Easter Reflections
04/08/07 08:49 PM
We got a stack of
Connect Cards turned in with tons of decisions -
from people renewing their commitment to Christ,
requesting more information about Coastal, wanting
to talk to someone about becoming a follower of
Christ, wanting to get baptized, and at least one
person gave their life to Jesus today! That's what
it's all about Coastal! The angels in Heaven threw
a party today!
We all played a part in that happening today - from the prayers leading up to today, the invitations we all gave, the cleaning, the greeting, the teaching, the signing in, the coffee & doughnuts, the handshakes, the sound, the computer, the Nursery, Promiseland, the Praise & Worship Team, Communion, and yes even Easter Eggs - it all fits together, it's all important, and it all matters. And, it was all intentional. Today didn't just happen. People didn't just show up by accident. We were one body, all laser focused on one objective - bringing people to meet Jesus!
Don't misunderstand what I'm saying. It's not about us. We can't do anything without God! Actually, we can - people and churches do all the time. But it won't last and I don't want any part of it. So, pray. Pray for our church. Pray for our church to grow. Pray for the people you are inviting. Pray for me. Pray for more workers for the harvest. Pray for leaders. It's about bringing glory to God, exalting His Son Jesus, and by the power of the Holy Spirit reaching out to the lost!
What I also learned from today is that we need to be more intentional and strategic in organizing our Volunteers on Sunday morning. We are improving, but we must continue to improve. There is much to be done and I have my hand in way too much. So, look for some changes (a Volunteer Coordinator for example). I also learned that 160 - 175 is about the max we can handle in one service before we add another. We have more chairs and we can jam more in (about 200), but for long term growth and people returning that's about the mark.
So here's the deal - let's celebrate what God did today, give your Pastor about a day to recover, but then let's press on! Here's the next goal - at least 150 in church on a "regular" (there's no such thing at Coastal) Sunday! I say we can blow that out of the water soon! What do you think? One week? Two weeks? Are you with me? We're not letting up! Follow up with your friends who came today and keep inviting those you invited who did not come. I don't know about you, but I've got a lot of people I invited who didn't come. I am not going to let up! And what I've discovered is that if I'm praying for lost, unchurched people, if I'm asking God to let me see people and situations as He does, it's as though I see opportunities all around me. Odd how that works - God actually answers our prayers! We will add another service. And then we will add another. We will hire an Administrative Assistant. We will hire a Children's Director. We will build a Family Life Center. The only question is when! I believe that we will move to two services by this Fall (my son says sooner!). All of this means prayer, change, flexibility, intention, hard work, and a constant willingness to put purpose and vision above your own personal preferences.
Get people here this coming Sunday as we kick off our new series "Old School - Yesterday's Stories / Today's Questions." And yes, it's going to ROCK (literally - don't be late, you'll see)! More about the new series later this week. Well, this is way too long, but as I said, much is on my heart! Actually, I've been avoiding watching "Sound of Music" with my family - it's a guy thing. I love you Coastal! Happy Easter and Happy Anniversary Coastal!
We all played a part in that happening today - from the prayers leading up to today, the invitations we all gave, the cleaning, the greeting, the teaching, the signing in, the coffee & doughnuts, the handshakes, the sound, the computer, the Nursery, Promiseland, the Praise & Worship Team, Communion, and yes even Easter Eggs - it all fits together, it's all important, and it all matters. And, it was all intentional. Today didn't just happen. People didn't just show up by accident. We were one body, all laser focused on one objective - bringing people to meet Jesus!
Don't misunderstand what I'm saying. It's not about us. We can't do anything without God! Actually, we can - people and churches do all the time. But it won't last and I don't want any part of it. So, pray. Pray for our church. Pray for our church to grow. Pray for the people you are inviting. Pray for me. Pray for more workers for the harvest. Pray for leaders. It's about bringing glory to God, exalting His Son Jesus, and by the power of the Holy Spirit reaching out to the lost!
What I also learned from today is that we need to be more intentional and strategic in organizing our Volunteers on Sunday morning. We are improving, but we must continue to improve. There is much to be done and I have my hand in way too much. So, look for some changes (a Volunteer Coordinator for example). I also learned that 160 - 175 is about the max we can handle in one service before we add another. We have more chairs and we can jam more in (about 200), but for long term growth and people returning that's about the mark.
So here's the deal - let's celebrate what God did today, give your Pastor about a day to recover, but then let's press on! Here's the next goal - at least 150 in church on a "regular" (there's no such thing at Coastal) Sunday! I say we can blow that out of the water soon! What do you think? One week? Two weeks? Are you with me? We're not letting up! Follow up with your friends who came today and keep inviting those you invited who did not come. I don't know about you, but I've got a lot of people I invited who didn't come. I am not going to let up! And what I've discovered is that if I'm praying for lost, unchurched people, if I'm asking God to let me see people and situations as He does, it's as though I see opportunities all around me. Odd how that works - God actually answers our prayers! We will add another service. And then we will add another. We will hire an Administrative Assistant. We will hire a Children's Director. We will build a Family Life Center. The only question is when! I believe that we will move to two services by this Fall (my son says sooner!). All of this means prayer, change, flexibility, intention, hard work, and a constant willingness to put purpose and vision above your own personal preferences.
Get people here this coming Sunday as we kick off our new series "Old School - Yesterday's Stories / Today's Questions." And yes, it's going to ROCK (literally - don't be late, you'll see)! More about the new series later this week. Well, this is way too long, but as I said, much is on my heart! Actually, I've been avoiding watching "Sound of Music" with my family - it's a guy thing. I love you Coastal! Happy Easter and Happy Anniversary Coastal!
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