The Morgans are Moving
I can remember the day as if it was yesterday. I sat across the table from Mark Beeson and Tim Stevens at a Bob Evans restaurant north of South Bend. It was the first conversation I had with Mark about the possibility of joining the staff team at Granger Community Church. It was both exciting and scary at the same time. I had dedicated the previous ten years of my life to moving up in my career as a city manager. Two degrees and four cities later, I was talking about going into full-time ministry over a plate of biscuits and gravy. That was in the summer of 1998. A lot has changed in my life since then.
Last week, I had a similar conversation with a good friend. Again, it was a conversation filled with both excitement and fear. The conversation this time took place over a plate of grouper instead of biscuits and gravy. (It was pretty good grouper.) And, instead of changing careers, the conversation this time was about changing locations and churches. It was a good thing the grouper was good.
Before I tell you more about my meal, let me share a little bit of what I’ve experienced at Granger in just over eight years of ministry:
- I’ve witnessed a move of God unlike anything I’ve ever personally witnessed in my life. Before I attended Granger, I had no idea a church could so effectively minister to people who were not only far from the church but also far from God.
- I’ve personally watched thousands of people accept Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior in various ministry environments.
- I’ve watched thousands of people publicly profess their faith through baptism.
- I’ve personally had the privilege of baptizing hundreds of new Christ-followers.
- I’ve seen a church grow from about 1,400 people in attendance to 5,700.
- I experienced a revolution in how the Gospel is shared in today’s culture. No one does weekends like Granger does weekends.
- I’ve seen Granger’s outreach efforts expand beyond the walls of the church from inner-city South Bend to villages of India.
- I had the opportunity to launch WiredChurches.com, Granger’s ministry to other churches and church leaders.
- I got to sit in the auditorium and experience the first five Innovative Church Conferences. I loved them all!
- I have watched Granger’s influence grow as it continues to resource and equip over 10,000 church leaders throughout the world.
- I had the privilege of partnering with my teammate, Tim Stevens, to write three books on the strategies behind the ministry at Granger.
- I’ve been in a front row seat to witness and discuss the impact of innovation in the local church.
- I’ve sat under what could possibly be one of the best teaching teams in the country. Mark B., Rob, Bob and Mark W. have stretched my vision of the church and my walk with Christ.
- I’ve made friendships in ministry that will last a lifetime. (More about this in a future post.)
Like I said, it was a very good plate of grouper. And, it was presented at just the right time. Though it’s been an incredible run of ministry at Granger, God has been preparing Emily and me for some time to embrace a new adventure. And, the big announcement is that I’m going to be leaving Granger to take a new ministry role. This is a big leap for me. It’s a big leap for my family. We don’t know what the future holds, and we’re giving up lots of security to take this step. It’s going to be a good step, though, and that gets me excited.
Over the next few weeks, I’ll be wrapping up my functions at Granger and preparing my current team for a transition in leadership. And, then, sometime in mid-February, I’ll be starting my next assignment. Let me tell you a little bit about where I’m going:
- The church held its first service seven years ago.
- It shares a similar vision to Granger in that it’s trying to bring the love and hope of Jesus Christ to people who have given up on church.
- It’s led by a dynamic, young leader. I’m going to be one of the old guys on the team.
- The team, similar to Granger, is ultra-talented. I would not consider an opportunity like this if I didn’t think the team was going to stretch me–and this group will.
- The church moved into their very first building last year, and they’re preparing to build again to make room for the growing crowds.
- This past weekend, 7,250 people showed up for the weekend services. Again, the church is only seven years old. Attendance in the last 12 months has grown by almost 60%.
- The church has grown that fast, but, get this, it’s not located in metroland America. It’s in a rural area. The church is located in a town of only 25,000 people. There are only 175,000 in the entire county. They’re reaching about 1 out of every 22 people that live in their county.
- There are palm trees where I’m going.
With that, I’m excited to announce that I’m going to be joining the staff team of NewSpring Church in Anderson, South Carolina. Perry Noble, one of my favorite bloggers, will be my new boss. I’ll be serving Perry on NewSpring’s senior management team with four other guys. Perry and I haven’t completely defined the role, but it looks like I’ll initially get to oversee communications, guest services and volunteer connections. I’ll also get the chance to help NewSpring launch their new ministry to provide resources and training to other church leaders. Perry hasn’t given me a title. I don’t really want one. I figure I’ll have more freedom to serve and lead wherever I’m needed without one.
Here’s what’s not going to change:
- I’m not going to stop blogging. In fact, things could get pretty interesting around here. You’ll get to sit in the passenger’s seat as I navigate this transition and launch into my new ministry role.
- I’m not going to stop writing. I may even convince Tim to write another book with me. Simply Strategic Blogging has a nice ring to it.
- I’m not going to stop talking about the incredible stuff that God is doing at Granger Community Church.
- I’m not going to stop raising the value of innovation in the church. The Gospel message will never change. The methods we use must continue to change to reach today’s culture.
That’s the big news. I’m excited. I’m scared. And, I’m praying that a Starbucks opens up in Anderson, South Carolina.
(Here’s what Mark Beeson had to say about my decision.)
Congratulations Tony! Although we will truly miss you here in Granger, I am excited to see what God has instore for you in the months and years ahead. I guess you really ARE wrestling that lion in a snowy pit huh?
Wow! Congratulations doesn’t seem to cover it. Good luck certainly doesn’t contain it.
Well done.
I think that’s pretty good. God tells us that if we do the work, He will finish the task. This certainly isn’t the last chapter in the story God wrote for you, but praise Him that He is marking your path and ordering your steps.
I look forward to hearing more about the transition, excited about reading about the changes…I imagine there’s also another announcement coming on who will get the honor to fill your seat.
Lot’s of changes going on in the Church…I think that’s a good thing. May He -never- stop growing and stretching you or us.
Congratulations Tony (and Emily)! Even though we’ve only met a couple of times, I know that God has great things in store for you all (or y’all as you might here more often in SC). What a great post and a great response from Mark. What a great way to leave… being redeployed!
Peace you guys!
Congrats and Prayers to and for you and your family Tony. It is awesome to be where God wants you to be and while transitions are always a little painful (change always is) it is awesome to see people follow the call God has on them. I look forward to hearing great things!
What a great opportunity for you! As I have learned so much from you, I look forward to learning from you through this transition. Our entire staff will be praying for you, GCC, and New Spring.
Tony,
Wow. What a huge…well, it’s just huge! Congratulations on the new challenge and position ahead of you. I know it must be with great emotion that you reflect back on all you’ve seen at Granger, all you’ve done to partner with God and with great men and woman to see God’s kingdom break to into the lives of so many in Indiana and around the world.
I know it’s also with great excitement that you look to the great opportunity God’s put before you in South Carolina. I pray that God’s blessing falls both on your new situation because of your faithfulness to venture out, and that His blessing also falls on Granger and your senior pastor, who did not hold you in a closed fist but held you in an open hand and looked to God for direction.
I hope that you not only keep blogging, but consider the possibility of documenting this experience in the potential of writing a book of how to help staff members transition in and out of their situations so that friends, fellow staff members, and those who serve as volunteers under them are blessed and handed off with care and love. It would be phenomenal to hear how two of the best churches handle it.
Again, my congrats. See you in the blogoshpere…
Sweet news man. You will for sure be missed but you will for sure be used. Thanks for including us all in the journey. Hopefully we can chill by the palms trees some day soon.
Congratulations, Tony! What a fantastic opportunity. I can only imagine the plans God has for NewSpring through the alliance of you and Perry. Staggering to even think about :)
Obviously, there are some big shoes to be filled at GCC. But God clearly has His hand on the church & will provide…just as He has for the past 20 years.
Congratulations to you & the team at NewSpring!
Congrats to Tony and to New Spring. I am a volunteer and Church Member at New Spring in Anderson, SC. I started attending New Spring two years ago and I have witnessed the Church grow and Perry grow, reaching people like never before. I read Perry’s blog and your blog (of course)and I am looking forward to your move to SC and to New Spring. We are all fortunate to have two awesome men working on the side of God. Good Luck in your new role!!
Me and my lead pastor had lunch with Perry a few months ago and it is obvious that what God is doing at New Spring is so much bigger than even Anderson. I look forward to seeing how God is going to use you and your experience in the mix. I also think Mark’s response was so classy and Christ centered (I love these blogs, they have decentralize mentoring and are hugely benifical).
Anyway, thanks for all you do for all of the leaders out there and for how you serve the KING!
Tony Morgan! Wow – this sounds like a very exciting opportunity for you and your family. We will keep watching your blog and cheering for your new role to be a huge win for you and for Newspring.
Andy
SWEET! Tony is great to have you as a part of the team. We look forward to having you join us in this AWESOME adventure. I look forward to learning from some of your experience and insight. God Bless! See you in Anderson soon.
So who will we get the Grainger Box Score from? Tim? :) Seriously, I’, sure everyone at Granger is sad to see you go but congrats on choosing to be a risk taker and move where you are feeling led. I for one am glad you’d be closer to Florida (where I am) and I hope to visit some day.
That’s fantastic, Tony. I know you’ll serve NewSpring well and I know that it’s going to be tough to disconnect from Granger. Praying for you during this time and I trust that you will be blessed in your new adventure.
Congratulations Tony! I know God will do great things with you at NewSpring!
Josh
Congratulations Tony. It has been so much fun learning from you at Granger. I will miss you and your leadership at Granger, but I am now even more thankful for your blog. I look forward to hearing how God blesses and uses you in the future.
Day For Announcements
Brads better at keeping up than I am and hes been pummeling me with big news all morning.
The first announcement is that Terry Storch is leaving Fellowship Church and joining the team at LifeChurch. From Tony Morgans blog:
For tho…
Best wishes Tony and Emily! We will miss all of you!
Wow, bro, that’s huge. Congratulations. I’ve been blogging about NewSpring for a while. God is definitely at work there. Also, as a guy that grew up in the upstate of SC, I’m happy for where you’ll be calling home. God be with you.
Congratulations. Praying for you and Emily. I know that God is right in the middle of this…so HOLD ON FOR DEAR LIFE. That is what I am doing.
My condolences to GCC on their loss.
Congratulations, Tony! :)
Congratulations! I pray God makes the tranistion very smooth for you and your family. I love reading your stuff. Keep up the great work.
Carpe Feline,
Eric Marsh
BIG news, Tony. I know it is tough leaving behind your 2nd Family of the last 9 years. But following God doesn’t always involve the easiest decisions. Looking forward to reading about what God is doing through the ministry of NCC.
Oh, and welcome to SEC Football (don’t pay attention to that ACC stuff)
Tony, I’m Bernie Wilson, on the security team at Newspiring. I’m excited that Perry is having you join the staff. I have read some of the information about you. You will be a great addition the the already extreamly talented staff.
Let me be one of the first to welcome you.
Hey Tony. I’d like to say welcome to Newspring. I am a member, and volunteer and am very much so looking forward to your arrival to the Newspring Staff. I’m excited to see how God uses you to further set the world on fire, through his word. Welcome!
Hey Tony, Welcome to Newspring. I’m a member and volunteer with the kids! I’m a huge fan of your blog and was very excited when I read that you where coming to Newspring! Hope to the transition is very smooth. Looking forward to seeing you around! God Bless
Matt
Welcome to New Spring!!!! And welcome to the South, your going to love both of them. Were really praying for a smooth transition. And can’t wait for you to get here.
Hey Tony I too am a member and volunteer with the 2 yr olds at Newspring, and have been reading your blog since one of the first times Perry linked it. Welcome. You and your family will love SC. How old are your kiddos? Cant wait to meet you and see what other great things God has in store for us here.
Jennifer
Thanks, everyone, for your kind words. Emily and I are excited about the adventure in front of us.
Jennifer, we have four kids. Kayla (12), Jacob (9), Abby (6) and Brooke (21 months).
tony
Tony, Emily, Kayla, Jacob, Abby, and Brooke,
Newspring Community Church will welcome “y’all” with joy and delight!
My prayers and traveling mercies are with the Morgan Family in coming weeks!
Gay Carpenter, NCC member
Welcome to the team! We are JACKED UP about the move!!! :-)
You can leave your snow shovel in Indiana.
Cheers,
Sydney
Hey Tony! I’m another NewSpringer (member and volunteer) and avid reader of your blog. I’m WAY excited about the transition and I know you’ll be a great addition!
I’ve been in SC all my life (scary!) and please know that every southern stereotype is absolutely TRUE on some level! We do eat grits for breakfast and fry EVERYTHING; we do say “y’all” and “yonder”; the Clemson/Carolina game IS the biggest event of the year (GO TIGERS!!); and you WILL see trucks (usually with a gun rack in the back – no joke) and wonder how someone gets in without a ladder! =)
I’m very excited for you and even more so for NewSpring! Welcome!!
You DO know what kind of music they listen to “down there”… don’t you??!?
Becky,
Here is a little taste of what we listen to
http://www.newspring.cc/210250.ihtml?mID=1172&type=1
(Once the page opens, be sure you click the link on the left hand side…it is a bunch of numbers)
Hello Tony…what is happening at Newspring is AWESOME…you have to see it to believe it!! I have been listening to Perry since he was a youth pastor at another small church here in town, that was at leat 7 years ago…and he is more on fire right now than ever…it sounds like with your backing, it could be a wonderful combo!! congrats, good luck, and WELCOME TO THE SOUTH!!
Jared – that is really awesome stuff!! Not what I was referring to, though. Tony has a serious aversion to (gulp) COUNTRY music, so now that he’s moving to the SOUTH, we’re going to have to get him all set up with a GIANT belt buckle and some skin tight wrangler jeans!!
I am, of course, just giving Tony (and you lovely Southerners) a hard time. If Tony has to leave, we can at least all be satisfied in the knowledge that he’s headed to NewSpring – you have our highest admiration and respect. AND, the place can only get better with Tony on the team.
Now, who can I talk to about an “arrangement” to have ONLY country music piped in to Tony’s new office???
Welcome to New Spring Church, Mr. Morgan! :-)
I’m sure we all look forward to seeing how God is going to use you here at the church. I’ve been enjoying services there for the last few months and I’m really glad for Pastor Perry, who is very Biblically grounded and unafraid to preach the Gospel and let the chips fall where they will.
So if you come recommended by him, that’s got to be a good thing.
And by the way, as a something-of-a-transient to the South myself, I can assure you that not everyone here drives a truck (or even likes them) and listens to country music. ( I DESPISE IT! I can take Southern Gospel music because it’s praising the Lord and it’s much more important to me and to God the heart of praise behind the song and not the style of music used- but personally, it’s definitely not my favorite style.)
As Joan Jett and the Blackhearts once said, I LOVE ROCK AND ROLL! Put another dime in the jukebox, baby!
(Especially if Relient K, Petra, Stryper and Switchfoot are in there)
But the grocery rushes during winter, no matter what the chance of snow is, is completely true! LOL :-)
At least you can enjoy the warm weather here. Welcome and I look forward to what God has in store for us at New Spring through you.