We just finished our sixth consecutive Sunday PM worship service at a2... Here are a few reflections of where we're at...
1. All in all, we're off to a SLOW, but steady start... It feels like we're having a difficult time building momentum at the temporary worship site (Invernesss Vineyard Church)... Why? I'm not quite sure, but here are a few thoughts...
* Schedule. Sunday PM is difficult for families with small children... Also, even "unchurched" people are conditioned to be more open to attending on Sunday AM.
* Location. While the Inverness Vineyard Church has been more than accommodating, it still doesn't quite "feel" like home...
* Focus. It's difficult to focus on evangelism and outreach, while you're also focusing on construction, permits, equipment and fund-raising...
* Unclear Communication. Evidently, some people are looking at the Grand Opening at our future worship site on October 26 as the "official launch date" of a2... I've been amazed at the number of people I've interacted with over the last few days that have this idea. I've met more than a few who consider the Sunday PM gatherings at the Inverness Vineyard Church to be "launch team meetings" and not "official" or "actual" worship services. I can only assume that this is a failure of communication on my part...
2. Here are some of the areas where we've seen growth and progress.
* Children's Ministry. Bill Robbins and his team are off to a solid start with a2 kids.
* Worship. I'm excited about the musicians and vocalists who are participating in our corporate worship experiences. It feels like we're getting off to a solid start in this area. Hats off to my wife who is doing a great job in building a team from the ground up. I'm looking forward to the future...
* Technical. I'm really pumped about the tech team God is bringing together at a2 in sound, lighting and video... In the coming days and weeks, we've got the potential to do some really creative things technically...
3. Finally, here are some areas where we must see improvement.
* Teaching. I would give the teaching a B-, maybe even a C. The content is solid, but the creativity, life application and delivery have room for a lot of improvement. In some ways, it's like we haven't yet gotten into a "rhythm" with the weekend messages. Plans? Spend more time in preparation with an eye towards application, creativity and delivery.
* Hospitality and Guest Services. I really believe once we land at our future worship site, this area will greatly improve as we add coffee and refreshments to our weekend gatherings. We've got some great greeters, but could use some additional volunteers int his area. Nathan Holladay is our team leader and is doing a great job. Again, I really look for this area to take off at the future worship site.
* Creativity. I know I've already mentioned this, but I've really felt "tweaked" about this over the past few days... In the past, creativity was something we were known for... It's interesting how life has a way of sort of "beating" this out of you and conditioning you to "color within the lines." It's time to break out of the box and get back to doing what God has called us to do...
* Prayer. Today I really sensed the need to "up the ante" in regards to pray and intercession. Today I was reminded of this truth from the Old Testament. It's, "not by might, not by power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord."
Well, that's probably enough to chew on for the moment...
I really believe God has a plan and purpose for a2... It's our responsibility to pursue it with all of our heart.
I hope we can live up the description Paul gave of a guy named Stephanas in 1 Corinthians 16:15 (KJV): "...they have addicted themselves to the ministry of the saints."
3 comments:
We are praying as well and Kevin and I had a very interesting conversation on the momentum as you mentioned, just yesterday! He asked if I felt the same excitement - because he had been wrestling with the some feelings. It all comes down for us that these first few weeks, months....year is hard. And we'll be hit with the chaos of all that you mentioned - all good things - but they can get in the way of our prayer and our remembering the passion and vision - and getting new friends there!!! When you are on the verge of doing something insanely great - the warefare will be tremendous and will be hidden inside 'good things' like our business in work days, teaching, feeling disconnect etc. I think remembering community is a good way to keep and bring us together in why we are doing what we are doing. I hope I said this right....anyway, we have some ideas I am going to send you. We are praying for you and your family. And as Camryn asked us last night...her grandmother who is sick right now. :) we lifted her up in prayer last night. Your Camryn is amazingly sweet...and silly funny too. Last night - we continued our discussion of prayer. And the thought to leave with was "To walk with God in prayer means you're aware he's always there".
Shannon... Thanks so much for your thoughts and prayers...
Also, great thought on the "warfare" associated with the pursuit of any worthwhile mission and venture.
If indeed we are experiencing spiritual warfare, then it's up to us to "man up" with the God has equipped us with remembering God's promise: "We are more than conquerors through Him who loved us..."
Again, thanks for sharing.
brother goins . . . go for it! God is going to use you guys in awesome ways! these early days of a2church meeting at IV will be great memories of God bringing the right people on the team, putting them in the right seats, and providing the infrastructure that is vital. keep up the great work . . .would love to keep talking about the creativity factor with you . . .let's brainstorm about doing some message series collaboration.
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