A Big Goal (Leading to a Bunch of Smaller Ones!)

About a week ago a friend asked me when I hoped that this new church would start holding regular weekly Sunday services somewhere. I wasn’t prepared for that question, and I hadn’t really dared to think about it, so I answered with “gosh, I don’t know, it’s not really up to me, it depends on how God leads us and on what others who are interested in this ministry think, blah, blah, blah, …”

I’m so thankful for friends who ask questions that I can’t answer. It gets me thinkin’ and prayin’! Although my answer was true…it does really depend on how God leads…there’s nothing wrong with putting a stake in the ground (or a fork in the jell-o!) to have something to aim for and plan around.

So how about this for a goal:

First services on Memorial Day Weekend, May 30, 2010

I personally like this goal for many reasons, not the least of which is that since so many churches cut back their programs in the summer, we could be downright counter-cultural! And:

• Many families who might be interested in this church have kids that are very involved in their current church’s youth programs September though May, making it tough for them to be involved here as a family before June.
• Many adults’ programs take a hiatus in the summer as well, giving those adults some time to think about and try something different.
• It would give folks some substantial time to “try out” the new church. By the time fall rolled around, they could confidently say “not for me” or “hey let’s give this the ol’ college try.” Low risk, high potential reward!
• People who might be interested in leading any of a number of ministries and programs could make themselves known and step up to help shape their program of interest.
• Summer is usually more relaxed, providing the opportunity to relate with folks who come on a more casual basis, maybe over picnics or coffee and lemonaide or….
• The need to “be there” for folks pastorally is as strong in the summer as any other time of year, but sometimes other churches’ pastoral services are cut back in the summer as well.
• There’s plenty of time to make mistakes on a small scale and correct them before fall programs and services start up in earnest!

Obviously, lots of work and decisions and conversations need to occur in the next couple months. And we need to hunt down a place to meet. And we need to select a name. And we need to start regular prayer/planning meetings soon. But it gives us something to shoot for!

Please share your thoughts and concerns, either by posting a comment on this blog entry or by sending an email to MplsAnglican@aol.com