Reflections from a 6 week old church

Here’s some thoughts, in no particular order, regarding the launching of CrossPointe Winter Park...

To be perfectly honest, I’m not sure where I expected to be at this point.  I think the biggest thing I feel right now is gratitude. Gratitude to God who is clearly at work building His church.  Gratitude to the people who have partnered alongside of us to make CrossPointe Winter Park a reality.  People have already embraced a total stewardship of time, talent and treasure.  Gratitude to those who took the risk of showing up to a new church without knowing anybody.  They simple found us online and decided to come check it out.  That has blown my mind.  I really figured at this point the church would be comprised of people I had some degree of relational connectedness to prior to our launch. Clear evidence that Jesus is senior pastor and He is doing the work.  

I am also keenly aware of my need for the Gospel and finding my identity in Christ...which is not to say that I always do.  Of the 6 worship gatherings, there have been two that have been smaller in number, with a few more logistical glitches.  It is in these moments that I see my own insecurities.  I can sense my own heart spiraling to some places that are not the healthiest.  Wondering why some people aren’t there?  Wondering if some people will come back?  I am realizing my own tendency to judge success on superficial criteria.  It’s amazing the emotional pendulum that occurs from week to week.  I am thankful for the years of vocational ministry that are serving as good preparation for this new work.  I am thankful for many seasoned planters who have spoken into this process and told me to expect these kind of highs and lows.  

Though the process is anything but easy, and I at times have no idea what I should be focusing on, I sense that God is at work.  I love seeing people connecting relationally before and after the service.  I love seeing the group that is coming out every Monday night to be trained as community group leaders.  I love that people are wanting to meet and talk about the church, their questions, and things God is doing in their life.  I love that people are inviting their friends to come check out the church.  I love that people are just jumping in and serving, even if it’s not in an area that they are passionate about.  

Though I have not settled into a rhythm yet, I love the weekly preparation for teaching.  I know I have a long way to go, but I am thankful that I get to teach God’s Word.  It’s been fun getting to focus in on our core values through the series re:Discover CHURCH.  Hard to believe there are only two more weeks left in that series.  I am looking forward to our next series, as we get to journey through a book of the Bible together.  Let’s just say it involves a man running from God and getting swallowed by a large fish.  Should be fun.  

Well I could go on, but for now this should suffice.  If you’ve made it this far, thanks for reading.  Please continue to pray for this new church.

Peace.