For
the past several weeks we’ve been talking about momentum – and I
think we’re starting to experience it! It might be subtle, but
there’s clearly a fresh wind blowing through our church that has been
stirred up by the Holy Spirit.
We
started four weeks ago by firming up and committing ourselves to God in
a deeper and more meaningful way. That led us to a commitment to
our growth. In just a few weeks time, we’ve begun to see people
drifting toward small groups and Sunday school classes. Others are
searching for new classes to become a part of.
When
we talked about together, we were reminded that running alone is
dangerous. The story of Dick
and Rick Hoyt was a powerful image of this truth. We really do
need each other. At the end of that service, many of us filled out
response cards that indicated that we were tired of running alone.
Those of you who were seeking prayer partners will be receiving a list
soon of with names of others seeking someone just like you. Others
expressed a desire to be in small discipleship groups were you can grow,
learn and pray together. We’re in the process of exploring when
those groups can meet and who will call them together. Others were
seeking mentors, others desired a mentor, and we are in the process of
pulling you both together so that you can begin to build that special
bond of trust and accountability. Many of you have realized that
you don’t have to struggle through life alone. “Alone” is
being overwhelmed by “together!”
Last
Sunday we began talking about vision. Vision that is formed,
refined, growing, articulated, shared, and acted upon. We’ll
conclude that discussion this coming Sunday by reminding ourselves why
vision is important. I also pray that we will all leave Sunday
morning with the tools we need to begin refining and growing our “life
picture.”
In
anticipation of Sunday, here are some resources I recommend as you seek
to develop your life picture. One good place to start is by
re-reading The
Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren. This is a great
foundation as you begin to form and refine your vision. You might
also want to check out The
Purpose Driven Life Journal. Other books I
recommend would be The
Dream Giver
by Bruce Wilkinson (and the companion journal the
Dream Planner). A personal favorite is The
Path
by Laurie Beth Jones; a very practical and easy to follow guide to
putting together your life’s mission statement.
I’m
excited about the momentum we’ve captured so far. I’m ready
keep on going and I’m glad you’re with me
Godspeed,
Pastor John