Several of us had the opportunity and privilege to meet with and have lunch with Brian Bloye of Westridge Church and his church planting coordinator, Jim Akins. One of the young men in their school for church planting went with us as well and he is a friend and fellow blogger. His name is Adam Walker. He also has a church planting blog. Check it out.
Terry Little, Craig Story, and Mike Keaton drove over to Dallas, GA to my old stomping grounds. My buddy, Scott McInnis, who is launching WellSpring Church in just over a month came and met us as well.
What did we learn?
The most important take away for me was hearing Brian say that the difference between pastors/leaders that remain 100-150-200 in their attendance and will never grow vastly beyond that is their inability to hear God’s voice and pull the trigger on a decision that simply does not make sense in the natural realm.
He shared the story of needing to bring their children’s pastor on full time, who had been bi-vocational. God was leading him to make the decision although they did not have the money in the budget to make it happen. With the support of his leadership team, they decided the next Sunday to make the move. They introduced the staff member and his wife as coming on full-time and then turned to the church with absolute confidence, “God has led us to do this, now I need you to bring an offering of $20,000.00 next Sunday for his salary. The people brought just over the needed amount. It was a huge turning point in the leadership and faith of the church.
It was a great time sharing wisdom and learning from Brian and Jim Akins. We were so thankful for having time with them!
Check out the pic below at Ted’s Grill: I was very impressed by the Ted’s staff. They helped take the pictures and then went to have them developed and had them put into a little frame for us to take home. Very impressive service! It makes me ask if we are providing creative service for those that come through the doors of our church. Simply asking.
Hey Russ
Not sure if you remember me or not…it’s been FOREVER!!! I was involved at North Star when you were in high school and college ministry. I helped out in high school and attended college group. I am back in Acworth, I moved away for a couple of years as a missionary, and now on staff at North Star in the student ministry area.
I hope you and your family are doing well. Looking forward to hearing from you.
Lee Ann
Russ,
I love the scripture, “You have not because you have not.” I think we typically ask too little from people. I think people want to be part of something bigger than themselves, something that demands much. Something that requires little is worth little. We think we are making it more palatable by lowering the bar but we’re actually taking away it’s value. Why go guys enlist into the armed services in the middle of a war? They want a challenge and the opportunity to pay a large price for something of value.
BTW, I love Ted’s, go eat one for me.
Jack
http://www.camelcrossing.net