So you think we need another church, eh?

March 6 - 2009
A friend of ours who is in the know about Canadian church leadership, church growth, and vision recently sent me a great email. He's actually a national Canadian church leader. Anyhow, his email encapsulates some good points about "why another church?" Take a look, I think these are worth remembering as we talk to people about our vision.

Take it away email...

"Here are some talking points from my world...

1. Why new churches? Research has proven that the best way to reach new
people for Christ is with new churches. Statistically speaking, new
churches do a much better job in this area than established churches.
Whether because it's hungrier, because it's scared, because it's focused?
I don't know, but a new church will perform better in this area.

2. Don't we have enough churches? Actually, we don't. Last time I
checked about 85-90% of the lower mainland had no consistent, regular
spiritual community that they were connected to. No disrespect of
existing churches, even if they doubled their present capacity we'd still
be short. We need more churches.

3. Why this one? Why a North Point model? Well, it takes all kinds of
churches to reach all kinds of people. North Point has helped us see how
we can develop a focus, start some strategies, identify some emphases and
go forward. It's not for everyone. But it's for a lot of people in the
Lower Mainland area.

4. What's the dream? go nuts...tell him the dream...work your plan. I'd
love to be there to help out. I will be watching and praying to see it
happen."

March Madness 2009

Well folks, our Vision Group meeting last Sunday was awesome. We felt such a feeling of "ahah!" and common excitement as we brainstormed on the white board. 1/3 & 1/3 and 1/3...that white board division has stuck in my mind. It is very exciting to think beyond just building the team to now focus as well on campus pastor considerations and charitable status. Go team! Go Canucks!

We are just so thankful for what God is doing in our midst. I am sure that Jess will post a blog in some of the connections and info she is getting behind the scenes, but both Carey and Jess were able to do some more networking, emailing, and information gathering done this week. A HUGE thanks to Nicki, who helped care for our kids while the women manned the phones.

Keep praying for our campus pastor, that God would be preparing the heart of the one He is calling. Also, keep praying for our second Focus Group members...we had our last session on Monday. Some absolutely awesome people. Our hope is that all who came out were challenged to start thinking about Kingdom work, passions, and how God is using them in their own sphere of influence. Pray that those who came out would continue in the things that God has for each of them.

Spot you later,
Bill