e-news for week of 9/25/11

Last Sunday I worshiped with a congregation I’ve never attended before. In several ways I was very, very jealous. The facility was large enough to house this megachurch in Atlanta under one roof. The service started at 10 a.m. Worship lasted 1.5 hours. The preaching/teaching lasted 1.5 hours. Afterwards, the pragmatist in me asked the family I was with why they want to go into a larger space, why not just go to multiple services? The answer I got was surprising. “Our leadership values us being able to be together in one accord in worship more than simply money and buildings.” I know some people will read what I just wrote and think I’m wanting to upend our entire ministry approach. I’m not. It’s simply beautiful that the body of Christ has so many different approaches, thoughts, means of doing ministry, values, and methods – yet all are still the “one body” of Christ – the visible and invisible manifestation of Christ on this earth. I’m glad the Lord has them reaching people in Atlanta.

I’m also thrilled the Lord is using Forum to intentionally connect people to Jesus here in Columbia.

It’s great to be back. Thanks to Bradley for doing a great job last week connected to “one team” centering on the body of Christ.

Each year I take a week, go up into the mountains and seek God’s lead and next steps for us as a church. I started laying out sermons for June 2012-13.I’m unplugged from email, phones, electronics, etc. God really deals with me on a lot of levels in these times. Coming out of it last week, I’m stirred and exhilarated by where God has us as a ministry and what He’s doing. This was a season of rejoicing in the Lord for me.

Here’s the big picture as to what the Lord put in front of me:

• We continue to reach and teach people in the Lord. The Lord has brought a lot of people into the kingdom this year and Forum is a part of that.
• We continue to strive for excellence and passionately seek the Lord
• The song that Tyler and Katelyn wrote from Ephesians 4 really lodged in my heart and resonated all week long: “One Lord, one faith….” It reminded me of the unity within staff and leadership. Unity that says, “Teach and reach people. Intentionally connect people to Jesus.”
• The Lord has positioned us to be an impact church within our community (too much to go into within a weekly e-news)
• The Lord has brought together an impact type of staff here at Forum as well. Help me in building them up in Christ via encouragement.

This week we’ll center on “One Hope.”

This Sunday is a great Sunday to bring a friend. Be intentional in your efforts and help to get them here this Sunday. They are counting on you and they don’t even know it. Can’t wait to worship the Lord with you Sunday - Scott