e-news for week of 6/7/09

The longer I’m at Forum – the more I fall in love with this church body for a lot of reasons. I realize that I get to see elements of this church that no one else sees – but in many cases – that can be a blessing or a curse, right? In this case, it’s a huge blessing. I see service rendered by servants who love Jesus. I see leaders leading to intentionally connect people to Jesus. I see people growing as disciples of Jesus. I see people pouring their lives into children in the name of Jesus. I see Life Groups ministering to and growing one another. We hear about the results of the missionaries we support globally. That’s just the short list.

I’m not a hindsight kind of a guy – but as I wrote this article and saved it as “June 11, 2009” I noticed an article named “June 11, 2008” and thought, “Hmmm…wonder what we were talking about last year – here’s a portion:

…in a nutshell, let me give you a quick update: the second campus is targeted to start on March 1, 2008. There is a team of people who are working on finding and securing a site on the northern end of town where the campus will meet. We will have an over and above sacrificial giving effort this fall that will go toward funding this aggressive step to intentionally connect people to Jesus. There will be a brochure coming out in the very near future that will address some of the questions you might have. In the fall, we will have an intense time of focus, prayer, mobilization, training for those who are moved to serve at the new campus and – hopefully –one great worship opportunity where all of the nearly 1200 members of Forum can gather under one roof at one moment.

I realize and know that is a lot of information – people continue to ask me right now – what is the best thing I can do right now? Very simply – you can pray. I don’t mean that tritely. This is a God sized project that I believe God has led us toward. I believe this is one step toward making a significant kingdom of God impact in Columbia. I was telling our staff – right now the key is for all of us as a staff, as a body, as leaders, etc. to strive to “peak” at the right time. If we peak too early – when it comes time for the launch – we’ll be all ready to go in the middle of winter with the launch 3 months away. If we dawdle, lag, and foot drag – it’ll be March of 2009 and we’ll not be fully prepared. Our simple prayer needs to be: God, we want to be in step with you – not out in front of you, not lagging behind, but Lord – may we be in step, in sync with You.

Does God answer prayer? Both campuses continue to intentionally connect people to Jesus. Let us be faithful to His vision and orchestration.

Thanks for the ongoing response to this sermon series. It’s challenging all of us to become like Christ. Let me encourage you – look in the mirror. Isn’t it great to know though that God knows us so well that He identifies our common “Real life” issues and gives us “Real Life” answers? This week will be no exception. Don’t wear open toed shoes (spiritually and emotionally speaking) in that this section of scripture can really step on toes. I hope to preach in sandals so that you know that it’s a self inflicted toe stomping going on. You may want to attend a different service than your spouse or your children. I would also encourage you not to miss this week in that the potential for personal growth is great.

Here’s the deal – if we allow this to sink in, to germinate, to cause change, and for each of us to implement it – I promise you – your life will soar. Big promise, right? Many of our greatest accomplishments arise out of our greatest challenges, don’t they?

I want to thank Katelyn Morris (our Children’s Director), Jessie Spellman (our Preschool Director) and Jody Riley (our Jr. High Minister) for putting together a great Vacation Bible school. The kids seem to really be having a great time as well as deepening their lives in Christ. And don’t forget that Friday night at 6:15 will be the Seeds Family Worship concert to finish off a great week. So even if you haven’t been able to make it to VBS this week, don’t miss this great family worship time.

Next week we’re going to roll out brochures and information connected to our “Ministry Makeover” within our preschool, children’s, youth, and adult areas within the building. Keep this project in your thoughts and prayers.

See you Sunday. — Scott