What’s up for this year?
This year is all about Growing up. I know that sound odd, and it in no way implies a lack of current maturity, but in the life of any person, group or organization there are season in which we have to move on, take the next step, or develop new goals, skills or vision if we are to continue to fulfill the purposes God has called us to. That is where The Well is in 2012. So for us this is going to be a year of Cultivating.
One of the things I am most excited about this process is all the new opportunities for ministry and leadership that this is going to create. We will need two more families to step into the roles as Deacons, we are adding a number of families as team leaders and Ministry directors, our staff meeting have blossomed to over ten starting this next week, we are adding another service producer, new worship team members, with auditions going to be held late winter or early spring, we are adding ushers, greeters, kids teachers and helpers and on and on and on…and I’m not done, we will be adding small groups in every areas, additional opportunities for worship, discipleship and spiritual formation, more guest speakers from within and outside out congregation, trips, retreats, campouts and more.
But through all of this our intention this year is to GROW! Grow spiritually through intentional pastoring and mentoring at every lever. Grow stronger through healthy community which will also cause us to Grow numerically.
For those of you who are interested in what I am going to be reading this year, here is the early line up: With Elder’s, Francis Chan’s Forgotten God, with Staff, John Maxwell’s 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership (a leadership classic), with Deacons, Billy Hornsby’s Attractional Church, with the youth and children’s ministry, Brian Haynes’, Shift, and for my personal fun, Erik Larson’s, The Devil in the White City.
Many of you ask about Chris’ Meta Palindrome video, we can’t post the video but here is the text…
What if – a Meta Palindrome
By Chris Pyle
I am defined by my failures
So I can no longer believe
God does answer prayer
His Word is true no matter what my experiences tell me
God doesn’t answer prayer
I would be lying if I said that
My marriage can be better
That my loved ones can be healed
That I’ll conquer my addictions
That this year will be better than the last
Here’s what I know
That I’ve tried too many times
I’m too insignificant for Him to care about my needs
or
He just isn’t there
Never again will I say
He hears me when I pray
He has a plan for my life
He was who He said He was
and
He’s really here…
But what if
(Now read back up)
Father,
We pray your blessing and presence on our lives, our families, The Well and this year. Be formed in us Lord, to the point that you are clearly seen in everything we do and everything we are!
Your Son,
Jerry
