Yesterday, as we were passing through on our way to Atlanta, Robin and I got to spend the day in Memphis. You know, Graceland, Sun Studio where Elvis, B.B King, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins, and many more got their start; as well as those who have recently recorded there like U2, Maroon 5, Bonnie Raitt, and others. And don't forget the best Blues and BBQ down on Beale Street you can find. We did the whole tourist thing - ALL OF IT - food to music to tours. Even the pan-handler who wanted to be the first to welcome us to Memphis...Too fun! It was just what we needed to relax and laugh and eat after last weeks intensive 12-16 hour a day training!
We were reminded as we toured Graceland and the VERY small Sun Studio building that life is a series of choices and investments. Not necessarily in the physical things, but in the eternal things that we eventually get measured by...what we become remembered for, what mattered to us, and that it is not about how or where you get started, but how you finish that matters the most.
Branches Church has the vision of being real people, with real lives and real Jesus; and living this out by accepting people where they are on their spiritual journey and walking that journey with them into a growing relationship with Jesus. (that doesn't mean they will believe like me or you on this or that...that is not the measure of spiritual growth - more on that later)
In order to accomplish that we cannot expect the beginning of our journey to look like the end of it. We cannot start with everything God has for us...it's too much. It's a journey for the church, it's a journey for you and me, and it's a journey for the guest and for the seeker of truth that uses Branches Church to journey together toward what Jesus has for their life. The start is not the end. It's a series of choices and investments in time, prayer, people, each other, our families, our community, and our relationship with Christ as we start looking more and more like what He is doing in the world today as His body. How we finish as Branches Church and the impact we have on people because we are following hard after what God is doing in our communities is what matters the most. Let's never forget that!
Mike
Showing posts with label traveling. Show all posts
Showing posts with label traveling. Show all posts
Saturday, October 24, 2009
Sunday, October 18, 2009
Our Weekend
We missed being at home in Menomonie with the Branches congregation this morning. I am glad that this is Jesus' church and not mine or any individuals. We, as parts of the body of Christ, can never say we have no need of another part. THANK YOU to all of you who kept Branches going this weekend!! You have my deepest respect.
Last night and today Robin and I were on two of four church campuses with New Life Church in Little Rock, AR participating in the Saturday night service at one and the first Sunday service at another as they were simulcast to the other three campuses. Then we became one of the 'kids' participating in the children's ministry service. I've not moved that much to music since jogging with a cassette walk-man. (Hint: there's an age time-line clue here!) We had a great time learning about ministering to K-5th graders and the different curriculum that is available to us. These connections we're making are great for resources!
After that we had lunch with the Pastor and then sat through a new-membership class the way New Life does it. Ideas for how Branches can do some of these kinds of things are filling my head and we are going to be able to get together and get it down in writing as soon as we're back with you.
We are being affirmed as we hear what God is doing in the country all around us. There are congregations just like us planting themselves where people have distanced themselves from church and ultimately God. We are on a great time-line. We have made great choices concerning our mission and values, our purpose and facility, our governing, and our leadership. God is good.
Monday brings classes on vision, communication, decision making, marketing, and finance. Robin says her brain is exploding...wait 'till tomorrow dear!
We'll fill you in more later.
Mike and Robin from Little Rock
Last night and today Robin and I were on two of four church campuses with New Life Church in Little Rock, AR participating in the Saturday night service at one and the first Sunday service at another as they were simulcast to the other three campuses. Then we became one of the 'kids' participating in the children's ministry service. I've not moved that much to music since jogging with a cassette walk-man. (Hint: there's an age time-line clue here!) We had a great time learning about ministering to K-5th graders and the different curriculum that is available to us. These connections we're making are great for resources!
After that we had lunch with the Pastor and then sat through a new-membership class the way New Life does it. Ideas for how Branches can do some of these kinds of things are filling my head and we are going to be able to get together and get it down in writing as soon as we're back with you.
We are being affirmed as we hear what God is doing in the country all around us. There are congregations just like us planting themselves where people have distanced themselves from church and ultimately God. We are on a great time-line. We have made great choices concerning our mission and values, our purpose and facility, our governing, and our leadership. God is good.
Monday brings classes on vision, communication, decision making, marketing, and finance. Robin says her brain is exploding...wait 'till tomorrow dear!
We'll fill you in more later.
Mike and Robin from Little Rock
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