Yesterday I had the opportunity to announce that we are going to start a 3rd Sunday morning service. For those who weren’t at the service to hear the announcement we are planning to launch the new service on Sunday, April 19th. I hope you will join me in praying for the success of that service.
After church I drove my boys over to Morton, IL to meet their grandparents. They are going to spend a few days with them and probably get spoiled. Oh well . . . I guess that’s one of the perks of being a grandparent.
As I was driving back I found myself thinking about the new service and I quickly realized that as exciting as it is to think about the future and what God would do through that venue He is already doing some great things.
So, here is my Top 10 List of “Good Things God’s Doing at FCC” (By the way, these aren’t necessarily in any particular order)
- God is bringing people together — This summer I will have been on staff at FCC for 9 years. I cannot remember a time when there has been a stronger sense of unity among us. Before Jesus went to the cross he prayed for the unity of his followers and that prayer is being answered at FCC.
- God is drawing people to himself — Scripture has told us when we will honor Him and proclaim Him He will draw people to himself. We can see that happening.
- God is healing wounds — It seems like FCC goes through seasons when individuals and families reveal deep hurts and difficult struggles. We’re in one of those seasons, but the encouragement is that in the midst of those experiences people are seeking to get well. I was telling this to a friend of mine who works with those who are struggling– and his words were, “FCC seems to be a hospital for the hurting.” That’s really a good thing.
- God is making stronger connections — We have never had stronger ministries to men and women and families than we do right now and it’s in the midst of those efforts that we see people having their connection to God grow more solid and real. In some ways it’s like watching storm clouds build because behind those clouds you know there is a power that is waiting to be unleashed.
- God is keeping the leadership connected — Leaders that don’t have the Spirit of God working within them (generally — not always) seem to wander away from other leaders. They look for space to spread their own wings and do their own thing. On the other hand, leaders that are established in God seek partnerships and co-laborers to share in the effort. It’s a joy to watch the leadership of FCC stand shoulder to shoulder with one another and know each of them is looking out for the heart of the other.
- God is growing another generation — Every time I turn around I’m bumping into an Elementary or Jr. High or High School student who is doing something significant. You can tell he/she is here for a purpose. I have no doubt God is going to use that energy and enthusiasm and excitement to continue His work.
- God is making FCC a fun place for everyone — It doesn’t matter whether you are looking at the playground that is packed or you’re sneaking into the Seniors Room there is fun happening. Last week I had a few minutes and I played some cards with our Seniors who were there for their Tuesday Afternoon Games. I lost . . . but I had fun.
- God is keeping us financially strong — In a time when many of the prognosticators were predicting doom for churches FCC is flourishing. The church is being faithful to the commitments we made this past fall. Tithing is happening and as a result ministries have the opportunity to continue to pursue the vision while we also have the opportunity to more rapidly seek our release from the bondage of debt.
- God is meeting needs — Sometimes we aren’t fully sure how He is going to do it, but he always does. Sometimes it’s in the form of an unexpected volunteer going above and beyond the call. Sometimes it’s in the form of someone giving an unexpected gift to someone who is facing a difficult test. You never know how it’s going to happen, but the more I’m around FCC the more confirmed I am that it will happen.
- God is making himself known — There is a conversation I’m hearing more and more often. It usually sounds something similar to this, “I don’t want you to think I’m crazy, but I see God doing something in my life, and I think I’m going to try and see what He wants me to do with it.”
