(entry written by Kristine)
There's one thing we don't know... and that's everything that is going to be involved in starting a church.
But there is one thing we do know... it will be different.
It will draw people who have never been or have no desire to go to church as we have always known it. Is there anything wrong with traditional church services? Absolutely not. But there is a generation out there desperately needing someone to meet them where they are, not where we are.
Let's face it - we live in a brand new generation of Youtube, reality shows, MySpace, Facebook, iPods, iTunes, internet dating, chat rooms, video games, text messaging, i-Phones and bluetooths! Or is it... blue teeth? lol. There are also people out there who have no idea what any of those terms are, but do know that they have a void that needs to be filled. God has called us to go and get them. Everyone will be welcome. Every age, at every stage of life. We do believe the demographic who will be drawn to the church are the 20, 30 & 40 somethings. The Lord impressed on Josh's heart "to go to the marketplace." So that's what we're going to do. We want to be relevant. To be fun. To be different. To "be love" in a culturally relatable way. Isn't that what Jesus did? It requires a brand new mind set. To think outside the box. To ask ourselves... "If we had never been to church in our lives, and had no desire to ever go, what would draw us?"...and to go from there.
The church will start small. We'll begin meeting at Starbucks - smack dab in the middle of marketplaces all over Naples. As we grow, we will require space and we plan to hold our Sunday morning services at Hollywood 20 Theater in Naples. A very cool venue - a familiar place that most every person in Naples has been. A strategic door into their hearts. We're planning for three theaters, one for adults, one for youth, and one for children. Infants and toddlers will also have a special place with teachers & learning relevant to their little hearts and minds.
Every church member will be plugged into a small group which will meet throughout the city at Starbucks, Calistoga, Panera, anyplace with couches or chairs & tables and a welcoming atmosphere. Again... right in the middle of the marketplace. Are you seeing the vision? Of course, small groups may also take place in homes. These meetings are going to be where the majority of our individual spiritual growth takes place. We will be coaching & training small group leaders to effectively foster an environment of biblical learning and growth, where the truth is not watered down and life issues are met head on. Accountability will be in effect, and needs will be met.
Different classes will also be offered. These will most likely take place in the homes of leaders throughout the city of Naples so that church-goers will be trained and equipped. But with that will be an unrelenting focus on evangelism. We refuse to be comfortable and complacent. We refuse to let the information come in and not go out. We have hands and feet, and we need to use them. At every church meeting and small group meeting we will encourage you to individually reach your world in your sphere of influence daily, and we will also organize church-wide community group efforts to impact our city. We are going to reach our area and the surrounding areas strategically - untraditionally.
Of course, this is just the beginning. We realize that the ideas God has given us will grow, and even change a bit, but the vision in the midst of all of it will remain. We are only about 6 weeks into this and we are already seeing God's hand at work as he sends us blessing after blessing. Our hearts are so full we can hardly contain it, and though we're still dealing with the emotions of leaving the only church we have known and loved we are so excited about the days ahead.
Friday, December 26, 2008
Monday, December 22, 2008
The Revelation of the Next Phase
(entry written by Kristine & Josh)
Hi Guys,
Welcome to the blog page of Josh & Kristine! Since you are here, then you've probably already heard about some new & exciting things taking place in our lives. We thought it would be cool to blog about the amazing journey God is about to take us on. I don't think we even know the least of it at this point. But we are ready to do this! Come visit us here from time to time & leave a comment or even just a 'what's up!' So here goes...
Below is our first entry of many. It was actually en email that Kristine sent out - and explains the 'behind the scenes' of what has been transpiring. We love you, and pray you will be blessed by the pathway God is leading us upon. It's a new place, and there is an excitement growing on the inside of us like you would not believe! So let's get started.
_____________________________________
About 6 weeks ago God started stirring in Josh's heart in a big way. An undeniable way. We went to Olive Garden for dinner, and for over an hour he poured out what seemed to be an ocean to me. He told me God was doing something - and that God was imparting unto him a huge multitude of thoughts & ideas that he struggled even finding words for. He knew God was saying something and he was doing his best to tell me. I listened to everything, and afterward he said "We just need to pray." As soon as he said that he started to cry... the kind of crying you don't want anyone to see - especially in the middle of a restaurant. He sat there with his face in one hand, as I held the other, beads of sweat on his forehead. I had never seen Josh like this before... there was a heavy heavy burden on his heart. With tears in my own eyes - and not even wanting to consider the remote possibility of ever leaving New Hope - I wondered what God was moving us into.
To make a long story short, over the next month we opened our heart, prayed and had many confirmations. We met with Pastor Grant December 2nd, and on Sunday, December 14th we tearfully announced to the congregation that after 18 years we will be leaving New Hope Ministries and starting our own church. Our last day will be Wednesday, December 31.
18 years ago Josh & I met in the New Hope youth group ... we were 14. New Hope is all we have ever known. So, to say the least, it has been a very emotional 6 weeks of praying, thinking, and deciding. We never EVER thought we'd leave our church. Our home. But God had different plans for us all along, and has been gently teaching, training, and shaping us for such a time as this. He knew it all along, and now it's clear to us as well. It's like the veil was lifted as he showed us what Josh's 10 years on staff were all pointed unto.
We love Pastor Grant and Susan and the staff of New Hope with all our heart. God has given Pastor Grant an incredible vision. God has also planted a unique vision within Josh and I, which is what he has been revealing to us in a powerful way. The vision is for a new generation and a brand new culture... for the lost, and the unchurched.
Although we have shed many tears, we are also extremely excited about what God is going to do. We'll be planting the church in Naples and seeking out an exciting & new venue.
It's crazy... just when you think you've got it all figured out, God throws a curve ball. You just never know what He has planned for your life. It is such an awesome & exciting adventure. A couple weeks ago Pastor Grant preached about Jonah refusing to hear God. Josh and I don't want to be like Jonah. We've heard God, and we're going to run in the direction he's called us to with all of our heart.
We love all of you and we will be continuing to keep you in our prayers, and ask that you please do the same for us. God is going to do something awesome, we just know it. Every church has an awesome plan. We will always consider New Hope our "home" and look forward to visiting everyone as often as we can. Please, please e-mail & call us often, you are our family. This journey we're stepping into is going to be long and challenging, and we will need the encouragement and support of good friends. We love you so much and treasure each of you so dearly. We wouldn't be where we are today if it weren't for each and every one of you. Thank you for understanding, and for cheerfully urging us forward. May God bless you above and beyond what you could ever ask, think, or imagine!
Committed to the cause and united together with you in this race,
Kristine & Josh
Hi Guys,
Welcome to the blog page of Josh & Kristine! Since you are here, then you've probably already heard about some new & exciting things taking place in our lives. We thought it would be cool to blog about the amazing journey God is about to take us on. I don't think we even know the least of it at this point. But we are ready to do this! Come visit us here from time to time & leave a comment or even just a 'what's up!' So here goes...
Below is our first entry of many. It was actually en email that Kristine sent out - and explains the 'behind the scenes' of what has been transpiring. We love you, and pray you will be blessed by the pathway God is leading us upon. It's a new place, and there is an excitement growing on the inside of us like you would not believe! So let's get started.
_____________________________________
About 6 weeks ago God started stirring in Josh's heart in a big way. An undeniable way. We went to Olive Garden for dinner, and for over an hour he poured out what seemed to be an ocean to me. He told me God was doing something - and that God was imparting unto him a huge multitude of thoughts & ideas that he struggled even finding words for. He knew God was saying something and he was doing his best to tell me. I listened to everything, and afterward he said "We just need to pray." As soon as he said that he started to cry... the kind of crying you don't want anyone to see - especially in the middle of a restaurant. He sat there with his face in one hand, as I held the other, beads of sweat on his forehead. I had never seen Josh like this before... there was a heavy heavy burden on his heart. With tears in my own eyes - and not even wanting to consider the remote possibility of ever leaving New Hope - I wondered what God was moving us into.
To make a long story short, over the next month we opened our heart, prayed and had many confirmations. We met with Pastor Grant December 2nd, and on Sunday, December 14th we tearfully announced to the congregation that after 18 years we will be leaving New Hope Ministries and starting our own church. Our last day will be Wednesday, December 31.
18 years ago Josh & I met in the New Hope youth group ... we were 14. New Hope is all we have ever known. So, to say the least, it has been a very emotional 6 weeks of praying, thinking, and deciding. We never EVER thought we'd leave our church. Our home. But God had different plans for us all along, and has been gently teaching, training, and shaping us for such a time as this. He knew it all along, and now it's clear to us as well. It's like the veil was lifted as he showed us what Josh's 10 years on staff were all pointed unto.
We love Pastor Grant and Susan and the staff of New Hope with all our heart. God has given Pastor Grant an incredible vision. God has also planted a unique vision within Josh and I, which is what he has been revealing to us in a powerful way. The vision is for a new generation and a brand new culture... for the lost, and the unchurched.
Although we have shed many tears, we are also extremely excited about what God is going to do. We'll be planting the church in Naples and seeking out an exciting & new venue.
It's crazy... just when you think you've got it all figured out, God throws a curve ball. You just never know what He has planned for your life. It is such an awesome & exciting adventure. A couple weeks ago Pastor Grant preached about Jonah refusing to hear God. Josh and I don't want to be like Jonah. We've heard God, and we're going to run in the direction he's called us to with all of our heart.
We love all of you and we will be continuing to keep you in our prayers, and ask that you please do the same for us. God is going to do something awesome, we just know it. Every church has an awesome plan. We will always consider New Hope our "home" and look forward to visiting everyone as often as we can. Please, please e-mail & call us often, you are our family. This journey we're stepping into is going to be long and challenging, and we will need the encouragement and support of good friends. We love you so much and treasure each of you so dearly. We wouldn't be where we are today if it weren't for each and every one of you. Thank you for understanding, and for cheerfully urging us forward. May God bless you above and beyond what you could ever ask, think, or imagine!
Committed to the cause and united together with you in this race,
Kristine & Josh
Sunday, December 14, 2008
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