Yesterday, our church took a bold step into a God-sized vision, and what a step it was.  I’m so pumped and overwhelmed with kingdom pride.  We did it!  We actually launched as a multi-site church, but greater than that, we embraced more of God’s trust and mission.  Sure, there was a lot of hard work, sacrificing and planning to go live with tremendous success, and it paid off, but I believe the spiritual journey is the unseen, mighty river that triumphed; we trusted God, and He put more trust in us.

When I saw our staff, leadership and volunteers, at both sites, I was so blown away by the overt transformation in their countenance.  Somehow, like Israel crossing the Jordan, everyone seemed like a different tribe, more focused on God’s promise and plan than ever before.  Honestly, I’ve been doing life and leadership with some of you guys for years, and yet, I saw greater wisdom, confidence and strength than when we first began.  Growing up as Christ-followers and leaders is a walk of victory and heartbreak, beauty and survival, but in the context of community, locking arms with people you love and trust, it is a walk of fullness and light.  And, I am changed by every second of it.

Finally, here’s a cool story:  This morning I spoke with a guy at Starbucks who invited his wayward father to Forest yesterday.  He said his dad showed up, experienced the hospitality and proclamation of our church, and later texted him that he wants to come back to Jesus.  Yes, my eyes are watering as I type this.  Why?  Because I never stop getting moved and wrecked by these redemption stories.

I can’t wait to reach our community and world in miraculous ways, for more miraculous years.

Onward,

Jon