Sorry its taken me a number of days to reflect on the past year. Normmally you will see TV programs looking back on a certain year the last week of December, here I am a week into the new year. Nevertheless, it is important to take some time and think about all that has occurred. Much of my reflection surrounds my ministry at NewSong. Nevertheless, here we go...
1. Sabbatical - After nine years of ministry at NewSong, I was able to take a three month sabbatical from the church. I learned that even though you are a leave....you NEVER leave. But it was a tremendous break from the day to day, week to week grind of getting sermons written, counseling and emotionally working through decisions. The staff did a fantastic job while I was away and I got to visit 14 different churches. And most importantly, I launched this blog!
2. Lobby Expansion Project/OTHOTD - Our church completed a major remodeling and construction project - which expanded our lobby 2500 sq/ft. It has made such a difference. Also we completely remodeled all our bathrooms and children's ministry area! Best is that we paid off more than half of the project and we are way ahead of the three year campaign goal!
3. Delna Helland’s Home going - In May, our founding member and prayer warrior Delna Helland went home to be with the Lord. Fortunately her battle with cancer was not long nor too painful. Her funeral was an incredible experience -- I got to speak as probably one of the most significant funerals in my career....why? Because of who Delna was! It wasd also a major event in our church's life -- this is only the second founding member who passed since the church began.
4. Truth Project - In September, I began teaching a parent/sr. high student mentoring group using the Truth Project. This has been a real ministry highlight. To watch parents and kids learning together has been tremendous. It also poop-poops what the "experts" say should hap
5. Golf mania - Alex and I have become golf fanatics. Alex plays for the HS team and he works at the local golf course -- allowing Dad the opportunities to play FREE! I love that word - free! We will be going to a golf school in FL this year in hopes of really improving our short game!
6. Church Planting and New Pastor Search - We started palnning for two major goals in 2008 but the upfront work has begun....we decided to plant a new church in this coming year so we needed to find a church planter -- we did and now we are deciding on direction and location. Also with the resignation of our youth pastor, we decided to hire a new Pastor of Next Generation Development. This new pastor would work with our young people and interns to touch the future of NewSOng. Both are gutsy moves and take great leadership. It is also a clear indication of a vision that says we are willling to try anything to make ministry work.
7. Gene Getz Conference - We hosted the legend Gene getz this fall. It was thrilling to have my old grad school prof with us and allow his wisdom to touch this generation of believer. Also we had our first pastor's conference and 135 leaders showed up. What a blessing!
8. Kenya Visit - 6 from our church visited our work in Tseikuru. What a blessing. We need to remember these dear people as they face major crisis in their country.