Looking ahead

The storm is almost over.

These pages have been quiet the last few weeks while we’ve made the transition from Spokane to Penticton. It’s not that I’ve had nothing to say (doesn’t happen very often, I know); it’s that I was just all wrapped up in what needed to happen. But overall, the transition has happened fairly smoothly, and we’re now feeling somewhat settled and ready to move forward in Penticton.

There are still some lingering clouds from the storm – selling our house in Spokane, for instance, has yet to happen – but we’re now so excited to be able to get out of waiting mode (we were in that mode for almost 4 months) and transition mode (the last 8 weeks or so), and into full-fledged “let’s go” mode.

I’ve had a great first couple weeks in the office in Penticton, having great talks with our pastor, Vic Morris, and catching up with a few of the key leaders already. I led musical worship for the first time yesterday. We’ve got a gathering happening tomorrow night with our volunteer worship team – musicians, tech people, etc. I’m excited for that, to be able to re-connect with a lot of people (I served part-time at the church almost 5 years ago for 8 months), and meet some I haven’t met before. I’m lookin forward to building on what’s already there – a solid foundation for our worship and music ministries.

We’re also working on plans for the Discipleship life of the congregation for this next season of ministry – both the immediate fall 2009-summer 2010 season and the longer-term season of the next few years. I’m excited for where God is going to be leading us!

One of the biggest reasons I’m excited is that I see my role here s very much a “next level” role. That is, I’m coming on board to help take us to next levels in our journey. My primary role is not to do a lot of tasks, but to build people. And when I think of the amazing gifts of the people, I can’t help but be excited.

My prayer for these next few weeks is for us to catch a renewed sense of God’s leading, and then to follow Him wherever He leads us. It’s going to be a great ride.