The rookie pastor of one the city’s fastest growing smaller Christian congregations chuckled on a recent afternoon at a question that begged for his insight and expertise. Even fueled by the caffeine at Lucabe’s Coffee Co. in downtown Columbus, Pastor Aaron Lentz passed at the chance to readily pounce on the query about how he and his peers had harnessed the concept of church growth in, say, three easy steps.
No, the Columbus-born Lentz, 30, the careful and well-spoken leader of the Southern Baptist-based Athens Church confessed utter humility before a God whom he says is guiding a largely young leadership in its mission “to see a people, city and world awakened to the glory of God.”
“We don’t have any idea (in and of ourselves) what we’re doing,” Lentz said.
But the Holy Spirit does, as he sees it.
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So he said the Almighty has graciously blessed Athens’ planning, prayer, structure, giving and sacrifice in ways its people scarcely can figure. And perhaps that explains as well as anything why the body of believers sometimes numbering as many as 180 people on any given Sunday in only three years of existence is moving its worship services at 10 a.m. Sunday beginning tomorrow from YES Cinema to Central Middle School, 725 Seventh St. in downtown Columbus to worship.
“The problem,” he said, “is that sometimes we don’t recognize that, as humans, we attempt to take God’s place and try to hijack God’s vision for all things and promote our agenda or our own reign and rule instead of joyfully submitting to God’s plan and his reign and rule over our lives.
“For us, it’s all about Jesus. It’s all about who he is, what he’s done, what he’s doing and what he’s going to do.”
So, if you hear Lentz boast, it will be about a God who longs to see his people reach out to others in love. For example, though he clearly takes his teaching and preaching seriously, he poked a bit of humor at his early messages, and acknowledged that he is still learning — and that he welcomes critiquing and criticism, though he may not always especially enjoy facing that process.
Same for the process of someone occasionally needing to steer him toward the right direction — especially if that someone is his wife, Cora. He smiled about marriage being one of the many tools for maturing and tweaking one’s character.
“I have learned to appreciate correction and to see it as a tool of edification,” Lentz said. “It’s a disservice to your church if you don’t allow people to see how the gospel transforms and shapes you as a leader. Why and how would your church see a need for the gospel to transform and shape them if you don’t allow them to see it in your own life? You always are preaching the gospel first to yourself.”
Lentz agreed to take time for a few questions about him and the church.
With all the churches in Columbus and Bartholomew County, some might ask: Why did God lead you folks to launch another?
I would simply say we just want to be part of what God is doing here in Columbus, Indiana. This honestly was not my idea. This is something that God invited us to be a part of. We don’t believe Athens is the hope for Columbus. We believe that Jesus is.
And the truth is, we need more churches to be planted here in Columbus. You see, everything has a life cycle. Athens could be around for five more years or it could be around for 100 more years. That’s up to God.
What does the move to Central Middle School mean for local believers?
Really, the church is not a building, but it’s a people. And the people of God are in various places throughout the week.
I’m not for sure what this move to Central means for local believers, but I know for Athens it means that God faithfully provides for his church. He provides for his people. … We understand that church is not tied to a place, but to a person, namely Jesus Christ.
How does Athens view non-believers?
I can really relate with those who aren’t believers. One, because I use to be one. And two, because we both share the same need. We both are sinners in need of a savior, Jesus Christ.
Really the only difference between believers and non-believers is that the believer recognizes their sin and their need for a Savior and they look to Christ to be that Savior.
What is Athens’ focus beyond its mission statement relating to God’s glory?
We care about things that God cares about. That means we care about all things because God cares about all things. God has something to say about our work, our relationships, our pain, our condition, our souls, our lives and our eternities and so much more.
Your Twitter feed focuses on everything from social justice issues such as slavery from the past to sexual-abuse survivors today. Why?
We take our cues from Jesus. We have a lot to learn. I know the church at large hasn’t always wanted to sit where Jesus sits or stand where Jesus stands. Sometimes we’ve been guilty of throwing rocks instead of seeing our sin and our need for a savior.
[sc:pullout-title pullout-title=”About Aaron Lentz” ][sc:pullout-text-begin]
Age: 30.
Born: Columbus.
Family: Wife Cora. Son Everett.
Education: Hauser High School and Baptist Bible College, in Springfield, Missouri.
Contact: [email protected]
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Foundation: Southern Baptist.
Meets for weekend worship: 10 a.m. Sundays at Central Middle School, 725 Seventh St. in downtown Columbus.
Small group study: Available during the week at various locations.
Music: Contemporary, including some original worship songs.
Information: athenscolumbus.com
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