I Can Only Sit in the Bleachers for So Long.....................

I love ministry and working with people. Nothing brings me greater joy than in serving, challenging, and equipping others. I was reminded of that this morning. One thing hit me real hard. While I loved this Sunday off I knew that I could only sit in the bleachers for so long. It's easy to watch ministry done every Sunday morning but I crave serving in ministry as a football player craves game day! While watching from the bleachers may be safer and requires less commitment there is great joy, an adrenaline rush, and satisfication in being a game-changer for Jesus! Why people sit on the sidelines I will never know?!? Get off of the bleachers and be a diehard Christian that is into serving, impacting, being intentional, and reaching others! It was what we are called and commanded to do!

Tomorrow is my first day in the office at Grace Community Church in Goshen. I am excited be a part of their team and serve with them every Sunday!

When I have a Sunday off I go to as many church services as I can to fellowship with others and evaluate and get new ideas on how to do ministry. This Sunday I went to South Milford Church of Christ (Kim's home church) and Grace Christian Church in Kendallville. Here are some 'cool' things that happened this Sunday morning.

- In arriving at South Milford I was able to visit and talk with many teenagers as I knew most of their youth group from my lunch visits to the local high-school. Plus, many older adults knew Kim so it was 'fun' being the new highlighted couple.
- We arrived a half an hour early to Grace Christian's second service and I quickly met a friend as soon as I walked in the door. It was a couple who was on my search committee which brought me to Kendallville and had transitioned to Grace Christian because their sons were attending that church. Anyway, they gave me a tour of the church and I got to pray with their small group in the basemant of the church. Loved having an opportunity to fellowship and pray with other believers.
- I was impressed and challenged by Pastor Chris Mosley's church and in his sharing with his members on what it meant to be part of a 'team' at Grace Christian Church. It was easy to see how they went from a church of 14 to 500 in such a short time because of their missional mindset and vision. Thankful for all churches in the Kendallvillle area that are striving to reach out! Remember, there are always plenty of lost people to go after in a community. (Plus, it was nice fellowshipping with another pastor who is a die-hard Steelers fan).

I was able to 'visit' Pastor Chris' office. Instead, of rearranging everything I decided to take the tasteful approach and snap a picture of his Steelers gear behind his desk and rave about it!

As I start this new chapter in life one thing remains the same: my love for God and for people. Until the day I die I will always have a hunger and a desire to stay in the game and to be more than just a fan in the bleachers! I want to be a game-changer/playmaker for Jesus! Next stop: GOSHEN here I come!