Well, we are now officially church planters! We have spent the last several days getting out thoughts in order and doing some planning. There is so much to do and it seems that before we know it the day is gone and we aren't sure how we are going to get it all done. It is a very familiar feeling from about 3 1/2 years ago. Only this time, we are on our own and having to make the decisions instead of following the lead. It seems so very surreal.
Tonight, Steve and I were sitting on the sofa in the Florida room watching the Backyard Bible Club video and practicing the word and hand movements for five children's songs. It was quite a site really. We set up a facebook page ( www.facebook.com/churchatthelake ) and were giddy when we had 11 "likes" in 15 minutes! We made sure the website was up and running (www.chatl.org ). We looked through a couple of church management programs and signed up for a webinar on one of them. We synchronized our calendars. We emailed current attendees to let them know we are excited about getting to know them. I guess all this was done at OASIS in the beginning too, but I just don't remember there being so many details. Steve even bought a map of Lake County today to start a canvasing process for the area surrounding the church. I am starting to hyperventilate all over again.
When we first started discussing Steve in a lead Pastor role, the first words out of my mouth were, "I really don't want to do another church plant just yet." I am going to go ahead and say, "NEVER tell God that." He will put you on that exact course quicker than you can blink an eye. However, that being said, I am so excited about the opportunity in front of us. We really have a blank slate. We are essentially starting out with a core group and the possibilities are endless. I will admit I am scared. I want to have more things in place and ready for whoever might visit, but it will come in time. God will provide the people and the supplies to make it work whatever it may be.
The bible gives us one directive and that is to tell people about Jesus. We really don't have to convice anyone of His saving power. We just have to tell them and God will do the rest. That is what we want for Church @ The Lake - to tell people about Jesus. I am grateful for old friends stepping in to support us and new friends who have already paved part of the way for us. It is going to take a lot of prayer and patience, but if God is for us then who can be against us.
I hope everyone has a wonderful Fourth of July celebration. Be safe, have fun, eat lots and remember those who serve to continue to provide us our freedoms. More importently, remember the One who can provide true freedom and everlasting life.
In His service
Mally
Tonight, Steve and I were sitting on the sofa in the Florida room watching the Backyard Bible Club video and practicing the word and hand movements for five children's songs. It was quite a site really. We set up a facebook page ( www.facebook.com/churchatthelake ) and were giddy when we had 11 "likes" in 15 minutes! We made sure the website was up and running (www.chatl.org ). We looked through a couple of church management programs and signed up for a webinar on one of them. We synchronized our calendars. We emailed current attendees to let them know we are excited about getting to know them. I guess all this was done at OASIS in the beginning too, but I just don't remember there being so many details. Steve even bought a map of Lake County today to start a canvasing process for the area surrounding the church. I am starting to hyperventilate all over again.
When we first started discussing Steve in a lead Pastor role, the first words out of my mouth were, "I really don't want to do another church plant just yet." I am going to go ahead and say, "NEVER tell God that." He will put you on that exact course quicker than you can blink an eye. However, that being said, I am so excited about the opportunity in front of us. We really have a blank slate. We are essentially starting out with a core group and the possibilities are endless. I will admit I am scared. I want to have more things in place and ready for whoever might visit, but it will come in time. God will provide the people and the supplies to make it work whatever it may be.
The bible gives us one directive and that is to tell people about Jesus. We really don't have to convice anyone of His saving power. We just have to tell them and God will do the rest. That is what we want for Church @ The Lake - to tell people about Jesus. I am grateful for old friends stepping in to support us and new friends who have already paved part of the way for us. It is going to take a lot of prayer and patience, but if God is for us then who can be against us.
I hope everyone has a wonderful Fourth of July celebration. Be safe, have fun, eat lots and remember those who serve to continue to provide us our freedoms. More importently, remember the One who can provide true freedom and everlasting life.
In His service
Mally
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