A Special Feature from Daily Grace with Pastor James
Something powerful happens when God gives more – more space, visibility, and influence. But with it comes greater responsibility.
That’s where RCCG Solid Rock Derby now stands.
In a recent Daily Grace conversation, Pastor James sat with Reverend Canon Yemi Adedeji following his visit to our new city-centre church. What unfolded wasn’t just a chat, it was a prophetic charge.
“This is not just a building,” Rev Yemi said. “It’s a resource with a divine assignment.”
And that divine assignment? To grow – not just in number, but in vision, stewardship, influence, and courage.
A Church Strategically Planted
Right opposite the Bus Station and beside Derbion, at the crossroads of Derby’s foot traffic, God has placed us in full view. According to Rev Yemi:
“You don’t need to go and look for fish. You’ve been placed in an ocean.”
This isn’t a coincidence. It’s Kingdom strategy.
Not Just In the City, but For the City
At a time when cities wrestle with loneliness, purpose, and identity, the church must respond with more than Sunday services. We offer conversations, connection, support, and belonging.
“You’re not just running a church,” Rev Yemi declared. “You’re running the city.”
That’s not a boast. It’s a Holy responsibility.
What does that mean for us?
- It means evangelism is no longer optional, it’s essential.
- It means we must look outward, not just inward.
- It means we have the responsibility to be a church that doesn’t just meet needs, but sets culture.
We’ve entered a new dimension, one where the church isn’t just in the city, but the church is for the city. With that comes influence and with influence comes stewardship.
Reverend Adedeji reminded us that churches like ours can become “governing churches”- the kind of church where city leaders pay attention, where politicians seek counsel and where decision-makers consider your voice. However, to become that, we must be a people who understand purpose. A people who are not just praying, but thinking and acting on those thoughts.
Imagine a church:
- Where the congregation isn’t inward-focused but outward-reaching.
- Where political engagement isn’t taboo, but encouraged to serve the common good.
- Where entrepreneurship, creativity, and public service are all seen as sacred work.
That’s the vision taking shape here in Derby and it’s not just a dream, it’s a divine challenge.
One of the most powerful takeaways from the interview was a reflection on:
Ephesians 3:20 (NIV):
“Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us…”
The key phrase here? “working within us.” God’s greatest work in this season will not happen around us until it first happens in us.
So, we must ask:
- What part am I playing in this divine assignment?
- Where can I increase my capacity?
- How can I lead, serve, or influence in ways I never imagined before?
This is not the time for spectatorship, this is the time to roll up our sleeves and build.
To our church family:
This is your moment to be a founder, a witness, a labourer in the vineyard. Years from now, when others are walking through these doors, you will be able to say, “I was there.”
To Our Neighbours and Friends:
Whether you’re curious, searching, or just passing by – you are welcome. Walk into the building. Linger in the presence. It’s not the architecture that draws people in. It’s the anointing!
This isn’t just about a church finding its place in the city. It’s about a city discovering what a rightly positioned church can become.
We are not running a building; we are stewarding a move of God.
And the future? Glorious.
Come and see.
Stay and build.
Let’s become the church our city cannot ignore.