Sunday Journey Experience - Grand Opening

As I went to bed last night, my mind was still racing about the events of the day. Not unusual since Feb. 8, 2009 was a date that had been embedded in the back of my mind for over a year. To be honest, it arrived very quickly. For six months we have had our sights set on our Grand Opening. Yesterday we "officially" became a church. Well I guess you have to have a specific day to commemorate but we have been a "community of faith with singular purpose" for quite some time. God has brought an amazing group of people together that sincerely want to see God do something great through their life - To touch people and make a difference in our community.

From the get go, the atmosphere was electric as everyone and everything began to fall into place. Everyone knew th e greatness of the day. Our greeters, Jacob, Al, Julie, Dustin, were amazing as they began to welcome our guest even as early as 9:30 we had visitors arriving. On man said he was at the movies Saturday night and saw our sign and decided to come. Gotta love the spontaneity of the Holy Spirit! From all the feedback I've had, everyone bragged on our they felt so welcome and comfortable. One welcome and one smile is worth more to a guest than 1000 sermons.

Our amazing JKidz team lead by Jaclyn did an amazing job with the kids. A lot of people were really curious what kids church would look like in a theater. I think most were really surprised to see the set up and the fun that was in the room. About 25 kids banged out rhythms during worship while Jaclyn, Meg, Bree, and Viv led the kids to better understand their "Rock Solid Foundation." Shout out too a fellow Chica Laca for hooking us up with great kids programming!

Brandy stepped up huge and took charge in the nursery to allow my wife to be a part of our main worship experience. After I had finished my message I walked toward the lobby area and stopped by the room where I nursery and preschoolers were. It was a buzz of little 3 footers. Thanks to everyone who helped out with the little guys: Bev, Leslie, Allison, and Victoria!

Some of our team like Guy, Blair, Dustin, Marianne, Anita and Aundrea worked in the background this week but are so vital for Journey to impact others. Tech crew - you guys are top shelf. Thank you for serving behind the lights! Your attitude is that of our Lord Jesus.

As our Journey worship experience began I was floored by our sound. Man that band is great! Proud of how you guys have made it come together like a bunch of legos. You set the bar high and as you began to sing, "I need you Jesus to come to my rescue..." my eyes filled with tears and I thought, "man that is what we are all about - Jesus." Worship yesterday was incredible. The randomness of how God brought our music team together is truly mind blowing. So to all you church planters out there my advice would be this: concern yourself with making disciples and God will build a team of talent that will amaze you.

As I finished speaking we all bowed our heads and four people raised their hands to make a decision for Christ. Can you say, "that's what it is about." So far we are batting 1000. Every time we have gathered as a body (two previews and launch), there has been someone make a decision to follow the Lord. As one man said - I can give my life for something like that. Setting up, tearing down, pushing your life to the max, working more than you've ever worked, sacrificing - a person coming to Jesus - we are giving our life for that...