PRAYING FOR BIG THINGS

The last few months have been quite an adventure. Twelve months...two years...or ten years ago, me and Janet would have never dreamt we would be where we are today... In our early forties, three kids – one in college, one in high school and one in third grade – planting a NEW CHURCH in the city of Birmingham. But here we are...and WE LOVE IT!

I haven’t always been able to say that... For months I earnestly prayed that God would allow me to experience the “freedom” of a fresh start in some place desperately needing a life-giving church... I’ve come to believe that God has let me know – THIS IS THE PLACE. THIS IS IT!!!

That doesn’t mean the journey will be easy. CHURCH PLANTING is not without its challenges. It requires MORE FAITH than I’ve ever exercised. I’m not certain I’ve got it... (In fact, I could just be certifiably insane...) But I really BELIEVE God wants to do something amazing and unique in BHM.

Here’s THE SCOOP about where we are right now related to the POSSIBLE LAUNCH SITE for a2 Church. Even though our negotiations with the management team that oversees the facility have been very positive, the COST is still pretty substantial for a church that really doesn’t have a “financial history.”

Please PRAY that God will give us wisdom, insight and direction. Also, please PRAY that God provide financial partners for this new ministry. One of my MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES at this point in time related to a2 Church is attempting to raise SUPPORT and AWARENESS for the new church plant.

We’re operating by a few principles:

1. First of all, we don’t want to BORROW anything when it comes to launching a2. We’re believing God to “supply all our need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.”
2. Second, I’m convinced that God will usually show you WHAT you’re supposed to do before He shows you HOW you’re going to do it. Right now, we don’t really have a clue as to how God is going to come through with the resources required for the “build out,” equipment or operating budget.
3. Third, our present need is WAY BIGGER than our current resources. WAY BIGGER. WAY, WAY BIGGER. WAY, WAY,WAY BIGGER.
4. Fourth, we don’t want to BEG or PRESSURE our constituents for resources. As a pastor, I hate doing it. As attendees, you hate experiencing it. Right? Right. If God speaks to you to give, GIVE. If God doesn’t speak, DON’T GIVE. Simple as that.
5. Fifth, I’m totally convinced that God is FAITHFUL and ABLE! Compared to OUR GREAT GOD, our present need is “small potatoes.”

God has given a2 an incredible Board of Directors. I thank God for the four guys and one gal who serve on the board. They are incredible people who bring a lot of skill, insight and wisdom to the table.

We’ll be meeting via Conference Call this Monday night, June 30 and we really need God to lead us in what we should do about the proposed Launch Site for a2. We don’t want to “blow it” right out of the gate. On the one hand, we don’t want to be so cautious that we can’t trust God to do something HUGE. On the other hand, we don’t want to be so presumptuous that we go out and do something completely STUPID.

So, would you please pray.

The monthly budget numbers we’re “crunching” are pretty substantial. It will require God’s activity and involvement.

We’re also exploring other possible options that might exist. We don’t want to leave any stone unturned. It would be terrible to sign on the dotted line of the lease, walk away and a day later get the nagging feeling, “Oh, I wish we had...” (You can fill in the blank... You’ve been there before...)

So, we’re praying and asking God for a miracle. Please join us. Thanks IN ADVANCE for your partnership in prayer. I’ll update you on the outcome.