Just a short (not quite) three months ago, we returned from Israel. We’d been pretty busy with travel and other activities in the months preceding. When we returned, I found myself without a single large focus area for my energies, although I had plenty else on my plate, mind you! This was fine and life was full, regardless. Diane and I continued with our vision for our life together, apportioning time and resources to the priorities we believe in. I trusted God for the season I found myself in but also knew that seasons change and new things would pop up out of nowhere. In the meantime, I enjoyed more time to read and write, meet with people informally; not unhappy that I had fewer obligations to attend to since leaving my position at the church. Did I say, that I trusted God that things would show up?
Wham-o!
About six months ago, I was asked to consider being on a Board to help start a new church. The three principal people were all young(er) ministry folks with whom I’d worked closely and helped coach and mentor. They’re terrific. To make a very long story short, the earth shifted and I have been asked to be a member of the core team to launch what will be a tremendous undertaking. Diane and I feel called to be in on the ground floor of something that is not only new but is vastly different from what most people think when they hear the word church.
The last few weeks have been a whirlwind. We rolled out our vision and plan to a group of 40 at the home of Ken and Margie Blanchard two nights ago. We will hold a similar evening for just as many people within the next ten days and probably another one in early January. I think I have a tiger by the tail.
I’m sharing this here for several reasons. One, because this promises to be a very big deal in our life. Two, because we’re going to try to reflect many of the values and behaviors expressed in these pages.
You will see, below, a live link to the web site that just went up. It’s a preliminary rendition and we will continue building as fast as we can.
Oh, by the way, we won’t open our doors until next fall.
Why? Because it will take that long, full time, to put our vision into practice. We are partnering with a nationwide highly-respected church planting organization that is assisting us with resources and coaching, a boatload of wisdom and “don’t make that mistake” lists. Until our 501 (c) (3) is up and running, we will be able to use them as an umbrella for practical aspects like tax-deductible donations, expenses and so forth.
So, what’s different and why are we so excited? Because we recognize that the model of church in America, which has been in place so long, is slowly but surely dying. Oh, it will remain viable for sometime but the headwinds are strong and not without reason.
In fact, we will open as both a non-profit church and a for-profit business. We will be a gathering place seven days a week. A place selling excellent coffee and really good light food. Possibly a small bookstore. A place where people can play games and a place that seems like home to young and old alike. While absolutely Christian, it will not feel like walking into a normal church. The name, the logo, the look and feel are all designed to get to the essence of the Gospel. We plan that at least 50% of the early attendees will be people who either never attended a church or have left for good reason. We hope to show that church is something different than what they’d thought.
Figured some of you might like to know. 🙂
Stay tuned!
bradlichtman 