Hey Missionaries,
If you weren't with us last Sunday then you missed an historic gathering and discussion about where we've been, where we are today, and where God is leading us as a Church.
It was really great for me to hear everyone share and confirm this new direction of shared ownership and increased transparency among us as a Family of God.
I can't possibly sum the entire thing up but essentially, starting next Sunday, I will no longer be the facilitator in our gatherings. Instead we'll allow each person to take a turn at leading us as we gather for worship, share time, communion and dialog. I will sit quietly in the back of the room and observe along with everyone else (and contribute whenever necessary), but we as a Body will now become less "Keith-centric", or as Liz so eloquently phrased it, "You'll be shutting up more?" ---(Can I get an "Amen"?)
Seriously, it's been painful for me to realize it, but our group isn't nearly as organic and peer-lead as I had hoped to inspire us to become. One big reason for this is related to the fact that I take the lead on everything and you guys are left waiting for me to direct traffic. So, in order to correct this and to put us on a path where everyone really does share ownership and take a more active role in this Church on a regular basis, we'll be rotating our facilitation each week to individuals and/or families who volunteer to lead. (No one will be forced to partcipate in this, but we do hope everyone will take a turn at least once). We're even planning an all-children day where the kids lead us in worship, communion, and share time. (Maybe that means the Adults can leave early and go into the living room to watch videos or play outside?)
I cannot wait to see how God stretches us and grows us as we move forward in this.
-kg
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IMPORTANT LINKS AND RESOURCES:
*"THIS IS HIS CHURCH" by Keith Giles (How we got here and where God is leading us):
CLICK HERE
*Awesome Video: "Don't Ignore the Poor" (Or "Why you should re-think the Orlando Outpouring")
WATCH HERE
*MORE PROOF THAT BEING A "CHRISTIAN" DOESN'T MAKE YOU A FOLLOWER OF JESUS:
READ HERE
*JESUS FIRST by Keith Giles (Are we followers of Jesus, or of Paul the Apostle?)
ARTICLE HERE
*"THE ROYAL PRIESTHOOD" BY W.C. KETCHERSIDE (A great, free, online book)
READ HERE
