn our calendars to July, our move is just two short months away. Many of the details are coming together, but we are still finalizing where we will live and how we will live there. As we consider our housing options, we continue to receive lessons in "Boston-omics." We've joked about tents and double-wides, but we know that God will provide the means for us to live in Boston.
Why is finding housing such a challenge? The cost of housing in Boston is 101% above the national average. Buying is difficult and renting is very expensive. Boston is a beautiful, historic city. Unfortunately, that fact presents challenges as well. Many of us will be relocating families and because of the age of the buildings, the number of deleaded homes and apartments is limited. (For those of you who don't know, if you have children, lead paint is bad). However, we are confident that housing will work out.
We have been asking you to pray for our fundraising efforts and we will continue that request through the next couple of months. We are expecting the cost of planting an urban church in Boston to be $1.2 million over five years. That figure includes salaries, start up cost, ministry costs, facility rental, and much more. July and August are very important months. Restoration House has been working hard to align churches with this project financially. We have time scheduled with additional churches across the country. Many of our friends, family and others interested in the church in Boston will be asked to consider partnering with us. We have already begun to see God at work through these relationships.
Each new person to join The Movement brings unique gifts and passions. This month, we are excited to introduce to you the newest member of the staff of the church in Boston. John will be our Community Pastor working with small groups and other areas of leadership.
What is your name and what do you currently do?
John Tischer. I am currently the college minister at Harvester Christian Church in St. Charles, MO. I work with various college students in the St. Charles and St. Louis areas. I also lead worship at our Saturday night service.
What excites you most about Boston and the Boston Partnership?
I get excited about city life, many ethnic groups, stepping out in faith to something that you can't see. The other team members are great people. That makes the Boston Partnership exciting. Some people will say that it's because the demographic is about 70%-80% single! Honestly! It will feel good to be part of the majority.
Why would you raise your own support and move away from friends and family to start a church?
Passion and faith are two things that, when mixed together, will make a person do some pretty off the wall things. I have never thought that my comfort was a necessary part of my life, so there is nothing like selling what you own and moving to a place with people you just met to start something new to get you out of your comfort zone.
Do you have any cool nicknames?
Tish, JT, Tush (don't ask me, it just happened)
Cubs, Red Sox or Cardinals?
Cardinals! did you really even have to ask this question? (Hey Tush, nobody's perfect)
As we turn our calendars to July, our move is just two short months away. Many of the details are coming together, but we are still finalizing where we will live and how we will live there. As we consider our housing options, we continue to receive lessons in "Boston-omics." We've joked about tents and double-wides, but we know that God will provide the means for us to live in Boston.
Each new person to join The Movement brings unique gifts and passions. This month, we are excited to introduce to you the newest member of the staff of the church in Boston. John will be our Community Pastor working with small groups and other areas of leadership.
We are certain that the Boston Partnership will not be successful without God's hand. People ask how they can help us. First, and most importantly, you can partner with our team by praying! You can also pass this along to anyone who you believe would like to pray for and be kept in the loop regarding the Boston Partnership. Here are some of the ways you can pray for us this month: