Hey blog readers-
I'm trying to make a comeback, I really am. This upcoming series will give me a good chance to share my thoughts and reactions to what's covered. Please check out this video from Jay, our Home Groups Director at Southbrook. I love Jay dearly- he's such a cornball! He must be getting sick, at the begining he sounds like he's trying to do the Godfather.
Until next time...
Monday, March 17, 2008
Sunday, March 16, 2008
A New Church is Born
This morning I got to go back in time, well sort of. I visited a church called Centre Pointe with some friends who had recently started going there. I felt like I had traveled back about 6-7 years to the beginnings of Southbrook. I was not there for the launch of my church, but I got to witness the start of something great. This “baby” church is in Locust, NC and meets in an elementary school. When my best friend was telling me all about it, I could hear the excitement in her voice.
She and her husband have been looking for a church home for some time. They needed to find a place that was their choice, not their parents or friends, and a place where they felt called by God to be. The location for CP is great because as far as I know, there is nothing like it out in that rural part of Stanly County. Through my friend, I have had glimpses into status quo churches and people acting religious on one day then the opposite the next. This pastor and the church will have to combat a lot of old school thinking and people set in their ways- what else is new?
This church is anything but status quo. After the first time they went to CP, I could tell that they connected to something there. They were amazed at the friendliness of the people, the welcoming atmosphere, and awesome worship and preaching. I get that every week at SB, which I am very grateful for.
She and her husband have been looking for a church home for some time. They needed to find a place that was their choice, not their parents or friends, and a place where they felt called by God to be. The location for CP is great because as far as I know, there is nothing like it out in that rural part of Stanly County. Through my friend, I have had glimpses into status quo churches and people acting religious on one day then the opposite the next. This pastor and the church will have to combat a lot of old school thinking and people set in their ways- what else is new?
This church is anything but status quo. After the first time they went to CP, I could tell that they connected to something there. They were amazed at the friendliness of the people, the welcoming atmosphere, and awesome worship and preaching. I get that every week at SB, which I am very grateful for.
This morning, the big launch consisted of a set up that was 1/3 smaller than our video café, and it was filled about 80%, and probably with some people just checking it out in response to a mailer that was sent out. Despite CP’s humble beginnings, I felt the Holy Spirit moving in that place. The pastor obviously has a vision to reach people in the community where they are at.
I confess I felt like I was watching a new chick hatch out of its egg this morning. It was so fluffy and new and little. I just wanted to take care of it and show it how to grow up. But that is not my place. It is for God to decide and guide how big the church will get or how small it will stay. It is for that body to pray, invite, and strain to see God’s will be done.
Whenever I experience other churches, it always reminds me how blessed I am to be connect to Southbrook. I wish everyone could come here, but whatever church believers attend, we are all the body, all the Bride of Christ.
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