It was the night before a church launch

It was the night before a church launch not a creature was stirring - well no one that is except me. I'm pumped and how can I sleep.
We did a dry run a the theatre today and we have the best launch team. Wow, I am blessed - God has surround me with dedicated talented people. Just another evidence of God's direction in this plant. What I witnessed today is just a sneak preview of what is yet to come. Tomorrow should be great!
I almost forgot the coolest news. I have had phone calls and an email come my way offering support for our church. The cool part - these are people from other churches who don't plan to attend our church, but are praying for us and supporting us. In addition another church in town threw there whole support behind us offering to help us in any way they can. It doesn't get any better.

what happens when a church sends out 43,000 post cards

I'll tell you what happens...
Hits on your web site go way up and phone calls start coming in. I have had the most interesting calls. Some asking about our affiliation, some asking when we start meeting, some that are genuinely seeking and the best one yet - someone asking if wrestling is coming to the theatre. Apparently they thought we were the box office. I thought for sure it was a friend joking with me, but they were dead serious. Church planting is great - maybe we should try wrestling as a way to draw people in. One thing I know, we are creating a real stir in town with our advertising and the newspaper article - I trust this all translates into lives reached for Jesus.

1 week and 2 days

One week and two days till we launch at the theatre. Not sure if I'm scared or excited??? What if no one shows up as a result of our 43,000 direct mail pieces. Man I keep getting these crazy thoughts. Reality check - God would have never brought us this far if he didn't have something real big for us. It's going to be great! We have an incredible group of volunteers, a rocking band and me - and I guess I'll do. WOW! It's crazy!

People that have helped me along the way...

Brenda Duff : Without my wife I would never be here. She is the biggest supporter of the Falls. I think she is even more excited than I am.

Roger at www.churchatthemovies.com : I could have never made it here without his wisdom, guidance, prayer and great sense of humor.

Ryan at www.eastlakecc.com/ : He's the guy that got me out of the starting block back in January 2006. I read an article on Pastors.com about his church and I picked up the phone and called him. He didn't know me from Adam, but gave the best advice, "Go to the Purpose Driven Planting Conference and see what God has for you."

Pastors.com forum : So many people on the forum have prayed for me and offered advise. Best pastors on the face of the earth.

My good friend Steve : You kept me sain when no one else could.

Ian and Ray, Elders at the Falls : You guys are the best. Your commitment to this church is above and beyond.

Bruce my new friend : You came at just the right time.


WE'RE GONNA DO THIS THING! GO GOD!

God brings great people around a church plant

I just wanted to let everyone know about some great people that have really contributed to our plant.

Karen of O2 graphics and O2 displays has really gone above and beyond to produce great signage for our church. Here a just a few of the banners that Karen designed...my upload of the graphics doesn't do justice to the quality of the work, but trust me they are great.

Another person that has gone above and beyond, Lisa from Mackenzie Madison Graphic Design. Lisa designed a great invite card for us.

I need to get this off my chest

Criticism is part of church planting...today I heard from one of our elders. He had recently talked with a mutual friend, someone I had really invested in over the years. This friend proceeded to make the point clear that we are going to fail with this church plant. It's amazing how those who are "good people" can be so negative about reaching people for Jesus and how narrow minded they can be when it come to churches that are outside of the box.

You know what...the criticism is so worth it....because people are going to find Jesus at Church at the Falls and then it will all be worthwhile. People are going to come to a movie theatre and find Jesus...I know for all you traditional church people...that just sounds preposterous. If we only reach one person for Jesus....well...it will be so worth it. By the way, for all the traditional church people, I am thankful for your church...I don't think we have the corner on church. We are only one way of doing church and we will celebrate what God has called us to do.

Church at the Falls has a place for you. Join us in 2 weeks, April 1. See you there.